Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, renowned for its wonderful landscapes, breathtaking views, majestic mountains, delicious chocolates, high-quality watches, and unique assortment of cheeses. But did you know that Switzerland also has a rich literary tradition? Here are the top 10 Swiss writers you would like to know about.
1. Johanna Spyri
Johanna Louise Spyri was a famous Swiss novelist, primarily known for her children's stories. She was born on June 12, 1827, in Hirzel, an area close to Zurich. Her first story, “A Leaf on Vrony's Grave” published in 1873, was about a woman who dealt with the issue of domestic violence. Her most famous work, "Heidi," was written in just four weeks and has been translated into about 50 languages. "Heidi" tells the story of an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps and is renowned for its vivid portrayal of the landscape.
The story opens with a description of a small village in the Swiss Alps named Dorfi and introduces the tale of two brothers who lived there, serving as a prelude to the main narrative. The story then shifts to focus on Heidi, continuing in the picturesque region known as Heidiland. Spyri is also known for "Moni the Goat-Boy" (1897), "Vinzi: A Story of the Swiss Alps" (1892), "The Story of Rico" (1882), and other wonderful tales.
2. Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Friedrich Dürrenmatt was a Swiss author and dramatist known for his plays "The Visit" and "The Physicists," which established him as one of the greatest playwrights in the German language. He was born on January 5, 1921, in Bern. The politically active author's work included avant-garde dramas, philosophical crime novels, and macabre satire. Dürrenmatt was a member of the Gruppe Olten, a group of left-wing Swiss writers who regularly convened at a restaurant in the city of Olten.
The events in his work "The Visit," which is his most frequently performed play worldwide, take place in Güllen, a fictional town in Switzerland. He is also known for "The Judge and His Hangman" (1951), "A Dangwhierous Game" (1956), "The Tunnel" (1952), "The Execution of Justice" (1985), and other remarkable works.
3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, Switzerland, was a Swiss-born philosopher, writer, and political theorist. His works had a profound impact on the leaders of the French Revolution and the Romantic movement. Rousseau's influential book "The Social Contract," published in 1762 as "The Social Contract; or, Principles of Political Right," is one of his most celebrated works.
Another significant work is "Julie, or the New Heloise," originally titled "Lettres de Deux Amants, Habitants d'une petite Ville au pied des Alpes" ("Letters from Two Lovers, Living in a Small Town at the Foot of the Alps"). Published in 1761 by Marc-Michel Rey in Amsterdam, this epistolary novel is inspired by the medieval tale of Héloïse d'Argenteuil and Peter Abélard, exploring themes of passion and Christian renunciation.
4. Robert Walser
Robert Walser was a German-speaking Swiss writer, recognized as one of the most important figures of literary modernism. He was born on April 15, 1878, in Biel, located on the border between the German and French-speaking regions of Switzerland, and grew up speaking both languages. He is best known for his novel "Jacob von Gunten," which tells the story of a young man of a noble background who leaves home to dedicate his life to serving others.
The events in "Jacob von Gunten" by Robert Walser take place primarily at the Benjamenta Institute, a fictional boarding school for servants. The novel is set in an unnamed city, but the atmosphere and setting are reminiscent of early 20th-century Central Europe, likely inspired by Walser's experiences in Switzerland and Germany. Walser is also renowned for "The Tanner" (1907), "The Assistant" (1908), "Microscripts," and other notable works.
5. Ernst Zahn
Ernest Zahn was a Swiss writer whose writings are known for the themes taken from Swiss local life. He was born on 25 January 1867 in Zurich, Switzerland. He spent part of his life in England, which is why some of his works are written in English. He is most known for his collection of short stories Bergvolk (1896; “Mountain Folk”). The events in "Mountain Folk" by Ernest Zahn take place in the Swiss Alps. The novel vividly depicts the life, traditions, and challenges of the people living in this mountainous region of Switzerland.
Another remarkable work of his is Helden des Alltags (1906; “Weekday Heroes”). The events in "Weekday Heroes" by Ernest Zahn take place in Switzerland, specifically focusing on the lives and experiences of ordinary Swiss people in their everyday surroundings. The book highlights the resilience and heroism found in the daily lives of its characters within the Swiss context.
He is also known for the novels Albin Indergand (1901), Herrgottsfäden (1901; Golden Threads), Frau Sixta (1926), and Die grosse Lehre (1943; “The Large Lesson”). Zahn’s Was das Leben zerbricht (1912; “What Life Breaks”) is about the middle-class society of Zurich.
