Böögg Abduction
In 2006, the Böögg effigy was abducted by leftist 'revolutionaries' just days before the Sechseläuten festival, prompting the guilds to keep spare Bööggs in reserve.
Sechseläuten Square · Zurich ·
Absurd, comical and surprisingly humorous stories from the Canton of Zurich. Browsing 80 curated facts.
In 2006, the Böögg effigy was abducted by leftist 'revolutionaries' just days before the Sechseläuten festival, prompting the guilds to keep spare Bööggs in reserve.
Sechseläuten Square · Zurich ·
A man was arrested at Stadelhofen for carrying imitation firearms, including a machine gun, while preparing for a wedding party. The police initially thought it was a real threat, but it turned out t…
Stadelhofen · Zurich ·
The famous Confiserie Sprüngli moved to Paradeplatz in 1859, under the mistaken assumption that the new train station would be built directly on the square. Instead, the Bahnhofstrasse was constructe…
Paradeplatz · Zurich ·
The Grossmünster's twin towers were mocked by Richard Wagner, who compared them to two pepper dispensers. This criticism came despite the towers being a iconic landmark in Zurich. The towers were ori…
Grossmünster · Zurich ·
The meme place from Vereis, Vereis, Vereis! allegedly became a viral sensation not just for its humorous content but also for its mysterious ability to predict internet trends.
Vereis, Vereis, Vereis! · Zurich
Two friends discovered that they had both gone on dates with the same women in Zurich, highlighting the small and interconnected nature of the city's dating scene.
Zurich · Zurich
Carla Bley and her big band got into a food fight at a restaurant in Zurich, with about 20 people throwing food at each other, leaving Don Cherry mortified.
Zurich restaurant · Zurich
The Heimplatz was almost renamed Max-Frisch-Platz in the 1990s, but the proposal was rejected due to concerns that the public would still call it 'Pfauen' anyway.
Heimplatz · Zurich ·
The Schwellistrasse was almost named 'Amorstrasse' due to the high number of couples living in the area. However, the name 'Schwellistrasse' was chosen instead in 1952.
Schwellistrasse · Zurich ·
The Möcklistrasse in Witikon was named after Heinrich Möckli, a generous blacksmith who donated 10,000 francs to the community, which was used to build a gymnasium instead of a planned mortuary.
Möcklistrasse · Zurich ·
The Rumpumpsteig street in Zurich has a rather unusual name, which is believed to have originated from a house or tavern with loud and rowdy patrons. The name 'Rumpump' is thought to be derived from…
Rumpumpsteig · Zurich ·
A thief's escape attempt ended in a comedic fail when he tripped and fell right in front of a police patrol on Militärstrasse. The officers quickly caught the 23-year-old and found a stolen handbag a…
Militärstrasse · Zurich ·
A brave woman and gas station staff caught a thief at Seebahnstrasse after he stole her handbag from her car. They reviewed the security footage, chased the thief, and held him until police arrived.…
Seebahnstrasse · Zurich ·
A speeding driver lost his newly acquired driver's license on the spot after being caught driving 96 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Emil-Klöti-Strasse.
Emil-Klöti-Strasse · Zurich ·
A honest passerby prevented a 63-year-old man from losing over 9000 euros when she quickly gathered the cash that had fallen out of his wallet on Talstrasse. The woman stopped oncoming cars and colle…
Talstrasse · Zurich ·
A traffic regulator in the Zürcher Seefeld area has been bringing joy to drivers with his positive attitude, even receiving gifts from them, including snacks and pastries.
Zürcher Seefeld · Zurich
Comedian Julia Steiner was fined for parking on a private parking lot near Albisriederplatz for just 20 minutes, sparking a humorous commentary on the city's strict parking laws.
Albisriederplatz · Zurich ·
The Rosenhofbrunnen, also known as the Max-Frisch-Brunnen, features an abstract sculpture with inscriptions that sarcastically dedicate the fountain to various individuals and groups, making it a hum…
Rosenhof · Zurich ·
In 1980, two activists, Herr and Frau Müller, appeared on a Swiss talk show, pretending to be concerned citizens and calling for more repressive measures against activists, causing a scandal and outr…
Zurich · Zurich ·
A dog led the police on a wild chase on the A1 highway, evading capture and causing a stir among drivers, before eventually returning to its family in Wülflingen.
