Forget football, tennis or Formula 1. Switzerland has its own national sporting obsession, and it involves throwing your opponent into a ring of sawdust while dressed in sturdy canvas breeches. Schwingen, the country's traditional Alpine wrestling discipline, may look unusual to newcomers, but it remains one of Switzerland's most beloved sports and a proud symbol of rural heritage.

On 13 and 14 June, that uniquely Swiss spectacle comes to Gstaad as the Oberland Alpine Wrestling Festival brings some of the region's best competitors together for a weekend of competition and celebration. Whether you are a lifelong fan or entirely new to the sport, the event offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Switzerland's most cherished traditions.

The Oberland Alpine Wrestling Festival, which will take place in Gstaad on 13 and 14 June, is promising a weekend filled with living Swiss tradition. The highlight is Sunday's festival, where some of the sport's top competitors will face off in the sawdust ring. Among those registered are leading wrestlers Adrian Walther, Fabian Staudenmann and Michael Moser. Tickets are still available via the festival website.

The festivities begin on Friday with the opening of the Gabentempel, the traditional prize exhibition where visitors can admire the impressive gifts on display for the competitors. Guests are then invited to round off the day at the after-work bar with beer and grilled sausages.

On Saturday, the next generation takes centre stage as young wrestlers demonstrate their skills in the sawdust ring. In the evening, visitors can enjoy traditional Swiss folk music from the groups Augenschmaus, Bärner Ländlers and Ländlerfründe Walopsee.

Sunday belongs to the elite wrestlers, known in Swiss wrestling circles as the "Bösen" (the strongest competitors). The first bouts begin at 8am. With more than 70 crowned wrestlers, including around a dozen participants who have competed at the prestigious Federal Wrestling and Alpine Festival, from the cantons of Bern, Vaud and Glarus, spectators can look forward to a highly competitive event.

The festival programme will be accompanied by performances from the Lauenen Yodelling Club, the Harmonie Saanen Brass Band, the Gstaad Alphorn Group and the Ueli Perreten folk music ensemble. Another highlight will be the official festival ceremony, taking place between the fifth and sixth rounds of competition.

Following the prize-giving ceremony, the celebrations will continue with live music and bar service.

The official festival guide will soon be available in digital format and can be downloaded via the website or directly at the event. Tickets and further information are available at www.osfgstaad.ch.