Published25 September 2024, 15:14
Own CurrencyGersau residents want nothing to do with the Swiss Franc
For a long time, Gersau was considered a republic. Even today, its residents lead an independent life to some extent. In the community, one can pay with the Gersauer Gulden – even in the Volg store.
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Since 2014, one can pay in the municipality of Gersau with the Gersauer Gulden.
It is accepted in both the beauty salon and the pizzeria or at Volg.
The Gersauer Gulden is meant to remind of the time of the Gersauer Republic. Other memorabilia are also sold.
A user on Reddit is surprised about a Republic-Gersau sticker. Other users are in the know: “Gersau was a long-independent place that was not part of the Confederation.”
Adrian Nigg, who offers city tours in Gersau, agrees with the users and explains: “It is true that the Republic of Gersau existed alongside the Confederation.” The Gersauer explains that in 1433 Gersau was declared a republic by Emperor Sigismund. Today, there is its own currency in the district: the Gersauer Gulden.
Restaurant, Hotel, Volg – all accept it
The small place in the canton of Schwyz has developed a local currency to commemorate its unique history: “Since 2014, one can pay with the Gersauer Gulden in restaurants, hotels, at the hairdresser, in the beauty salon, and in the local Volg,” Gersau Tourism shares upon request.
Ten Gersauer Gulden correspond to ten Francs.
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In the local pizzeria, 24-year-old Christian confirms: “One can also pay with Gulden in our pizzeria, and this is done regularly,” he reports.
The Gulden is sold through the tourism office in Gersau, and their website states: “The Gulden is recognized throughout the entire region of the old republic,” ten Gersauer Gulden have a value equivalent to ten Francs.
No fear of counterfeiting
“You cannot take the Gulden to the bank,” explains a spokesperson from Gersau Tourism to 20 Minutes. Therefore, the local currency must be spent at local businesses. The demand is such that new ones had to be produced: “Many keep the Gulden as souvenirs,” Gersau Tourism further states. The residents of Gersau are not worried about possible counterfeiting.
The Bakery Café Rathaus is happy about the local trade.
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The hotels would buy bread from the bakery with Gulden, the employees of the bakery reveal: “This way the money stays in the village and it promotes local trade,” says a saleswoman.
“The hotels buy bread from the bakery with Gersauer Gulden.”
Local business
The Federal Department of Finance states that the existence of alternative currencies is possible: “No authorization needs to be obtained from the federal authorities,” says Michel Girord in response to 20 Minutes.
Independence is highly valued
Today, the Republic of Gersau exists only on stickers or other promotional items. The tourism office of Gersau shares: “The items reflect the pride in the long-standing independence and freedom of the residents of Gersau.”
The coat of arms of the Republic of Gersau resembles that of Ticino. Besides the sticker, Gersau Tourism also sells number plates of the Republic of Gersau.
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The sticker that sparked the discussion is a testament to independence and recalls the coat of arms of Ticino. Nigg clarifies that the coat of arms is not connected to the canton of Ticino or FC Basel.
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