Sport and leisure

Sport plays an important part in the everyday lives of people in Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the sportiest countries in Europe, with 75% of the population practising a sport. Switzerland invests a great deal in sport, ranking among the most successful sporting nations despite its small size.

The Swiss national team celebrating their victory against reigning world champions France in the EURO round of 16.
Football is Switzerland's favourite sport, and the success of the Swiss national team at EURO 2020 has made it more popular than ever. © Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott

The Swiss love their sport, especially outdoor pursuits. About 75% of people in Switzerland regularly practise a sport. Sport plays an important role in Switzerland. Tertiary education opportunities in this sector are numerous and characteristic of the Swiss education system. There are some 25 courses of study dedicated to sport, health or movement sciences. Sports students have the choice of eight institutions – seven universities and one university of applied sciences.  Switzerland is among the top ten medal-winning nations at the Winter Olympics and among the top 25 at the Summer Olympic Games.

Football, skiing and ice hockey are Switzerland's favourite sports. While football is one of the most practised and most-watched sports, during the winter months many people head to the piste for Switzerland's national sport, skiing. Swiss ice hockey is also guaranteed to fill stadiums.

Switzerland is famous for tennis thanks to the successes of its tennis stars, but other disciplines such as Swiss wrestling, equestrian sports and shooting are equally popular. The Swiss landscape lends itself to a plethora of other outdoor pursuits.

Tertiary education opportunities in this sector are numerous and characteristic of the Swiss education system. There are some 25 courses of study dedicated to sport, health or movement sciences. Sports students have the choice of eight institutions – seven universities and one university of applied sciences.

Sport and leisure – facts and figures

The Swiss love their sport, especially outdoor pursuits.

National sports

The most popular sports in Switzerland are football, skiing and ice hockey. They attract thousands of spectators.

Other sports and leisure pursuits

Outdoor pursuits are very popular in Switzerland, especially cycling and hiking. Swiss tennis is famous for its star players, but it is not the only sport played at a high level in Switzerland.