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Helena Bachmann
JournalistBased in Geneva, Helena is a highly experienced writer who has also contributed to outlets like TIME magazine, USA Today and United Press International. She has been a major contributor to The Local Switzerland since 2019.
See all our journalists at The Local switzerland.- Email: helena@thelocal.ch
Articles by this author
Drought: When can you next expect rain in your part of Switzerland?
To date, we have had a long hot and dry summer, resulting in a long stretch of intense drought. Is rain finally forecast to come to your Swiss region?
What impact will the drought have on price of water in Switzerland?
Switzerland is rich in water but due to continued drought and misuse of available resources, it could become more expensive.
Is it safe to swim in Switzerland's (very) warm lakes this summer?
Due to the persistent hot weather, the water in many of Switzerland’s lakes is not refreshing – in fact, it is on the upper range of what is considered ‘normal’ for a summer season. But is it safe to swim in?
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
Tap water could become more expensive in Switzerland; walkers warned about falling trees; and more Swiss news in our roundup on Tuesday.
What new numbers reveal about immigration in Switzerland in 2026
Switzerland's hard-right argues more and more immigrants are arriving in the country each year, contributing to an "unsustainable" population growth. But new government figures tell a different story.
Currency concerns: Swiss franc weakens against the euro
Switzerland’s famously strong currency, the franc, has been steadily depreciating over recent months, reaching its lowest level in a year.
How well is English taught in Switzerland's secondary schools?
English is the main foreign language (aside from national ones) being taught in Swiss secondary schools, but how many hours do students get each week? Tell us your own experiences below.
Swiss teachers demand schools be adapted to climate change
As pupils return to schools in many Swiss cantons, the union representing teachers has highlighted several issues that urgently need addressing - including the need for cooler classrooms.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Swiss teachers call for schools to be adapted to climate change; cities' association pushes for a national heat action plan; and more news in our Monday roundup.
Drought: Why is the Rhine river so important for the Swiss economy?
In landlocked Switzerland, the Rhine plays a strategic role in foreign trade and is a major driver of the country’s prosperity. But drought conditions this summer threaten shipping on the river. What then?
How is climate change impacting Swiss Alpine cheese?
Increasingly warmer weather is affecting many aspects of life, including one of Switzerland’s iconic products - mountain cheese.
Weekend weather: Could Switzerland's drought conditions finally end?
Rainfall forecast in the coming days could relieve the prolonged drought that has had serious consequences on Switzerland's agriculture, water levels, and nature.
‘We made a mistake’: Five blunders that prove Switzerland isn't perfect
The Swiss are well organised and detail-oriented, so it is hard to believe they sometimes make mistakes. From geography mishaps to military gaffes, here are five blunders that have left Switzerland red-faced over the years.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Zurich swimmers find live hand grenade on riverbed; Geneva’s crime rate is on the rise; plus other Swiss news in our roundup this Friday.
'A serious threat': Why are Swiss patients denied access to innovative medicines?
Living in one of the world’s wealthiest nations with a high-quality healthcare system should guarantee access to newest medications. But in Switzerland, this is not necessarily the case.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
Summer 2026 heatwaves break records; Federal Council to tighten rules on speed limits in urban areas; and more news in our Thursday roundup.
Solar eclipse in Switzerland: will the Swiss be able to view it?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere (or, if you are really lucky, in an ice igloo), then you know that a rare solar eclipse will happen tonight. But will everyone be able to enjoy it - safely?
Where can you watch the solar eclipse in Switzerland tonight?
A rare astronomical phenomenon, not seen in Switzerland for 27 years, will happen tonight: The Moon will obscure a large part of the Sun.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Historic solar eclipse happening tonight; lower temperatures forecast in Switzerland for next week; and more news in our Wednesday roundup.
A giant vault for the super-wealthy is being carved into the Swiss Alps
If you think your money and other valuables are not safe enough in a traditional Swiss bank, you can safeguard them in an Alpine vault – but only if you're ultra-rich.
Wrong seat, messy food: Little-known Swiss train rules you need to know
Switzerland abounds with rules and regulations — including a slew of ‘unwritten’ ones. Some of them also apply to train travel.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
Two abused siblings rescued by police in Zurich; due to drought, the Rhine river in Switzerland could split in two this week; and more news in our roundup on Tuesday.
How heatwaves impact the value of your Swiss property
Extremely hot, record-breaking weather has been having a significant effect on daily life in Switzerland – including the real estate market.