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