Views from the Top

Whether you’re in the market for a Matisse or an art enthusiast keen to discover the next sculpting sensation, the fair Art Basel in Basel has something for everyone. Jack discovers how it collaborates with the city’s many cultural institutions, learns about the diverse architecture of the city and also experiences a Basel rite of passage… floating down the Rhine river with his Wickelfisch.

Did you know fairy tales come true? But only in St. Moritz, where horses race across a frozen lake over three weekends each winter. Jack investigates this one-of-a-kind event, speaking with Dennis Schiergen, the Head of Racing and a former jockey, Valeria Schiergen, the first ever female skijorer to win in St. Moritz, and horse owner Sabrina Casty (with her horse, naturally).

Whilst in Wengen, Jack is taken on a very special walk: the 4.4 km route of the legendary Lauberhorn downhill ski run. He sees the stomach-churning twists, turns and jumps up close and speaks at length with Olympic skier Bruno Kernen about what it’s like to throw yourself off a mountain at 100mph.

A golf tournament on the side of a mountain? It must be the Omega European Masters. Jack meets a future golf star, gets the inside scoop on George Clooney’s favourite meal at the VIP tent, and chats to tournament-winner Matt Wallace about overcoming self-doubt.

Music is in the air as Jack arrives in Montreux, where he discovers what attracts such huge stars to this Swiss Riviera town, and the real-life story behind Deep Purple’s classic anthem, ‘Smoke on the Water’. He also learns about the region’s influence on the Romantic poets Byron and Shelley - and catches an intimate gig with a recent superstar at Montreux’s famous late-night jam session.

Think you know classical music? Think again. Lucerne Festival wants to challenge everything you expect about the genre, including where it should be performed, who it’s intended for, and even the very definition of classical music. Expect pop-up Vivaldi, avant-garde pieces and a concert hall with a lake running through it.

At Weltklasse Zurich, Jack discovers why it’s such a respected track and field meet. He learns what the organisation is doing to support young people across Switzerland, and the commitment to mental health in sport. He meets legendary hurdler Colin Jackson, watches pole vaulters competing in a train station, and takes a tour of the city where he learns about some strange Zürich traditions. 

Jack arrives in Locarno for the film festival and chats with Ben Burtt, the sound designer for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, ET and Wall-E, as well as the up-and-coming Lithuanian filmmaker Saulė Bliuvaitė. He finds out what sets Locarno apart, how it defends unique cinema, the support for young talent, and how it kickstarted Spike Lee’s career.

Jack Boswell sets off across Switzerland to learn about Swiss Top Events, the most exciting and prestigious events from the world of culture and sport. Expect musicians at the top of their game, Olympic-winning athletes, filmmakers pushing the boundaries of cinema and everything in between. Presented by Switzerland Tourism and Swiss Top Events.