A new shopping and leisure complex has opened in the Swiss capital, Bern, designed by New York star architect, Daniel Libeskind. The SFr500 million project includes 55 shops, ten restaurants and bars, a hotel, a multiplex cinema, a spa and leisure pool, and an old people's home. Trendy apartments will be added later. (Julie Hunt, swissinfo)
Switzerland is a well-known transit route for north/south traffic. This applies to cars, trucks, trains – and also birds. Every year, millions of migrating birds pass through Swiss airspace on their way south. An observation post has been set up in the northern village of Lauwil by the Swiss ornithological station. For the rest of October, migrating birds will be observed, registered and ringed. (SF/swissinfo)
The villagers of Auw in central Switzerland are gearing up for an historic event. On October 12, the pope will officially declare one of their former residents, the blessed Maria Bernarda Bütler, a saint. The last Swiss person to be made a saint was Niklaus von Flüe, who lived in the 15th century. He was canonised in 1947. Julie Hunt visited Auw to find out how Maria Bernarda Bütler earned her holy status. (swissinfo, Julie Hunt)
St Bernard dogs were first recorded as doing rescue work in the early 18th century. Because of their heavy build, they were eventually replaced by lighter dogs. Today the "Barry" foundation is not only preserving the legendary St Bernard breed but is also seeking a new role for it. (SF1/swissinfo)
In autumn, it's common in Switzerland to see herds of cattle decorated with bells and flowers being led down from the mountains to their winter stables. But these days, you might rub your eyes – surely those aren't cows marching down into the valley? No indeed: around 400 Swiss farmers now keep llamas or alpacas to supplement their falling incomes. (SF1/swissinfo)
