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English prioritised over local languages in Swiss train announcements
Switzerland has three official languages, but when it comes to public announcements on its trains, English has taken precedence over some of them.
Why was the Swiss hard-right’s anti-immigration bid rejected by voters?
For many months prior to the June 14th national referendum, the initiative to cap Switzerland’s population growth by limiting the number of immigrants from the EU had been a highly controversial and divisive issue. Now a new analysis reveals why it was defeated at the ballot box.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Switzerland bracing for yet another heatwave; new figures reveal where in Switzerland most EU nationals settle; and more news in our Monday roundup.
The 10 unmissable events in Switzerland in August 2026
From patriotic celebrations to music concerts and other open-air events - this is what's happening in Switzerland in August 2026.
12,260 francs less: How the Swiss population's longevity affects pensions
Swiss residents are living longer than ever before, impacting the amount of pension money they will receive in old age.
Six big news stories from Switzerland you need to catch up on this week
Russia urges Swiss voters to approve a bid for stronger neutrality, and why Swiss retirees are receiving lower pensions — these are among the stories that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on on everything in this weekly roundup.
Why do the Swiss prefer to buy foreign cheese?
It is a paradox in a country which is almost synonymous with the word ‘cheese’ that an increasing number of consumers opt for imported, rather than domestic, product.
Why is Switzerland so obsessed about keeping Sundays sacred?
Sunday is a traditional day of rest in Switzerland and much of the country pretty much shuts down and there are also tight rules for what people can do.
The mystery kangaroo hopping around a Swiss canton – where did it come from?
Aargau – or Switzerland in general, for that matter – has hardly been a natural stomping ground for kangaroos. Until now, that is.
How heatwaves threaten Switzerland’s hiking trails
This summer’s record-breaking temperatures have had a significant impact on many aspects of Swiss life – including its famous hiking trails .
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Price of stamps set to increase; mystery kangaroo shows up at summer camp in Aargau; and more Swiss news in our Friday roundup.
'Worth every penny': Your views on living in expensive Zurich
Zurich consistently gets high scores for its quality of living but also ranks among the most expensive cities in the world. Does one compensate for the other? Here's what readers of The Local told us.
Tina Turner to Roger Moore: The stars who moved to Switzerland
Many celebrities used to live in Swiss towns and villages, and some still do. One thing characterised them all — despite being rich and famous, they tried to stay mostly under the radar, blending in with the local population.
EXPLAINED: How to drink wine like a Swiss
When foreigners think of ‘typically’ Swiss foods, cheese and chocolate naturally come to mind. Not many people know, however, that Switzerland is also a wine producing (and drinking) nation.
Why is Russia in favour of maintaining Swiss neutrality?
Swiss voters will go to the polls on September 27th to decide whether the hard-right’s bid to strengthen their country’s neutrality should be approved. Now Russia has an opinion too.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
Russia wants Switzerland to maintain its neutrality; Gotthard Tunnel to close to traffic for several nights in August; plus other news in our roundup this Thursday.
The jokes that prove the Swiss do have a sense of humour
The Swiss may not have a reputation for being funny but they actually have a great sense of humour. The Local compiled some jokes and funny quotes about Switzerland for our readers’ enjoyment.
Who determines what kind of Swiss work permit you receive?
Switzerland has several different types of work permits. Which one you are eligible to obtain depends on various factors.
What happens to your Swiss citizenship if you get divorced?
Each year, thousands of foreigners become naturalised through marriage to a Swiss. But what happens to your citizenship if the couple gets divorced? The answer is: it depends.
Reader question: Can you haggle in Switzerland?
In many countries, the practice of haggling – that is, negotiating a price – is common. What are the rules in Switzerland?
A matter of 'justice': Zurich landlord seeks foreigners for apartment
Despite Zurich’s housing shortage and fierce competition for available flats, one landlord is bucking the general trend of giving preferential treatment to Swiss citizens.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Zurich landlord prefers renting to foreign nationals; instigators of Switzerland's ‘Neutrality Initiative’ launch campaign; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.
WEATHER: Will the Swiss heatwave finally end in August?
July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in Switzerland. Will temperatures drop in August?