A1 highway near Wülflingen · Winterthur ·
Aurelia Favre's departure from the city council was marked by a tumultuous and disputed by-election, with the winner, Pearl Pedergnana, securing her seat by just one vote.
Winterthur City Council · Winterthur ·
The Bäumli restaurant had a rather eventful past, with a notable incident where the patrons, helped by people from Vitoduran, managed to flood the ground floor with beer. The restaurant eventually cl…
Bäumli · Winterthur ·
The 'Wasserkipper' sculpture by Bendicht Fivian, installed in 1990, was removed in 2004 due to complaints about the noise it made, and its planned reinstallation in 2010 was canceled due to financial…
Kantonsschule Rychenberg · Winterthur ·
A historic fountain in Wülflingen was replaced in 2016, causing controversy among locals who argued it was a valuable witness to the area's rural past. The original fountain had a unique secondary tr…
Wülflingen · Winterthur ·
The police used to drop off drunk people at the Gamser hill, forcing them to walk back to town on their own, a method known as 'Gamserle'. This practice was abandoned in the 1980s.
Gamser · Winterthur ·
Eduard Bühler-Egg, a textile industrialist, would often drive his horse carriage at high speeds through the streets of Winterthur, using a loud whistle to clear the way for his vehicle.
Winterthur streets · Winterthur ·
The residents of Seen were so excited about their new electricity plant that they left their lights on day and night, prompting the staff to go on a 'light-hunting' mission to curb the excessive ener…
Seen · Winterthur ·
Ernst Züllig, a famous handball player, was bitten by an opponent during a match against Germany in 1975, resulting in a tooth getting stuck in his shoulder.
Pfadi Winterthur · Winterthur ·
In 1977, two boys used a school satchel as a makeshift sled to slide down the snowy stairs of the Stadthaus, likely damaging their schoolbooks and earning a scolding at home.
Stadthaus · Winterthur ·
The first football result board in Winterthur, installed in 1943 at the Restaurant Gotthard, was so popular that the police wanted to relocate it due to the crowds it attracted.
Restaurant Gotthard · Winterthur ·
Göpf Egg's gaffe in one of the first episodes of 'Stöck, Wyss, Stich' caused the phone lines to melt down, as the audience called in to point out his mistake. This incident helped increase the show's…
SRF Studio · Winterthur ·
Hans Rüegg, the former president of Winterthur, had to have the city clerk repeat everything loudly in his ear due to his severe hearing loss, leading to some comical scenes in the city council.
Winterthur City Hall · Winterthur ·
The Barockhäuschen was initially intended to be demolished, but it was saved by the need for a public toilet facility in the nearby Stadtgarten. The building's cellar was repurposed as a toilet, and…
Barockhäuschen · Winterthur ·
To save the interior of Schloss Wülflingen, Hedy Hahnloser-Bühler came up with a creative idea: she turned the castle into a 'Kinder-Spiel' (children's game) and sold it as part of a charity bazaar.
Schloss Wülflingen · Winterthur
The wooden giant 'Holidi' was a popular climbing object in the upper Graben from 1986 to 2015, but its nudity sparked controversy, earning it the nickname 'Schnäbelimaa' or 'Pimmelmann'.
Obere Graben · Winterthur ·
During the Albanifest in Winterthur, a photograph from the 1970s shows a man mooning the camera, possibly as a form of protest or jest, in the midst of festivities.
Winterthurer Altstadt · Winterthur ·
Jürg Altwegg, a former Winterthur city councilor, made headlines in 2017 by ordering the removal of arsenic-contaminated stuffed animals from all schools in Winterthur on his first day in office.
Winterthur Schools · Winterthur ·
A overzealous bible thumper appeared at the St. Alban-Tor, denouncing debauchery and starting a witch hunt. However, just as he was about to condemn an innocent woman, the ghost of Elvis appeared, di…
St. Alban-Tor · Basel ·
The son of the mill's owner, Andreas, was accused of delivering poor-quality flour to a widow in Inzlingen, so bad that even dogs wouldn't eat it. He later became a Catholic, donned a Waldbruder habi…
Kammradmühle · Basel ·
During Fasnacht in Basel, participants and spectators alike make fun of the French and their stereotypical big red wine noses, showcasing the city's playful and satirical side.
