Schlundleisten

Schlundleisten, also known as "Schlunz" or "Schlunzlaufen," is a traditional Alpine sport that involves sliding down a frozen river or stream on a wooden sled called a "Schlunzel." The sport originated in the Swiss Alps and has since spread to other regions with similar topography. Participants, known as "Schlunzler," typically wear traditional Alpine attire, including a hat, scarf, and gloves, to protect against the cold.

The Schlunzel is a simple sled made from a single piece of wood, usually around 1.5 to 2 meters in length and 0.5 to 0.7 meters in width. It is designed to be lightweight and smooth, allowing for a fast and efficient descent. The Schlunzel is typically pulled by a horse or a team of horses, with the rider controlling the speed and direction by adjusting the reins.

Schlundleisten is a popular winter sport in the Swiss Alps, with many villages and towns hosting annual competitions and events. The sport requires a good level of physical fitness and skill, as well as a strong understanding of the terrain and weather conditions. In recent years, Schlundleisten has gained popularity in other regions, including Austria and Germany, where similar frozen rivers and streams can be found.

Despite its growing popularity, Schlundleisten remains a niche sport, with only a small number of participants and enthusiasts. However, it continues to be an important part of Alpine culture and tradition, and is an important source of income for many local communities. In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and promote Schlundleisten, including the establishment of a national Schlunzel museum in Switzerland.