Where ancient stories come alive
In Switzerland, the past is always near. Beyond its well-known landmarks lie quiet corners filled with ancient tales, cultural treasures, and living traditions. Explore these gems to learn how Switzerland’s identity has been shaped over the millennia.
Begin your journey deep in prehistory at the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. These lakeside settlements, one of Switzerland’s 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, date to around 5000 BC. Built on wooden stilts along Switzerland’s serene waterways, they reveal how early communities lived alongside nature. Visitor centers around lakes Zurich, Biel, and Lucerne offer immersive insights into this ancient alpine world.
Fast-forward to Roman times and the impressive Vindonissa legionary camp in today’s Aargau. Nearly 2,000 years old, it is the only preserved Roman military base in Switzerland. Tunnels, barracks, and multimedia experiences bring to life the daily routines, discipline, and engineering prowess of Roman soldiers stationed on this northern frontier.
After visiting the camp, relax as the Romans did, in the historic Thermal Baths of Baden, and continue their thermal tradition. Over the centuries, emperors, diplomats, and poets have all sought the healing powers of these hot springs. Today, modern wellness facilities rise from historic foundations, offering connection to a spa culture over 2,000 years old.
Entering the early medieval period, the story leads to the arrival of the Irish monk Gallus in the 7th century. Seeking solitude, he founded a hermitage that later grew into the Abbey of St. Gallen, one of Europe’s most influential monastic centers. The UNESCO-listed complex, with its baroque cathedral and magnificent library, reflects centuries of scholarship, artistry, and spiritual tradition.
Switzerland’s heritage also shines in the age of engineering. The Roter Pfeil “Churchill”, an elegant Red Arrow train from the 1930s, symbolizes the country’s early commitment to excellent rail travel. Named after Sir Winston Churchill’s famous 1946 tour aboard the train, it remains a beloved Art Deco icon. Special journeys allow guests to experience the golden era of Swiss rail in vintage comfort.
Finally, step into cinematic history at Chaplin’s World on Lake Geneva. After a globally celebrated career in silent film, Charlie Chaplin spent his final 25 years in Switzerland. His former estate in Corsier-sur-Vevey has been transformed into an award-winning museum where visitors can explore his family home, wander film sets, and dive into the creative universe of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. It’s an intimate blend of heritage, storytelling, and personal history.
From prehistoric lake dwellers to Roman soldiers, medieval monks, thermal rituals, vintage trains, and cinematic legends, these experiences and many more unveil the rich tapestry of Switzerland’s past. Step off the beaten path to discover a country where history is not only preserved — but alive, tangible, and deeply inspiring.