Basel city center · Basel
The Zunftmeister Raoul I. Furlano gave a speech from the edge of the Dreizackbrunnen, and then took a bold leap onto the wet asphalt, which was witnessed by a doctor, Felix Eymann, who was ready to p…
Dreizackbrunnen · Basel ·
During the 2009 Aadringgete celebration at the Dreizackbrunnen, the current Zunftmeister Raoul I. Furlano experienced a wardrobe malfunction when his pant leg slipped up while climbing the fountain,…
Dreizackbrunnen · Basel ·
In 1846, a group of dissatisfied butchers in Basel were fined for protesting against the monopolization of the meat trade. As a form of protest, they decorated a wagon with sausages, hams, and other…
Old town · Basel ·
In the 18th century, the 'Schafeck' was involved in a dispute over a washtub, with the owner, a gerber named Wernhard Glaser, being sued by his neighbors, including a kupferschmied named Andreas Faes…
Schafeck · Basel ·
In 1690, the Stadtschreiber Simon Battier complained about the neighbors of the Bichtigerhuus, including the Hufschmied Matthis Simon, who were directing their wastewater onto the street. This led to…
Bichtigerhuus im Klingental · Basel ·
The Helm restaurant was known for its lively atmosphere, with patrons often throwing glasses and plates on the floor when the wine served did not meet their expectations. This chaotic behavior was es…
Helm restaurant · Basel ·
A local farmer, Seppi Emmenegger, would often ride his horse directly into the Kopfstübli, a tavern where the Helm's owner, Louise Meili, used to work, causing great amusement among the patrons.
Kopfstübli · Basel ·
Conchita Wurst, the famous Eurovision winner, went unrecognized on the streets of Basel, even when performing an impromptu version of her winning song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' in the Gerbergasse.
Gerbergasse · Basel ·
A driver with a Zurich license plate tried to charm his way out of a parking fine by writing a Fasnacht-themed poem, which impressed the Basel police so much that they let him off with a warning.
Rheinbord · Basel
A right-wing extremist politician stormed the stage at the Kongresszentrum in Basel, interrupting the announcement of provisional election results and ranting about his own arrest warrant for over a…
Kongresszentrum · Basel
On the Dreirosenbrücke, a legendary water battle takes place every year between the Kleinbasel and Grossbasel districts, with participants hurling water balloons and using water guns in a frenzy of f…
Dreirosenbrücke · Basel
A giant inflatable 'Trump Chicken' named 'Felon Don' was placed in jail at Bahnhofplatz to protest against Donald Trump's crimes against humanity.
Bahnhofplatz · Bern ·
In Bern's Breitenrain quarter, residents often put out their trash too early, creating a buffet for foxes that rip open the garbage bags and scatter the contents.
Breitenrain quarter · Bern
A Bernese politician proposed removing the penis from the Bern bear symbol, sparking a heated debate about gender equality and the city's image.
Bern · Bern
A 20-year-old man was caught urinating on the Verwaltungsgericht building in Bern, and when confronted by police, he resisted arrest and insulted the officers.
Verwaltungsgericht · Bern ·
A tenant in Bümpliz was shocked to receive a bill of almost 400 francs for a missing toothbrush glass, which was estimated to cost only 5 francs.
Bümpliz · Bern ·
A Polestar electric car was vandalized with anti-USA graffiti in the Länggasse-Quartier, apparently mistaken for a Tesla due to its similar design.
Länggasse-Quartier · Bern ·
A retired couple in Thun awarded a parking diploma to a driving instructor, Benjamin, for his exceptional parallel parking skills, which they observed and evaluated from their home overlooking the Te…
Teichmattstrasse · Bern ·
A taxi driver in Geneva refused to take a passenger on a short trip, shouting at them to take the bus instead, and then left them on the street.
Geneva Train Station · Geneva ·
The Revue de Genève is a satirical spectacle that has been poking fun at Geneva's politics and society since 1892.
