Newly Swissed Online Magazine

The American dream is alive in Horizonville, Switzerland

Copyright Yann Gross

If the American dream was ever alive, it would be in Horizonville, Switzerland.

This enclave in the Rhone Valley is located amidst popular sights but remains hidden from the view of tourists. And just from looking at it, Horizonville might as well be located in the heartland of the United States.

While most of its residents have never traveled abroad, they have created a world based on their imagination of how life in the United States might be.

In 2005, photographer Yann Gross set out to document this unique community. By traveling through the valley on a motorbike, Gross was able to sync with the residents and their unique lifestyles. Rather than zipping from one sight to another, the photographer embraced the slow pace and documented various community events, architecture, and artifacts.

I am very glad to have discovered his true work of art and appreciate the exclusive opportunity, with the permission of the photographer, to introduce it to our community.

Can you believe that the Horizonville photographs were actually taken in Switzerland?

Copyright Yann Gross
Copyright Yann Gross
Copyright Yann Gross
Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland

The Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland

  • Swiss public transport and must-see experiences
  • How to save money in Switzerland
  • Paperback, EN, 288 pages

A bible for residents and tourists in Switzerland. Filled to the brim with expert advice.

Dimitri Burkhard

As the founder, editor, and community manager of Newly Swissed, Dimitri owns the strategic vision. He is passionate about storytelling and is a member of Swiss Travel Communicators. Dimitri loves discovering new trends and covers architecture, design, start-ups and tourism.

12 comments

  • Dimitri,

    I got a good laugh at the pictures. Seems like more of a western theme than a mid-west area. The gorilla slide is the best! I haven’t found one in Columbus yet, but will keep looking!

    Jack

  • It’s amazing how those people live and look like Americans. If I do remember correctly there are Swiss or Americans in the United States who live like in Switzerland with their specific food and traditions.
    The fascination appears to attract people and let them feel proud of their represented country.

  • Dimitri,
    Love the pics! Especially the guy sitting in a lawn chair, beer in hand, belt undone and pants open…looks just like me on a hor summer Saturday afternoon! But the guy on the “scooter-bike” would get the crap beat out of him if he parked at a biker bar though!

  • Yes, way cool! I live part-time in Montreux VD and go by Horizonville quite frequently. It’s a blast: everything is authenic (kind of), even the food at Roth’s Western Restaurant
    is crummy, just like in the goode olde US of A!

    I’m loving it! Git back on the hoss quick, pardner, and try it fer yoreself, y’hear?

  • I have a gorilla slide in my back yard, most people in America do, don’t you know that!

  • Where exactly can I find Horizonville? I am going to drive thgough the area in a few days and I am very curious to see!

    • Horizonville objects are somewhere in the Rhone valley, possibly in the region near Sion. I was unable to make out a specific town where Yann Gross has discovered these artifacts… Good luck!

  • […] Hold the phone you guys, some dude created a town in Switzerland based on how he thought it would be to live in America. I’ve heard of this before and have wanted to visited but I’m going to live vicariously through Dimitri’s (from Newly Swissed) visit instead. This is so hilarious! And freaks me out! See more (crazy) pics at Newly Swissed. […]

Dimitri Burkhard

Download our e-book: 77 Facts about Switzerland

86 Shares
Share68
Tweet4
Share
Pin14
WhatsApp