The Hidden 100-Year Swiss Tradition You've Never Heard Of
1st August badge for 2025
Discover with us the traditional 1st August, or Swiss National Day, badge. It’s an authentic pin that, in 2025, incorporates a piece of genuine Edelweiss shirt fabric. Let’s talk about what it is, what it means to a Swiss, if you should get one, and most importantly, if you should wear it on your next hike 😀.
There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could?
Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com.
Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Listener Feedback
Niesenbahn, the longest stairs in the world
Marzili-Bahn, the shortest one in Switzerland
08:32 - 1st August badge 2025
Swiss bytes: Send us your suggestion to hello@swissandchips.com
15:49 - Learning Swiss German: Tönder (or Thunder)
19:38 - Listener survey: Send us the one thing you would change about Switzerland as an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com.
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Hoi zäme, what a great episode! It actually brought back some childhood memories. When I first read that you were going to talk about the '1. August-Abzäiche', I couldn't remember it at all. However, when you talked about how you sold it, Simon, I remembered that I did the same. So now I’ll have to walk down to the post office later today and purchase one... 😄
And about 'Tönder': for me, it has another meaning. To me, it refers to something big, especially when related to animals. For example, if I see a large sheep, cow, or even a big cat, I say:
“Das esch e rächte Tönder.”
I don't think I have ever had someone try to sell me the 1st August badges. Just the Fasnachtsplakette in winter.
The Muottas Muragl funicular in the Upper Engadin takes you up to a spot with a stunning view over the valley and lakes. Though only problem is I have to Google the name every time as my brain remembers it as Minas Morgul from LOTR...