In this episode we’re hitting the slopes and smashing through melty fondue in the land of watches and chocolate…

Hikes in the Alps and horseback rides along glacial lakes - Switzerland doesn’t have a bad angle.

You can’t get your Heidi on IRL, but you can binge on our pick of a film, book, podcast, TV show, and song inspired by Switzerland…

Youth

“You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!”

Michael Caine doesn’t play a gangster or mafioso man in Youth. He’s a retired composer called Fred Ballinger and he’s on his hols with best mate Mick (Harvey Keitel) at a luxe Swiss spa.

So far, so wholesome.

Fred is there to get in shape and Mick wants to finish his screenplay. Expect lots of shots of the crinkly besties wandering round alpine pastures and chatting about the inevitability of death. Funnier than it sounds.

It’s filmed in two historic Art Nouveau hotels in mountainous eastern Switzerland - Waldhaus Flims Resort & Spa and Berghotel Schatzalp. Worth watching just for the scenes of the Davos valleys and dreamy Schatzalp meadows. Actual travel porn.

I'm Not Stiller

Darkly funny and kinda scary. Max Frisch’s book is a duvet day read.

The narrator makes his way to Switzerland on an American passport with the name James Larkin White. But when he touches down he’s arrested and accused of being a missing Swiss sculptor called Anatol Stiller.

He denies it, even when his wife and mates visit him in prison and confirm he’s Stiller. (Note to self: must get better wife and mates.)

To prove he’s actually White, he confesses to three unsolved murders… which doesn’t seem like the best way to get out of prison. He also tells people in loadsa detail about his mad life in America.

White? Stiller? Read and find out.

Radio Hour

In this episode of The New Yorker's Radio Hour, Switzerland’s most famous export opens up...

No, not fondue, we’re talking about Roger Federer.

This episode was recorded on the eve of his 19th U.S. Open. The tennis hero talks controlling his fiery temper and juggling fatherhood with the sport.

Nr. 47

A 20 year old in her first flat with crazy neighbours.

What could go wrong?

Nr. 47 is a coming of age story about Eveline and her group of friends. She moves into her first place but her life takes a turn when she meets the neighbours. We can relate.

The series shows a slightly grittier side of Switzerland far away from the mountain postcards.

Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple

Claude Nobs was born in Montreux and went on to create the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. The guy was a beast on the harmonica, knew Aretha Franklin, and he saved people during a fire at a Frank Zappa concert.

The British rock band Deep Purple were there when the fire broke out and wrote their song, Smoke on the Water, about the experience. “Funky Claude was running in and out pulling kids out the ground.”

It’s the ultimate tribute to the Swiss legend that was Claude Nobs.

This one’s a keeper - hit the Lucky button then save this trip for a happier time 💚