The SBB inaugurates a new international night train; survey shows that most Swiss don’t like the tariff deal with the US; and more news in our roundup this Friday.
National railway company (SBB) inaugurates a new night train
A new-generation “Nightjet” train was launched on Thursday in Zurich. It will initially run towards Hamburg, with its route gradually expanded in 2026, operating on the Zurich–Vienna and Zurich–Amsterdam lines.
To mark the occasion, the first train was christened “City of Zurich” in the presence of representatives from SBB, Austrian national railway company ÖBB, as well as Zurich itself.
“This train will carry the name of our city throughout Europe,” said City Councillor Andreas Hauri.
READ ALSO: The new international train services from Switzerland in 2026
New tariff agreement with the United States may not be a ‘done-deal’ yet
Though it may appear that the trade agreement between Bern and Washington, which reduced Swiss tariffs from 39 to 15 percent, is about to be finalised, Swiss voters may have the final say in the matter.
And a new survey of Switzerland’s population by Sotomo research institute indicates that 69 percent of respondents are against this deal.
According to Sotomo’s director Michael Hermann, Swiss people don’t want their government to give in to President Trump.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Switzerland’s new trade deal with the US
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Properties have become increasingly more expensive in Switzerland
Home ownership prices for both houses and apartments continued to rise in November.
According to real estate consultancy CIFI and the platform ImmoScout24, the average price per square metre for single-family homes rose by 2.2 percent to reach 7,823 francs.
And the average per-square-metre price for condominiums went up even more – by 5.2 percent, to 9,262 francs.
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Weekend weather: the…spring is here!
Only 10 days ago, an Arctic blast brought sub-zero temperatures and snowfall to many parts of Switzerland.
But, in the next few days, the weather will likely be more spring-like.
According to meteorologist Klaus Marquardt from MeteoNews weather service, the weekend will be “anything but wintry.”
In fact, “with the rising snow line, temperatures will be in double digits,” he said.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
