Unspunnen Festival Interlaken

What began in 1805 as a festival of reconciliation between urban and rural populations is today probably the largest gathering of traditional culture. The last Unspunnen Festival took place in 2017, when around 90'000 fans of traditional customs gathered in Interlaken for the ultimate in folklore celebrations. A week packed with traditions, countrywomen and shepherds, Swiss Alpine Wrestlers, stone throwers, marksmen and Hornussen puck throwers, alphorn players and flag twirlers, folk musicians and choir singers, traditional costume dancers and yodellers, tambourines and whistles as well as many other "traditional gems". Don’t miss the grand finale: a parade through Interlaken and the closing ceremony.

Between 1798 and 1803, Switzerland had a French-style state system. In this "Helvetic Republic", where town and country were on an equal footing and the monopoly of the guilds was broken, the Bernese Oberland operated as an independent canton. With his 1803 Act of Mediation, Napoleon attempted to stabilise a politically sensitive situation, dominated by coup d'état and the struggle between Unitarians (proponents of the unitary state) and federalists. This had particularly drastic consequences for the rural areas of the former city cantons: the Bernese Oberland lost its canton status and its political weight shifted significantly in favour of the urban population. This was unpopular, especially in the Bödeli. In this tense situation, the Bern government and its representatives in the Oberland tried hard to avoid unrest and uprisings. The idea for a joint celebration, in a spirit of cooperation between city and countryside, came just at the right time. The first Unspunnen Festival was held in 1805 on the Unspunnenwiese by the Unspunnen ruins.

Along with the Unspunnen Festival, the Unspunnen Wrestling Festival, featuring 120 of the finest Swiss alpine wrestlers, is also a must. The Unspunnen Wrestling Festival was established in 1981, and is a federal event held every six years. Watch as Swiss strongmen compete in "Hoselupf” Swiss wrestling in the sawdust ring and enjoy the unique atmosphere with a traditional sausage, "Chäsbrätel" (cheese on toast) and beer. The next Swiss Alpine Wrestling Festival will be held on the Höhematte on Sunday 27 August 2023.

The Unspunnen Traditional Swiss Costume and Alpine Shepherds Organisation is looking forward to the eleventh edition of the Unspunnen Festival in 2029. Wait and see what they delights they have in store for the next festival of living traditions.