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 10 and 11.

March 23: Chermignon-Montana Union Fight. The first Queen fight of the 2025 season will take place in the Arène de Chermignon on this Sunday. In a festive and friendly atmosphere, you can admire these exceptional beasts in full demonstration of strength and character, while discovering the cultural and gastronomic richness of the region. With captivating fights, entertainment for everyone, and stalls showcasing local products, this day promises to be unforgettable. The qualifying fights start at 8:45, and after a break for lunch, resumes again at 13:00 until the winner of the day’s battle is decided. Music and entertainment complete the day. 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-chermignon-montana-350209

March 30: Vex Syndicate Fight. For the second spring fight of the Race d’Hérens Tour 2025, the Syndicat de Vex will welcome you to the Arena of Pra Bardy in Sion on this Sunday. 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: Saas-Staldenried Union Qualifying Match. The third spring race of the 2025 Race d’Hérens Tour will take place on the first Sunday in April, at the Arena du Goler in Raron. 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 12-13: Sembrancher Union Qualifying Fight. The Sembrancher Hérens Breeding Association invites you to an exceptional weekend dedicated to the Queens of their mountains. The event will be held in Le Châble, offering a program rich in traditions and festivities for all those passionate about Valais culture. The first fights start at 9:00 on both Saturday and Sunday. There will be music and dancing, raclette, and plenty of regional foods. 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 21: Fight of the Visp-Brig Union. The Vifra qualifying Queen fight will take place as usual on Easter Monday,. Organized by the Visp-Brig association, it will take place in the Goler arena in Raron. Second-place calves, first-place calves, and heifers will compete. 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 27: Battle of the Unions of the Haut Val d’Hérens. 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 10-11: National Finals. The 2025 National Final of the Hérens Race fights will be held on this weekend at the famous Pra Bardy Arena in Sion. 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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