Newsletter
December 2009
In the winter months, two types of people emerge. On the one hand, there are the “marmots”: this group loves nothing better than staying indoors, impatiently waiting for the warmer days of spring. On the other, there are the “snow grouse”: they love nothing better than exploring the great snowy outdoors no matter how chilly it gets.
We hope that our winter newsletter will appeal to both groups! The marmots can discover Switzerland’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage from the comfort of their cosy living room, while the snow grouse can join the ibex and other mountain animals on a walk through the snowy Alpine landscape or enjoy a little taster of the fast-approaching 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The entire swissworld.org team would like to thank you for your continued interest and hopes that you will come back and visit us again in 2010. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a fabulous New Year!
Swiss Special
On 26 October 2009 in Paris, Switzerland was elected to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. During the next four years it will use its experience as well as its technical and practical know-how to lobby for the protection of mankind’s cultural and natural heritage. Another part of its work will entail deciding on the inclusion of new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List to join the existing 890 natural and cultural heritage sites.
To mark the occasion we have compiled a new Swiss Special devoted to 10 of Switzerland’s World Heritage Sites. From a narrow-gauge railway that defies the laws of gravity right up to terraced vineyards perched high above Lake Geneva, discover these Swiss man-made and natural wonders of exceptional universal value to all of humanity.
Switzerland update
What image do you have of Switzerland today? Does it match with the reality? You can easily find out thanks to our new video series “Switzerland update”. Each of the 21-minute long films deal with a different aspect of modern-day Switzerland, whether it be landscapes, seasons, social contrasts and national values. A trip round Switzerland is only a mouse click away!
Customs and traditions
Across Switzerland the festival of Epiphany, which traditionally takes place two weeks after Christmas, is celebrated in many different ways. The famous King Cake (galette des Rois), made from a sweet yeast dough and specked with raisins and almonds, is enjoyed throughout the country. Many regions, though, have their own special way of marking Three Kings Day. Lötschental in the canton of Valais, for example, is renowned for its star singing tradition, when young men elaborately dressed as kings parade through town on hobbyhorses singing carols.
To discover more winter customs, take a look at our DVD “Customs and Traditions in Switzerland”.
Mountain animals
Winter is a particularly gruelling time of year for mountain animals, when many have to fight simply to stay alive. They try to expend as little as energy as possible and keep their movements down to the bare minimum. If you would like to find out more about how Switzerland’s mountain animals cope with the harsh winter, then simply click on the link.
House of Switzerland Canada 2010
The winter edition of our newsletter wouldn’t be complete without a look at the fast-approaching 2010 Olympic Winter Games which will be jointly hosted by the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Whistler. Once again Switzerland’s official guest centre - the “House of Switzerland” - will be there, providing a meeting point for the Swiss Olympic Team and a venue for press conferences and medal celebrations. The “House of Switzerland” is also open to the public. So, if you happen to be in Western Canada in February 2010, why not drop in and take a look around?
Official website of the “House of Switzerland Canada 2010”