In the spotlight
Switzerland during the Second World War: As Neutral as It Was Involved
Switzerland remained militarily neutral throughout the Second World War. Economically, however, the situation was far more complex. From 1943 onward, events along its southern border in particular revealed how difficult it was to maintain this balance. Introduction When the Second World War broke out on 1 September 1939, Switzerland ordered a general mobilisation. It called … Read more » “Switzerland during the Second World War: As Neutral as It Was Involved”
In the spotlight
Suddenly, Italy is very close by – Southern Switzerland during the Second World War
From 1943 onwards, the Second World War came right up to Switzerland’s southern border. In the neighbouring Ossola region, Italian partisans fought against German occupying forces and fascists from the Republic of Salò. For the cantons of Ticino and Valais, Swiss neutrality became a daily balancing act (continuation from part one). The Ossola region and … Read more » “Suddenly, Italy is very close by – Southern Switzerland during the Second World War”
Events
The Autumn Market of Basel 1471-2026
Basel’s autumn market (Heerbschtmäss) has been taking place since 1471. In 1721 and 1722 (pest), 1831 (cholera), 1918 (Spanish flu), and 2020 (Covid-19), the market was cancelled. The first market took place on October 27th, 1471. The Geschäftsherrensocken (business stockings), Sonntagssocken (Sunday’s stockings), der Blaustrumpf (bluestocking), die Inésbadersocken (Inésbader stockings), shawls and other Strickereien at … Read more » “The Autumn Market of Basel 1471-2026”
Commemorations
Switzerland, Churchill, Bowring, Toblerones and the European Union
British aristocrats were the first mountaineers in Switzerland and introduced winter sports (through a bet with the founder of the Kulm Hotel in St Moritz). Such was the enthusiasm that the world’s first Alpine Club was founded in London in 1857, followed in 1863 by the Schweizer Alpen Club (SAC)/Club alpine suisse (CAS). Churchill and … Read more » “Switzerland, Churchill, Bowring, Toblerones and the European Union”
Monuments
The Icon Museum in Lenzburg, Coptic Icons and Actuality
The Icon Museum in Lenzburg has a magnificent collection of icons. This collection includes depictions of Christ, scenes from his life and Passion, various representations of the Mother of God, icons of saints, and a wide range of themes. Four galleries explain and make the meaning and content of this art form accessible. Traditional painting … Read more » “The Icon Museum in Lenzburg, Coptic Icons and Actuality”
Latest news
The founding of Canton of Basel-Landschaft in 1833 and SAC in 1863
21 October 2026
Bad Bubendorf (Canton of Basel-Landschaft) is the place where, on 18 October 1830, the movement took shape that led to the secession of the Canton of Basel in 1833. In Bad Bubendorf, a hamlet and spa town near Bubendorf, the first meetings took place in 1830, leading to independence from Basel-Landschaft in 1833. However, the … Read more » “The founding of Canton of Basel-Landschaft in 1833 and SAC in 1863”
Agenda
Constellations in Fondation Beyeler’s Expanded Complex
9 November 2026
«Constellations» is the inaugural exhibition of the Fondation Beyeler’s newly expanded ensemble: for the first time, an exhibition unfolds across the new museum building designed by Peter Zumthor (Wyss Museum) alongside the museum building by Renzo Piano (Beyeler Museum), as well as the expanded park and the repurposed historical buildings. Bringing together around 230 works, … Read more » “Constellations in Fondation Beyeler’s Expanded Complex”
Constitution, Democracy, cantons
What Permafrost and Bilaterals III Have in Common
2 October 2026
Melting Permafrost is causing the Swiss mountains to collapse. The planned new agreement with the European Union undermines not only direct democracy, trust in institutions, and the sovereignty of the cantons, but also the connecting elements of Switzerland’s successful decentralised, federal model based on subsidiarity. It could hardly be more symbolic. Perhaps nature has a … Read more » “What Permafrost and Bilaterals III Have in Common”
Local history
The Ferries of Basel
19 October 2026
The four small wooden ferries between the Rhine bridges of Basel have a history of more than 150 years. Until 1879, the Mittlere Brücke (until 1905 a thirteenth-century construction) was the only bridge. That was why they maintained the connection between Kleinbasel and Grossbasel with wooden ships about 9 meters long. These ferries (Fähre) were … Read more » “The Ferries of Basel”
Nature and Tourism
The Wiese Spring near Feldberg and the Wiese Landscape Park
5 November 2026
It is perhaps hard to imagine, but even Canton Basel-Stadt has an agricultural and forestry area. The canton consists of three municipalities: the city of Basel and the municipalities of Bettingen and Riehen. Most of the canton is an urban and industrial area on the left bank of the Rhine, apart from the city parks, … Read more » “The Wiese Spring near Feldberg and the Wiese Landscape Park”