Articles by Sonja Holverson
It’s Carnaval…in Switzerland?

Even though I live in Protestant Suisse Romande (the French speaking region) where there is no Carnaval, the nearby Catholic areas of Switzerland are celebrating Carnaval (Fasnacht in German) this week and I plan to be there. It’s one of the few times, that you will see so many Swiss get completely...
Visit Zermatt Before the Alpine Sykline Changes Forever

Many of the world’s most dramatic alpine peaks tower above the traffic-free Swiss village of Zermatt. The highest Alp in Switzerland, Monte Rosa, rises to 15,203 feet while another, the world’s most photographed mountain, the Matterhorn, tops out at 14,692 feet. Also here, but lesser known, is the...
ALPINE SNOW GOLF: Boërl & Kroff Second Tournament in Gstaad

Yes, you read it correctly; this is a golf tournament on snow that will be held in the très chic resort of Gstaad, Switzerland on Saturday, March 5, 2011. There is still time to register on the event’s website. Golfers will be arriving in Gstaad next week from all over Europe to participate in the...
Charlie Chaplin’s Photographic Archive: Family Donation to Musée L’Elysée

Born in England in 1889, Charles Spencer Chaplin is best known for his comical acting as well as his film directing during the era of silent movies. The Tramp was one of everyone’s favorite Chaplin characters. But his career did not end with the arrival of talking films. He co-founded United Artists...
LOVE STORY: Valentine’s Day Dining Swiss-Style

Where you select to dine with your beloved on Valentine’s Day in Lausanne depends on the stage of your relationship (and pocket book). Let’s follow the beginnings of a young romance and their dining habits which correspond to the Valentine’s Day options that you may consider when visiting this...
Château d’Oex: Famous Friday!

Competing balloon pilots, enthusiastic spectators and eager passengers woke up to yet another day of radiant sunshine albeit a bit chilly at first at about 21° F, but then it warmed up to toasty 25° F. But with the bright sunshine and dry air, the conditions are perfect for a bit of glühwein (hot...
Château d’Oex: In the Air and on the Ground

Magnificent sunny skies welcomed today’s balloon pilots of the 33rd International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Château d’Oex, Switzerland. They all took off this morning for the competitions in invigorating temperatures of 25° F (a high of 29° F), but no glacial winds like last week. To experience...
Château d’Oex: Still Up in the Air

There was fresh snow in Chateau d’Oex, Switzerland today during the International Hot Air Balloon Festival. to dust the Swiss pre-Alps which were a little bare at lower elevations. There is now even more snow on the slopes for skiing next week. As promised, temperatures are rising. It was a high...
Château d’Oex: More Hot Air

Warmer temperatures were in order today (up to a high of 28°F) and loads of sunshine for the 33rd International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Château d’Oex, Switzerland that began on Saturday. The balloon racing pilots took to the skies on time this morning and the Château d’Oex hot air balloon...
Let the (Hot Air Balloon) Races Begin! Château-d’Oex Today

Today at Château-d’Oex, Switzerland, at the “33rd Festival International de Ballons”, it’s a green light for balloonists! This morning it was about 20° F and mostly sunny. The competitors took off at 9:45 AM for today’s competition which is called “The Two Gruyères.” Two Gruyères?...