V-ZUG Inspirations Magazine - Magazine - Page 91
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and long-term planning ensures coherence. Environmental
responsibility is not something to be explained or justified; it
is assumed.”
THE SWISS WAY TO WELLBEING
The same philosophy seems to apply to what are usually
considered indicators of a good quality of life, from food to
work-life balance. If you eat well every day, there is no need to
restrict your diet on a wellness retreat. In this sense, the most
emblematic Swiss food may not be cheese or chocolate, but
Birchermüesli, originally developed as a health food served in
clinics as a nutritious evening meal, and still enjoyed today as
an everyday breakfast.
It may seem hard to believe that the thermal baths designed
by Peter Zumthor, internationally acclaimed as a masterpiece
of contemporary architecture, could be experienced as part of
everyday life. And yet, this too is distinctly Swiss. While the
almost church-like ambience inside the 7132 Thermal Baths
allows guests to completely disconnect from the outside world
for a while, the hotel rooms designed by Peter Zumthor, Tadao
Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Thom Mayne demonstrate how the
beauty of architecture and design in Switzerland is simply
part of a way of living, a quiet and enduring presence in everyday life. “They are rarely conceived as pure statements; they
are responses – to place, use, and environment. The Swiss
approach is rooted in the dialogue between form and function,
and in respect for context,” says Haëntjens.
As for work-life balance, Haëntjens points to the importance
of family and community: this year, he reorganised his working schedule to prioritise his 18-month-old daughter and his
health, dedicating time to row on Lake Zürich. “Switzerland
legitimises balance. Taking care of your health, your family,
and your rhythm is not seen as a lack of ambition, but as a
condition for longevity – personally and professionally. I do
believe this quiet equilibrium is one of the deepest foundations of Swiss wellbeing.” ●
SPORTS PRACTICE
Physical activity is deeply
embedded in daily life: 84% of
the population engages in some
form of sport, and 75% practise
regularly. The country counts
approximately 19,000 sports
clubs, 32,000 sports facilities and
980 fitness centres.
SWISS NATURE
Mountains shape more than half
of the territory, while forests cover
32% of its surface. Over 65,000
kilometres of hiking trails and
20,000 kilometres of marked
cycling and mountain-bike paths
make access to nature as part of
everyday life.
THERMAL FACILITIES
Switzerland hosts 20 thermal bath
facilities, particularly in Valais,
Aargau and Graubünden. Since
2020, the wellness sector has
grown by approximately 15-20%
annually, as thermal destinations increasingly complement
snow-dependent tourism.
Source: Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Source: SWI swissinfo.ch
Source: Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Switzerland records the highest life expectancy in Europe,
reaching 84.2 years. Within the
European Union, Spain follows
closely at 84.0 years, while Italy,
Malta, Luxembourg, Sweden and
France all exceed 83 years.
Source: Health at a Glance:
Europe 2024, OECD and European Commission.
