Our Hearts, Our Switzerland! Unsere Herzen, Unsere Schweiz! Nos Cœurs, Notre Suisse! Nostri Cuori, La Nostra Svizzera! Noss Cors, Noss Svizra!
In this photography project, I embarked on a journey across all 26 cantons of Switzerland, traveling with the SBB GA pass. Throughout this voyage, I randomly met and interviewed residents from each canton without prior appointments. Every encounter was spontaneous, with individuals voluntarily participating and offering a slice of their life for my lens.
I posed two questions to each person I met. The differences in their answers provide a unique tapestry that represents the true voices of Switzerland. These diverse responses highlight the rich cultural and personal narratives that weave through the heart of this country.
Zurich
Chanda Brugger, 26, StudentWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I love the education system in Switzerland. It offers a wide variety of possibilities and career options, providing a solid foundation that enables us to work worldwide.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would like people to be more direct and not hide behind politeness. I try to be authentic and show others that they don’t need to hide themselves.
Fribourg
Welie Waeber, 35, Piercer and Tattoo Artist
What do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate the cleanliness, quietness, beautiful countryside, and the lack of pollution.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would improve the social life. There are few places for people to connect, like lounge areas near the lake, which makes it easy to feel lonely.
Bern
Raffael Hirschi, 18, StudentWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate the hardworking and humble people, as well as the stunning natural landscapes like mountains and forests.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d increase police presence for better public safety, especially in nightlife areas to make them safer for young people and women.
Solothurn
Massimo Tönjes, ChefWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I enjoy the healthy weather and how friendly people are, which makes it easy to meet new people.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would reduce bureaucracy. My experience with paperwork here has been frustrating at times.
Aargau
Marlies Käser, 77, FarmerWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I love everything, the landscape, the people, the politics.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint by flying less, using public transport, cycling, and walking more.
Luzern
Chiara Kush, 27, Office SecretaryWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I love the mountains, the views, and, of course, the food and chocolate.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d redesign the city layout to have wider streets, as in Amsterdam, to reduce risk for pedestrians and cyclists.
Thurgau
Oguzhan Yildirim, Bus DriverWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate the freedom to live as I choose, something that isn’t available in every country.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d like a highway to St. Gallen near Kreuzlingen, where I live.
Schaffhausen
Leutrim Ismajlaj, 23, PainterWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I love the nature and the kindness of most people.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would adjust the work culture, which currently emphasizes constant work without enough balance.
Basel-Landschaft
Fabrizio Cutrufello, 28, HR Administrator.What do you like about Switzerland?
I feel like we are Hobbits in our own peaceful world, a bit unique and special.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d like to see older people become more open to other cultures.
Basel-Stadt
Luka Crnjevic, 19, Student
What do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate the cleanliness and the efficient public transportation.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d foster a warmer sense of community, as people can be polite but not always approachable.
Obwalden
Martina Villiger, 40, Marketing Manager and Barista
What do you like about Switzerland?
I like our democracy, the landscape, and how friendly people are.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would like people to be more open-minded and think globally, not just within our own spaces.
Nidwalden
Desiree Hohenegger, 32, Shoe Seller and Hairstylist
What do you like about Switzerland?
I love the mountains.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d encourage people to be more open-minded and welcoming to newcomers.
Uri
Anita Stadler, 59, Shop AssistantWhat do you like about Switzerland?
I admire the mountains and the legend of Wilhelm Tell, our local hero.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d improve road conditions to reduce traffic and pollution and address the growing intolerance among people.
Schwyz
Peter Niederer, 64, Retired Software Engineer
What do you like about Switzerland?
I cherish my friends, colleagues, and family, especially my wife, whom I still love very much.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d like the government to take a stronger stand on human rights issues globally.
Zug
Urs Rauschet, 81, Retired Civil Engineer
What do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate our democracy and the autonomy of each canton.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I am content with the current system and appreciate the balance it offers.
Valais
Paula Barbosa, Waitress
What do you like about Switzerland?
I love the beautiful landscapes, especially here in Valais.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I wouldn’t change anything; I’m happy with Switzerland as it is.
Geneva
Mike Devis, 59, Businessman
What do you like about Switzerland?
It’s a peaceful place to live.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I would like to see a shift in work ethic, as some people rely too heavily on social services without fully contributing.
Vaud
Michael Wolf, Retired.
What do you like about Switzerland?
The people are honest, life is comfortable, and democracy is strong.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d lower the high costs of rent, but I accept that this is part of living here.
Neuchatel
Robin Phildius, 27, Student
What do you like about Switzerland?
I love the diversity among the different regions, each with its unique culture.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’d make financial aid more accessible to all students to help them study what they want.
Jura
Gérad Cuttat, 82, Retired Banker.
What do you like about Switzerland?
I love the country and its beautiful mountains. It’s a peaceful place where I feel at home.
If you could change something in Switzerland, what would you change?
I’m content with how things are and don’t feel the need for any changes.
Graubunden
Mimi Dragan, 20, Cook/Chef
What do you like about Switzerland?
I like the nature, the mountains, and the modern, clean environment. Switzerland is a beautiful country.
What would you change in Switzerland?
I would change the role of teachers to become more proactive in addressing bullying in schools, which is a significant issue. Additionally, I would promote more decency and respect among people to reduce the distinctions and occasional racism observed between foreigners and native Swiss.
Glarus
Werner Looser, 75, Retired Mecanic
What do you like about Switzerland?
In Switzerland, I appreciate the mountains, the lakes, and the flatlands. I especially enjoy the significant variations in topography within a small area.
What would you change about Switzerland?
I would like it if people were sometimes more open.
St. Gallen
Adelia Lick, 22, Barista
What do you love about Switzerland?
