The Wrestling Festival Survival Kit: Well-equipped for the Swiss Wrestling Festival
20.8.2019
Translation: machine translated
Wrestling has its own peculiarities, in the sawdust circle as well as in the stands and in the marquee. I have put together a few essential things so that you don't feel like an absolute beginner when you travel to the Swiss National Championships in Zug. The survival kit from the first swing to the final round.
While you are denied access to football stadiums if you only have a hip flask with you, there is a picnic atmosphere at swing festivals. You can take cool white wine, a thermos flask of coffee and schnapps for the "Kaffi Güx" with you without hesitation. And a good Swiss man always carries a pocket knife with him. No problem at all. On request, the people in charge say: [[pullquote: There are generally no rucksack or trouser bag checks at Swiss wrestling festivals. Spectators are therefore also allowed to take a pocket knife into the arena. This is the way it is and has always been.]]
In contrast, umbrellas and parasols are prohibited. They would obscure the view of the other spectators.
Swing festival kit
** The rucksack **
You travel to a wrestling festival by public transport. After all, Switzerland's national pride is its impeccable public transport system. From early in the morning, special trains run from all directions to the Swiss Wrestling Festival in Zug. This is also for your safety: Kaffi Lutz, beer and white wine are staples at the Schwingfest. So that you don't end up in a coma, you should also have a Rivella in between. Stow the food, weather protection and accessories you bring with you in a rucksack. To avoid standing out, I recommend the colour military green. Alternatively, opt for the outdoor backpack type (light and functional). Leave your "Fjallräven" and your clutch at home! The Schwingfest is not a catwalk, but a sporting event with a traditional (i.e. military) character.
** The catering **
A wrestling festival is to be attended from the "Anschwingen" in the morning to the "Schlussgang" in the late afternoon. On the one hand, you have paid for your day ticket, on the other hand, a full-day visit shows respect for the athletes. There is a hearty lunch break, which you can use for refreshments in one of the festival pubs. Typical Swiss dishes such as "Hörnli mit Ghacktem" or "Wurst-Käse-Salat" can be found on the menu as well as exotic dishes such as a "Pizza Diavola". In the stands, however, catering is the responsibility of the visitors. Bring a thermos flask for your morning coffee. Later in the day, you should top up your coffee with some distilled water for the sake of cheerfulness. A Pflümli from the Etter distillery in Zug seems appropriate here, as this year's festival is taking place just a few kilometres from the distillery. The noble distillate needs to be poured into a hip flask to save space.
After a few coffees, as lunchtime approaches, open a bottle of white wine you've brought with you. By this point, you've probably already made contact with the people sitting next to you. Talking shop about "Wyberhaagge", "Brienzer" and "Gstellti" goes better with a tongue wet with white wine. Sharing and toasting with the neighbours also cements the newly formed friendship.
I recommend cervelat, mustard and Bürli as a snack, which is why you should also carry a roast in your rucksack. The pocket knife is for slicing the Cervelat and uncorking the white wine.
** The most important accessory **
In order to be able to observe what is happening in the sawdust circles from a greater distance, you need binoculars. They should be as light as possible and offer a magnification of six to ten times. The Kern 8x30 army binoculars, which are "resistant to all kinds of environmental influences", as the advertising brochure states, are practical here. Unfortunately, the Kern company closed its doors 28 years ago, which is why you have to rely on military liquidations. You can find more modern alternatives in our shop.
** Protection from external influences **
Functional clothing that is suitable for the weather is a matter of course at the Confederation. A fishing cap protects you from the sun all round. If it rains, the Swiss army's rain cap is a fashionable evergreen (or rather ever-four-fruit) at Swiss wrestling festivals. An alternative is available in our shop in the slightly more striking colour blue.
The hearing protection is specific to the Schwingfest in Zug. It can be used from 9.30 am on Sunday. That's when the "Büezer Buben" living prizes will present their Schwingfest song.
With these products, I feel I'm well prepared for Sunday's Swiss Swing Festival. However, I don't consider this buying guide to be complete. If I have forgotten any essential products, please feel free to leave me a comment.
All images copyright: Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival 2019 Zug
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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