Updated: 25th August 2022

There is a buzz of excitement and anticipation around the country as the Eidgenössische Schwing- and Älplerfest, Switzerland’s largest sporting event, draws near.

Over the fourth weekend in August, more than 330,000 fans will descend to the village of Pratteln in Baselland  (in Zug in 2019) for a weekend of Swiss Wrestling, Stone-Throwing and cultural events. While  56,000 are lucky enough to hold a ticket, the rest are just here for the party.

Up for experiencing your first Eidgenössische? Here are some of the most asked questions answered to help guide you through the weekend festivities. For more specifics on the sport of Schwingen, pop over and read this post.

Everything you need to know about the Eidgenössischer Schwingfest

What is the Eidgenössischer Schwing- and Älplerfest?

I guess you could call the Eidgenössische the Olympics for the Swiss wrestling world, just more “urchig” and “bodenständig” (down to earth). Every three years the best of the best from the Swiss Schwingen world (swiss wrestling) come together to battle it out for the title of Schwingerkönig (Swiss wrestling King). But it is more than just Schwingen. It is a party for the people – with a parade, concerts and not forgetting the stone-throwing competition.

Where and when is the fest?

The next Eidgenössische Schwing- and Älplerfest is 26th -28th August 2022 in Pratteln.

The festival opens on Friday with speeches, a parade and concerts, with the actual wrestling competition beginning early on Saturday morning. The festival will finish late Sunday night when the athletes can finally let their hair down too.

Zug hosted the event for the third time in 2019, and we had a blast, this time it’s Pratteln in Baselland’s turn.

How many athletes are participating?

There are 274 Schwinger from not just Switzerland but also overseas who have qualified for the event.

Who are the favourites to win?

Will it be sympathetic and favourite to win is Giger, Samuel who will take out the title? Or perhaps the central Switzerland favourite and runner-up from 2019 Wickie Joel? Locals of Zug will cheer on Reichmut, Pirmin and as the returning champion Stucki, Christian will be tough competition. Here, you can view a list with photos of this year’s top favourites. 

But at an Eidgenössische, thanks to its 2-day competition and media pressure, it is common for an outsider to take out the title. So don’t discount the underdog!

Where can I get tickets?

Unfortunately, the festival is entirely sold out, with tickets, even for locals tough to acquire. BUT missing out on tickets doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the action. There is plenty is going on outside the arena to make a visit worth it, and best of all it’s free.

Watch the matches inside the main arena live at the public viewing area. There are also three party areas with stages and free concerts. You will find stalls full of cultural merchandise and plenty of food stands. And don’t forget that the Stone-throwing event (except for the final) is held outside the stadium in a non-ticketing location.

You can view a map here. 

What are the highlights?

The festival begins at 11 am on Friday and continues until Sunday at 10 pm (check out the entire programme here) including the following highlights:

• View the prizes in the Gabentempel where the winners can choose their prizes. There is everything from the 1st place bull to whirlpools and bells.
• The Hornüsse (another traditional swiss event) competition starts on Friday
• Watch the parade on Friday at 2 pm.
• On both Friday and Saturday nights enjoy the live concerts in one of the three party areas
• Saturday at 7:30 am the Athletes are welcomed into the Arena (ticketed), and the National Anthem of Switzerland is sung. For those without tickets, watch from the public viewing or live on Swiss TV
• Watch the Steinstossen from Saturday on the Festplatz West
• Watch the battle for the title of Schwingerkönig on Sunday at 16.45 either the public viewing or live on Swiss TV

What should I eat and drink?

While there are many food stands selling everything from sausages to beer, what many inside the stadium will enjoy is a good cheese and cured meat platter they prepare right there in their seats. Yup, a sporting festival that lets you bring in your swiss army knife to cut up salami and cheese while you spend the day enjoying the wrestling.

A very popular drink at a Schwingfest is apple cider called Most, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

How can I support the Schwingfest?

Well, first of all, come and join in on the fun! And then buy an Abzeichnung (pin) which you can purchase for 10chf.

How do I get there?

Please, don’t come by car.

With so many people expected the only way to come to this event is by public transport. So check your SBB app for more detaiös

Anything else good to know

• Expect big crowds and make sure you keep your little people close to you. Better yet, write your mobile number on their arm and prepare them just in case they get lost.
• A Schwingfest isn’t a dressy occasion – come casually dressed or why not pull on an Edelweiss shirt. Don’t have one? Check out Migros, Märithüssli, or at the event, there will be stalls selling them!
• Not close by? You can watch the whole event live on Swiss TV or the SRF website.