6. Gottfried Keller
Gottfried Keller was one of the greatest German-Swiss declarative writers of poetic realism. He was born on 19 July 1918 in Zurich, Switzerland. He started by publishing proms but after sponsored studies at Heidelberg influenced by philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach, he wrote an autobiographical Novel "Green Henry" 1854-55.
The events in "Green Henry" ("Der grüne Heinrich") by Gottfried Keller take place primarily in Switzerland. The novel is set in Zurich and its surroundings, reflecting Keller's own experiences and the cultural and social milieu of 19th-century Switzerland. He is also known for "Martin Salander" 1886, "Seven Legends" 1872, and "The People of Seldwyla" 1856-1874.
7. Hermann Hesse
Herman Hesse was a German-Swiss novelist and poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946. The main theme of his work is the individual’s efforts to break out of the established modes of civilization so as to find an essential spirit and identity. He was born on 2 July 1877 in Cawls, Germany. His first book of poems was published in 1899. He wrote his first novel, Peter Camenzind in 1904.
The events in "Peter Camenzind" by Hermann Hesse take place primarily in Switzerland. The novel follows the protagonist, Peter Camenzind, who grows up in a small mountain village in the Swiss Alps and later travels to various parts of Switzerland and beyond as he searches for meaning and purpose in his life. The story vividly portrays the Swiss landscape and the cultural backdrop of the country. He is also known for Beneath the Wheel 1906, Deming 1919, Gertrude 1910, Narcissus and Goldmund 1930, and other brilliant works.
8. Carl Spitteler
Carl Spitteler was a German-speaking Swiss poet, recognized as one of the most important figures of Swiss poetry. He was born on April 24, 1845, in Liestal, Switzerland. In 1919, he was awarded a Nobel Prize for his memorable poetry “Olimpian Spring”. He wrote this epic poem inspired by Mount Olympus in Greece which is also known as the house of the Greek gods. This poem reflects the soul of spring and mother nature which is divine.
Walser is also renowned for Prometheus und Epimetheus (1881), Extramundana (1883, seven cosmic myths), Schmetterlinge ("Butterflies", 1889) and other notable works.
9. Jeremias Gotthelf
Jeremias Gotthelf was a Swiss novelist and short-story writer. He was born on 4 October 1797 in Morat, Switzerland. When radical tendencies began to appear in Swiss liberalism, Bitzius became more conservative. His desire to preserve Christian beliefs in a world threatened by materialism stimulated him to begin writing.
He is known for his 1837; “Mirror of the Peasants”. The events in "Mirror of the Peasants" ("Die Leute von Seldwyla") by Jeremias Gotthelf primarily take place in the fictional village of Seldwyla, which is based on rural settings in the Swiss canton of Bern. Gotthelf's novel portrays the everyday life, customs, and challenges of the rural Swiss peasantry during the 19th century. The setting of Seldwyla serves as a microcosm reflecting broader societal and moral issues relevant to the time. Gotthelf is also known for "The Joys and Sorrows of a School-master", 1864, and other fabulous works.
10. Meinrad Inglin
Meinrad Inglin was a Swiss novelist and short-story writer who powerfully portrayed rural and small-town life and values and warned against the influences of modern mass civilization. He was born on 28 July 1893 in Schwyz, Switzerland. He was awarded (1948) the Schiller Prize of the Swiss Schiller Foundation.
His works include Grand Hotel Excelsior (1927), in which events primarily take place in a fictional grand hotel, which is located in a Swiss city or resort town. The novel portrays the interactions and experiences of various guests and staff members within the hotel setting. While the specific location is fictional, it is likely inspired by the luxurious hotels and resort areas found in Switzerland, known for their scenic beauty and hospitality industry. He is also known for Jugend eines Volkes (1933; “Youth of a Nation”), Die graue March (1935; “The Gray March”), Schweizerspiegel (1938; “Mirror of Switzerland”), and other notable Works.
Many of the masterpieces written by these authors vividly depict the details of Swiss life and the country's stunning landscapes. It is even more delightful to learn not only about Switzerland's beautiful places and scenery but also about the rich culture of this remarkable country.
For those eager to explore the enchanting locations featured in their favorite literary works, AlpExcursion provides personalized tours and comfortable transfers. Experience the magic of Switzerland just as it is portrayed in the country's most beloved literature.