Théâtre de Genève · Geneva ·
The Revue genevoise, a humorous and satirical spectacle, has been mocking Geneva's politicians since 1892. It's a tradition where artists imitate politicians' mannerisms, gestures, and language, maki…
Casino-Théâtre · Geneva ·
The name 'Malombré' comes from a humorous story. In 1853, a banker named David Lenoir built a villa and cut down three plane trees, saddening his wife. She had 'mal ombré' (poor shade) painted on the…
Malombré area · Geneva ·
In the Saint-Jean Charmilles neighborhood, a zoo once existed between 1935 and 1940, where a group of monkeys escaped in July 1935, causing chaos in the area. The zoo eventually closed due to financi…
Saint-Jean Charmilles · Geneva ·
John Kerry shook off journalists by going for a bike ride along the lakeside, a feat that was broadcast around the world.
Lakeside · Lausanne ·
A former student of Mme Frances-E. Liengme, who created brochures for the Œuvre suisse des Lecteurs pour la Jeunesse, had a surprising encounter with her years later at the Police de Lausanne's Group…
Police de Lausanne · Lausanne ·
The 'Banc de la honte' (Bench of Shame) in the Calvaire neighborhood was replaced with a single chair, causing an uproar among locals who used to stop and chat on the old bench. The city eventually a…
Calvaire neighborhood · Lausanne ·
The 'Course des garçons de café' was a traditional race held in the streets of Lausanne, where waiters would run through the city carrying heavy trays.
Place de la Palud · Lausanne ·
A Lausanne city councilor was caught stealing curtains and dish towels from an Ikea store in Aubonne, claiming it was for a political cause to build shelters for homeless people.
Ikea Aubonne · Lausanne ·
A car accident on Krebsbachstrasse in Schaffhausen resulted in a bizarre casualty: a homemade birthday cake, carefully baked with love, was thrown forward and damaged during the crash, leaving the dr…
Krebsbachstrasse · Schaffhausen ·
A turtle named Xanthippe, who went missing for 5 years, has been reunited with its owner in Schaffhausen after a public appeal by the police.
Schaffhausen · Schaffhausen ·
A chicken was found on a train at the Schaffhausen train station, and the locomotive driver took it into the driver's cabin, giving it a special seat usually reserved for guests.
Schaffhausen Train Station · Schaffhausen
The Nationalbahn's construction led to absurd situations, such as the village of Buchs having two train stations due to the intense competition between railway companies. This bizarre coincidence is…
Buchs · Switzerland ·
A wayside shrine in Switzerland has a humorous inscription that calculates the distance to Jerusalem, stating it's 700 hours away, but if you take the footpath over Mauchen, it's a quarter of an hour…
Gedenkstein Hebel · Switzerland
The 'Steiner Krieg' in 1784 was a bloodless conflict between Stein am Rhein and Zürich over a recruitment site for the Prussian army.
Stein am Rhein · Switzerland ·
In 2021, the university cafeteria sparked outrage by switching to a vegan and vegetarian-only menu, prompting criticism from farmers, meat industry representatives, and some politicians, who saw it a…
University of Lucerne cafeteria · Lucerne ·
A Burger King advertisement near the Lucerne train station sparked amusement among locals for using the term 'Karneval' instead of the traditional 'Fasnacht', highlighting the company's lack of aware…
Luzern · Lucerne ·
The Swiss Customs Museum in Gandria showcases a 'submarine' used to smuggle salami, highlighting the region's notorious history of smuggling. The museum is a unique glimpse into the region's past.
Swiss Customs Museum · Lugano
A duck was caught speeding at 52 km/h in a 30 km/h zone in the Wangentalstrasse, not once, but twice, seven years apart, on the same day, April 13th.
Wangentalstrasse · Köniz ·
A Swiss politician, Mike Egger, was hit with a milkshake by unknown assailants from a moving car at the St. Gallen train station, leaving him splattered but unharmed.
St. Gallen train station · St. Gallen ·
A driver accidentally created a massive water fountain on Arosastrasse by crashing into a fire hydrant during a turn.
Arosastrasse · Chur ·
Hidden stories of Zurich beneath your feet
Facts are sourced from various open websites and may have been edited. Copyright of original content belongs to their respective owners.
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