Spring in canton Valais is the time for a unique series of events—the “Eringer Ringkuhkämpfe,” a series of “cow fights” to determine which of the Eringer cows will be crowned “Queen of the Queens.” The Eringer cows (Hérens in French) are a breed of cattle named after the Val d’Hérens region of Switzerland. It is in the nature of these hardy, horned, reddish-black or brown alpine cows to fight. In spring or early summer, when they are led to their alpine meadows, they naturally joust until the alpha is determined—the Queen.

The farmers of the Valais play on this natural behavior of the cows and organize battles for the Queens. These cow fights were originally organized as an event for the farmers’ families but since the 1920s, they have gained popularity, drawing in as many as 50,000 spectators each year. For the cows, it’s all about hierarchy. For the farmer, their alpha cow is the “Queen of the summer.”

While the naturally combative, muscular Eringer cows attack each other and collide with their heads and horns, these fights have nothing in common with the Spanish Corridas (bull fights). The duels are not forced and the cows aren’t usually trained to attack their fellow cows. They fight with determination but don’t shed blood. Injuries rarely happen. And sometimes one of the beasts just doesn’t feel like fighting—it will just stand in the ring and not bother. Nevertheless, it’s impressive to watch when the 600-kilogram heavy colossi match their strength. While winning increases the value of an Eringer cow, the jousts are meant to promote the breed, and the farmers take a lot of pride in owning the Queen.

What are the rules?

The cows are put into five categories, depending on their weight or age. Up to 20 cows are led into the arena, where they choose their adversary. Herders ensure that only two cows cross horns at a time. They keep fighting until one of the two decides to turn away and surrender. The winner then looks for the next opponent. If a cow loses three times, they have to abandon the ring (a refusal to engage is also considered a loss). When there are only six animals left in the arena, the procedure changes, and every cow has to fight all the others. The one who defeats all of her opponents is the winner and will be the Queen. The victory increases her value tenfold!

When and where do the “Ringkuhkämpfe” take place?

The competitions begin in autumn, with bouts to select the most seasoned Queens. These animals then participate in the spring bouts from March to the end of April of the following year. The competition culminates in a grand finale in early May in Aproz (near Sion), which has developed into a national folk festival for locals and tourists alike, where thousands of people gather around the arena for a weekend to witness the crowning of the “Queen of Queens.” This year’s bouts begin towards the end of March; the final takes place on the weekend of May 9 and 10

March 22:  Pied-du-Château Cooperative Fight. The first Queen fight of the 2026 season is organized by the Pied-du-Château cooperative, at the amphitheater in Martigny. It is the first qualifying match of spring 2026, and the organizers look forward to welcoming you there. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/de/seiten/kampfe/fruhling-2026/ringkuhkampf-der-genossenschaft-von-pied-du-chateau-363297

March 29: Ringkuhkampf der Zukunft (Cow wrestling of the future). No union has agreed to organize a competition on this day, so a new concept will be tested. This competition will focus primarily on the cows and simplifies everything that can be simplified. Catering, which normally requires a lot of infrastructure and many volunteers, will be provided by food trucks. This edition will be held in Pra Bardy and will serve as a test competition. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/combats/printemps-2025/combat-du-syndicat-de-vex-350218

April 6: Augstbord-Alpe Ginals Cooperative Fight. The Alpe Ginals Unterbäch, under the patronage of the Augstbord cooperative, is organizing the VIFRA cow fight in Goler. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/combats/printemps-2025/combat-qualificatif-du-syndicat-de-saas-staldenried-350215

April 11 and 12: Vollèges Cooperative Fight. The Eringer breed association of Vollèges invites you to an exceptional weekend dedicated to the queens of their mountains. The event takes place in Le Châble and offers a rich program of traditions and festivities for all those who are passionate about Valais culture. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults, CHF 10 for youths and students, or CHF 35 which includes entrance and a raclette meal.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/combats/printemps-2025/combat-qualificatif-du-syndicat-de-sembrancher-350214

April 19: Dala-Varneralpe Cooperative Fight. The Varneralpe, under the patronage of the Dala cooperative, is organizing the Upper Valais spring cow fighting in Goler. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/combats/printemps-2025/combat-du-syndicat-de-viege-brigue-350211

April 26: Cooperatives of the Haut Val d’Hérens Fight. The Hérens breeding syndicates of the Haut Val d’Hérens (La Sage, Les Haudères, St-Martin, and Evolène) and the “La Maison des Reines” Association are joining forces to organize this qualifying queen fight. This is the last fight before the National Final and takes place at the Hérens Arena in Les Haudères. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/combats/printemps-2025/combat-des-syndicats-du-haut-val-d-herens-350208

May 9-10: National Finals. The 2026 National Final of the Hérens Race fights will be held on this weekend at the famous Pra Bardy Arena in Sion. After fiercely contested qualifying rounds and numerous queens advancing to the National Final, more than 15,000 people will witness the coronation of the Queen of Queens! The fights will start on both days at 9:00 and continue in the afternoon after a lunch break. The finals are expected to run until about 19:00 on Sunday, depending on the duration and intensity of the fights. The friendly atmosphere of the village area with craft stalls, local produce, and a dedicated children’s area with trampolines and two bouncy castles will keep families happy all day. For Saturday, tickets are CHF 20 (standing) and CHF 35 (seats) for adults and CHF 10 for youths and students. On Sunday, tickets are CHF 40-50 for seats and CHF 25 for standing room for adults, and CHF 10 for youths and students.
https://www.raceherenstour.ch/fr/pages/infos-pratiques/infos-pratiques-283656

So if you would like to experience some traditional Swiss culture, plan a trip to Valais this spring to attend one of the public jousts in an authentic, traditional, and friendly atmosphere that highlights the local traditions and products of each region.

https://www.raceherenstour.ch/de

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