Schwingen: The Swiss National Sport | Josef Buergi

Schwingen: The Swiss National Sport
By Josef Buergi

“Legend has it that the sport originated in the Alpine region, where shepherds would compete to showcase their physical strength and agility.”
-Josef Buergi

Switzerland, a country renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and precision engineering, is also home to a unique national sport known as Schwingen. This traditional Swiss wrestling style has captivated the Swiss people’s hearts for centuries, symbolizing their national identity, strength, and camaraderie.

Schwingen, also known as Swiss wrestling, dates back to the early 19th century and is deeply rooted in Switzerland’s rural traditions. Legend has it that the sport originated in the Alpine region, where shepherds would compete to showcase their physical strength and agility. Over time, Schwingen evolved into a formalized wrestling discipline, gaining popularity among the Swiss population.

“Schwingen holds immense cultural significance in Switzerland. It embodies the nation’s values of fair competition, respect, and physical prowess.”
-Josef Buergi

Schwingen is characterized by its unique set of rules and techniques. The objective of the sport is to force an opponent to touch their back or shoulder to the ground. Matches take place on a circular sawdust-filled ring known as the “sägemehl,” which provides traction and absorbs impact during bouts. Competitors wear traditional wrestling attire, consisting of a pair of breeches made from jute or canvas and a shirt that allows them to grip their opponent more effectively.
Schwingen holds immense cultural significance in Switzerland. It embodies the nation’s values of fair competition, respect, and physical prowess.

The sport brings communities together as spectators gather to witness and celebrate the skill and strength of the wrestlers. Schwingen festivals, known as “Schwingfests,” are held throughout the country, attracting participants and spectators from all walks of life. These events showcase the deep-rooted traditions, attire, and customs associated with Schwingen, further strengthening the sense of Swiss identity and pride.

“The Schwingen festivals events showcase the deep-rooted traditions, attire, and customs associated with Schwingen, further strengthening the sense of Swiss identity and pride.”
-Josef Buergi

Josef Buergi

Born in 1965 in Stans, Switzerland, Josef Buergi started around 2000 with photography. He studied engineering at the Bale Institute of Technology and now works full-time as a project and team leader for the local government.
As a pure autodidact, he developed the knowledge by himself but also by studying the masters. His music photography, together with travel, have become two of his life’s passions.
His photography focuses on music, culture, landscapes, and wildlife, images that reflect a spatial and temporal journey through life. He seeks the quiet moments and the light in whatever context he finds himself. He is an eclectic photographer who enjoys diversity in his imagery. Hence, his images range from travel to landscapes and portraits. He believes that photography can capture those inimitable moments and empower us to make a positive change in our world. Through his travels, he has developed his own photographic style.

See the full article in Lens Magazine Issue #108