Delightful traditions

Although it takes some basic knowledge to understand this game where the nouss disc is shot off the ramp and into the (trapezoidal) playing field, once you understand the rules you will agree that watching the game is even more exciting than reading an Agatha Christie thriller. The batting team has to hit the nouss (a kind of disk or puck) as far as possible into the opponent's area. The defending team has to stop the approaching nouss as soon as possible by using a shingle or catch board. If you would like to learn more about this game you can either watch the outstanding film "Schlagen und Abtun" (strike and bring down) by Norbert Wiedmer or head for Lenk and watch the Hornussen tournament. This will be held in conjunction with the AlpKultur^® Days and will be followed by a party.

Hornussen tournament Lenk

The spectators really do enjoy watching how these bulky males wearing their short Zwilchhosen trousers "lift" each other up so that the losers’ shoulder blades touch the ground. No one knows when and where this typical Swiss wrestling variant took place for the first time. It seems that the sport has always been a part of Swiss life – at least that is what the 13th century depictions of Schwingen wrestling in the cathedral of Lausanne would suggest. Once the sport of shepherds and herdsmen, it is now an integral part of the Swiss sports scene. The numerous competitions – such as those held at Kemmeriboden, considered to be the cradle of the sport – exude a unique atmosphere and attract very varied audiences. Any "boys" and "girls" who are interested in this sport can sign up for one of the introductory courses run by the Bern Cantonal Schwingen Association.

Bernisch Kantonaler Schwingerverband 

No matter whether it is the almost forgotten Gramswürmleni (a pastry baked in fat and resembling a caterpillar), the Gumpesel (a raw sausage with a strong smoke flavour), the famous meringues or the Burrehamme – the culinary specialities on offer in the Region of Bern are just as varied as the landscape. If you would prefer not to just sample these, you can always do so in conjunction with an excursion. For example, you can visit the Emmental and follow the Kambly Experience Tour while on an e-bike. Visit various producers along the way and end your tour at the Kambly factory in Trubschachen.

Experience Emmental tradition