The famous and widely attended event is the Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival drawing in excited onlookers to the majestic Queen of the Mountains annually and gaining popularity as a tourist attraction. Traditional cultural events are also an occurrence, on Mount Rigi, during the summer and autumn seasons. Alongside the Rigi Schwing- und Älplerfest these festivities encompass folk music gatherings, alpine horn performances and traditional costume celebrations.
Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival with a long tradition
Every year the wrestlers, alpine shepherds and dairy farmers come together to rejoice in a festival held on the Rigi. The high caliber wrestling event, set against the scenery, along with the vibrant activities, like the alpine procession and stone throwing infuse the occasion with a joyous spirit.

RIGI Schwinget – Swiss Wrestling Festival

RIGI Schwinget – Swiss Wrestling Festival
The Rigi-Schwinget is one of the most famous and popular wrestling festivals in Switzerland and takes place every year in July on Rigi-Staffel.
Wrestling, a time honored tradition involves two competitors grappling in a ring to try and topple their opponent onto their back.
Each year the Rigi Schwinget draws a crowd of onlookers to witness the mountain spectacle. Alongside the competitions there are performances and entertainment. This event holds value in culture and tradition cherished by many both locally and, beyond.
This gathering is made possible through the dedication of volunteers and supporters who uphold the spirit of wrestling.
Featuring a crafted wrestling arena, vibrant atmosphere, thrilling contests, a lively alpine procession and breathtaking vistas the allure of the Queen of the Mountains never fails to captivate thousands of spectators.
Video “Schwingen” 🇨🇭 This sport only exists in Switzerland
Top pairing at the RIGI Schwingfest on July 9, 2023: Wrestling king Joel Wicki against Werner Schlegel. The 26-year-old wrestling king Joel Wicki from Sörenberg in the canton of Lucerne won the 2022 Swiss Wrestling Festival in Pratteln BL.
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Rigi Stone throwing
Throwing stones is an activity where a participant hurls a rock, across a specified distance. It shares similarities, with weightlifting or shot putting. Of using an artificial object the athlete tosses a natural stone.

Stone throwing at the Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival
Stone throwing has its roots in Scotland. Was a feature of Highland Games, which are traditional sporting events, in Scotland. This sport demands not prowess but also precision and technique to hurl the stone accurately over a desired distance.
In Switzerland stone throwing holds a place in the countrys sports culture. It is a feature at local and regional festivities like wrestling festivals, alpine gatherings and other customary celebrations.
The practice of stone pushing in Switzerland is deeply intertwined with the history of the Alpine region showcasing the value of work and mountain activities. Moving objects like stones and tree trunks required both strength and specialized skills.
Today stone throwing continues to be a sport in Switzerland, with numerous local and national competitions taking place regularly. The country hosts championships well as global competitions dedicated to this unique athletic pursuit.
It is not possible to say exactly when these festivals were held on Mount Rigi. However, the first documented record is from 1601, when the Sennegesellschaft Arth paid out 8.9 guilders for wrestling, stone throwing, running and jumping.
At the Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival, the 50 kg stone is used to launch from the stand so that there are no discussions about the run-up lane. The qualification takes place at 1.00 pm. The best six stone throwers then compete in the final after the fifth round on the wrestling ground.
Video Rigi Stone Throwing
Experience the old Swiss tradition of stone throwing…
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Nostalgia Alpine Parade at Rigi Wrestling Festival

Rigi-Schwingfest-Alphorn

Rigi-Schwingfest-Alpumzug

Rigi-Schwingfest-Alpumzug
The Alpine parade is an important tradition at the Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival and is a highlight of the event.
The Alpine parade symbolizes the traditional route of the Alpine dairies in spring, when the cows are brought from the valleys to the Alps. During the alpine procession, the wielders wear their typical costumes and often carry a cowbell. The procession is accompanied by alphorn players playing traditional alpine music.
The Alpaufzug has an important symbolic meaning and is intended to emphasize the values of tradition and connection with nature. It is also an opportunity for the wrestlers to demonstrate their strength and stamina, as they often have to carry heavy alpine costumes and other objects.
After the fourth course, cattle and alpine equipment are presented in a 10-minute parade on and next to the wrestling arena as part of the traditional alpine parade.
Video of the Alpine procession on the Rigi
Alpine procession on Mount Rigi is an important part of Swiss culture and tradition…
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Whip Cracking at the Rigi Wrestling and Alpine Festival
After the alpine parade and the alphorn blowing in the afternoon of the Rigi-Schwingfest, the Geisslechlöpfen traditionally takes place.
“Geisslechlöpfen” is a Swiss German term referring to a traditional Swiss custom involving the cracking of a whip. In English, it can be translated as “whip cracking” or “whip snapping.” This activity is often performed in a celebratory or festive context, and it is a traditional skill that is sometimes demonstrated during events or festivals in Switzerland.
This custom is practiced during the Rigi Wrestling Festival, which takes place every year. The Geisslechlöpfen is a fascinating spectacle that impresses spectators with its acoustic effect and adds to the festive atmosphere of the event. It is an important part of regional traditions and attracts both locals and visitors.
Video Whip Cracking on the Rigi
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