Culture

Altdorf in central Switzerland has been given the prestigious Wakker heritage prize 2007 for successfully combining the care of its old buildings with the flair of the new.

A myth of freedom marks the beginning of Switzerland's history. The precursors of modern Switzerland established a protective alliance to fend off possible attacks on their liberties by feudal lords.

The novel Heidi by Johanna Spyri is one of the best-selling and most successful children's stories ever published.

The story of Switzerland’s rock and pop history is being told for the first time in a new anthology consisting of 110 hits covering a period of 30 years. Co-produced by swissinfo/Swiss Radio International (SRI), the five-CD set covers the period from the early beginnings of Rock’n’roll until 1985.

Think of Swiss design and Le Corbusier's couch may spring to mind. But Switzerland is also the home of the Helvetica font, created 50 years ago.

Eliana Burki melodically represents Switzerland in both traditional and non-traditional fashion. Her Alphorn is of carbon, her alpine prayer pop and she distances herself from traditional costume. However, in the meanwhile the alphorn is regarded a primordial and integral part of Switzerland.

What kind of outfit should women wear on a football pitch? Eleven young Swiss designers have presented their witty ideas during the «11 Meter Mode» fashion contest. Their original designs combining football and fashion can be viewed online or live. For once cleated shoes and shorts will remain in the lockers; instead you can marvel at a broad range of fabrics, patterns and styles.