Switzerland’s One-of-a-Kind Sports
Beyond Skiing: The Traditional Sports of Switzerland Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: November 13, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer When most people think of Swiss sports, skiing and snowboarding instantly come to mind, and rightly so, given the country's alpine terrain. However, Switzerland’s sporting culture goes far beyond the slopes. The Swiss have a rich history of unique, traditional sports that reflect their rugged landscapes, agricultural heritage, and community spirit. Here are some of the most notable sports found only in Switzerland. Schwingen – Swiss Wrestling with a Twist Schwingen, often called “Swiss wrestling,” is perhaps the country’s most iconic traditional sport. Dating back to the 13th century, this rustic form of wrestling was originally practiced by farmers and herdsmen in the Alpine regions. Today, it has grown into a national symbol of Swiss identity. Competitors wear special wrestling breech...