Schwingen

Swiss folk wrestling in shorts over trousers — pin both shoulders to sawdust to win.

👥1 per team🌤outdoor

What is Schwingen?

Schwingen is a folk wrestling style from the Swiss Alps, contested in a sawdust ring. Wrestlers wear canvas shorts (Schwingerhosen) over their trousers, which grips must be taken through. A bout ends when both shoulder blades touch the sawdust simultaneously. The Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest, held every three years, is the sport's summit.

Quick facts

Category

Combat Sports

Type

Individual

Players

1 per team

Where played

outdoor

Country of origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Estimated origin

Historical Alpine Switzerland; national federation founded 1895

Olympic

No

Popularity

regional

Sources & provenance

Last verified 2026-08-20.verified