I love the nature, and I love the food.
If you could change something, what would you change here in Switzerland?
I would love to change the work-life balance, specifically the working hours, to have more free time.
Appenzell Innerrhoden
Nicole Signer, 41, Sports Teacher (Sportlehrerin)
The first question is, what do you love most about Switzerland?
The education system is very good. Public life is excellently organized. The strong organization is definitely a positive aspect.
And the second question, if you could change something, what would you change here in Switzerland?
The highly structured life can sometimes be a disadvantage. It leaves little room for spontaneity and a certain sense of liveliness, as in other countries. I would say we have less of that here.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Thomas Voegtlin, 62, Quality Specialist (Qualitätsfachmann)
What do you like about Switzerland?
I appreciate Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and cultural variety. With 26 cantons, each offering unique perspectives, we coexist peacefully in a rich tapestry of geography and opinions.
What would you change about Switzerland?
I would address the high cost of living. Everything is too expensive, making it challenging for everyone, especially those with lower incomes, to afford a good quality of life.
Ticino
Tullio Ramelli, 38, School and Career Guidance Counsellor
What do you love about Switzerland?
I love Switzerland for its natural beauty, with mountains and lakes that allow us to enjoy all seasons, from skiing in winter to swimming in summer, and the picturesque springs and autumns in between.
What would you change about Switzerland?
I would focus on combating climate change, as it affects our winters and reduces snow levels, impacting our landscape and winter sports.
Behind the Scenes from the Cantons: A Journey Across Switzerland by Shuvaseesh Das
In Solothurn, I almost got kicked out of a shop for looking “suspicious.” Luckily, a busy restaurant worker gave me a quick interview during his break.
In St. Gallen, students avoided me like a bad group project. Even free snacks didn’t help. Finally, Adelia at a busy café agreed to chat, saving my day.
Glarus was a rare win. A lady with her dog on the train introduced me to her partner, Werner, who agreed to an interview. My app crashed, so I awkwardly repeated everything three times, but it worked out.
Zug felt like a treasure hunt. Locals either weren’t locals or didn’t care. Finally, by the lake, Urs stopped and gave me the interview I desperately needed.
In Sarnen, the streets were cold and empty. I stumbled into a café for tea and met Martina, who kindly agreed to talk. Tea and triumph!
Nidwalden was a breeze. Desiree, a hairstylist and shoe seller, gladly helped and even got her colleague on board. It was a smooth and beautiful end to a wild ride.
Chanda saved me in Zurich, even though one of her friends was probably advising her not to talk to a stranger on the street. On a cold evening, after walking out of my favorite Indian takeaway, Cima, and wondering how to find someone for an interview, I met Chanda and her friends on my way to the train station.
In Delémont, in canton Jura, I walked into Werth Pâtisserie Café Restaurant early in the morning for a quick bite. There, I met two gentlemen sitting to my right. One of them, named Pierre, and I struck up a conversation. He introduced me to his friend Gérard, who found my project fascinating and kindly agreed to give me an interview.
It turns out Pierre’s sister owns the café, and there’s a wonderful sense of family love there. Pierre also introduced me to the café owner, Julia, who, thanks to Pierre’s insistence, was gracious enough to speak with me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t include her as a participant in the project since the idea was to feature only one person from each canton. Nevertheless, I was deeply grateful for her feedback!
When I asked Julia what she loves about Switzerland, she said she adores the country, especially the mountains, and, for now, she’s happy and wouldn’t change a thing. If you’re ever visiting Delémont, I highly recommend stopping by Werth Pâtisserie Café Restaurant. It’s a charming place with a lovely atmosphere and delicious food!
Our Hearts, Our Switzerland
Unsere Herzen, Unsere Schweiz
Nos Cœurs, Notre Suisse
I Nostri Cuori, La Nostra Svizzera
Noss Cors, Noss SvizraEven though I have a Swiss passport through my wife, which I am very proud of and do not take for granted, I am still a foreigner in Switzerland. Traveling through all the cantons was something very special. I started in Aargau and ended in Graubünden. At the end of the project, I felt sad. It was nice connecting with strangers across the country.
I apologized to them for not being able to speak their local languages, and we switched the conversation to English. English has become an important unofficial language in Switzerland. It helps bridge the gaps between cantons.
Switzerland is known for its multilingualism, and English complements the existing four national languages. It can truly help people integrate into the country, connect with others, and understand local customs and rules.
Above all, I am grateful to all the participants for giving me their time. I met all of them randomly, except in Glarus, where Regula, whom I met at the train station on my way there, introduced me to her partner Werner. This was the only canton where I did not have to actively look for someone.
Reflections and Gratitude
“You are here to take images and go, what is there for us?” This question has often been posed to photographers, and it echoes the ethical dilemmas. This question always makes me think. As a photographer, my primary concern is what I can give back in return. The answers I gathered from the participants are the true face of Switzerland.
I found it astonishing that four people, two of whom are not among the selected participants, said they are happy with the way things are in Switzerland. I do not think I could find a similar mindset anywhere else in the world. I am not saying they are right or wrong. This is simply what they believe, and everyone’s opinion counts.
I am grateful to CH Media and the Schweiz am Wochenende newspaper journalists Sabine Kuster, Sibylle Egloff and editors for publishing this story on January 4, 2024. For an ordinary citizen, it is something special. For some of the participants, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even though our faces may soon be forgotten, the shared stories will linger, and that is what matters.
Newspaper link:https://www.badenertagblatt.ch/leben/quer-durchs-land-was-moegen-sie-an-der-schweiz-ein-auslaender-stellt-die-frage-in-allen-kantonen-und-erhaelt-die-unterschiedlichsten-antworten-ld.2701228
Shuvaseesh Das 