The Race d'Hérens - Get Inspired

The Race d’Hérens is one of Switzerland’s most fascinating cultural traditions. Herens are a medium-sized breed of cattle named after the Val d’Hérens region of Switzerland. In this post, we’ll explore the rich history of the Tour Race d’Hérens, along with its unique characteristics, where to go and what to see, and share some interesting facts about the spectacular Race d’Hérens Tour.

The fascinating Race d'Hérens

The Race d’Hérens centres around the Hérens cattle breed. This is a unique breed indigenous to the Valais region of Switzerland. These medium-sized cattle have a muscular build and a coat that is typically dark brown or black. One of their most distinctive features is their lyre-shaped horns.

Hérens cows have an interesting temperament with combative behaviour, especially among females. This unique trait is not induced but is a natural part of their social structure. They naturally take part in head-to-head pushing contests to establish hierarchy within the herd. These innate battles have created the traditional cow-fighting events known as the “Combat de Reine” (Queen’s Fight).

The Hérens breed is very important in Swiss culture. Farmers in the Valais region have raised these cattle for centuries. They are a fundamental figure of the Swiss Alps.

Source: www.raceherenstour.ch

The history of the Race d'Hérens: A Swiss tradition

Hérens cattle were and still are the backbone of Alpine agriculture. Farmers rely on them for their rich milk to make some of the best cheeses in the world and for their meat. These cattle are also strong and hard workers, which makes them ideal for farming and agriculture. Their ability to navigate steep mountain paths has made them ideal for ploughing fields and transporting goods.

The Race d’Hérens has deep roots in the natural temperament of these cattle. Every spring, as the snow melts and the pastures grow, farmers would lead their herds to higher elevations. When the cows meet on these shared grazing grounds, they naturally fight head-to-head to establish dominance and social hierarchy within the herd.

This is what started the long-standing tradition. By 1923, the first organised cow fight took place in the town of Martigny, marking the official beginning of the Race d’Hérens as a spectator event.

Characteristics of the d'Hérens Cattle

The Hérens cattle are known to be muscular, with dark brown-red to black coats. Their most distinctive feature is the elegant horns that curve upwards. These cows can navigate steep mountain slopes easily and are ideal for grazing the Alpine valleys. As these cattle love to compete for dominance, consequently, Hérens cattle have become symbols of strength and cultural pride in Swiss society.

Source: www.raceherenstour.ch

The Tour de la Race d'Hérens: Competition and spectacle

The Race d’Hérens Tour is an exciting series of events that demonstrates the best of the Hérens cattle. It’s structured as a circuit of competitions that are held in various towns. The tour does not take place in one day but rather typically spans from late spring to early autumn, ending in a grand national final. Key locations for battles include Martigny, Sion, and Leuk, which each host their own local battles before the top contenders advance to the national stage.

The cow-fighting competitions follow very specific rules to ensure safety and fairness. Each fight involves two cows facing off in a controlled environment, where they push against each other to establish dominance. The matches are short but intense, usually lasting just a few minutes, and are closely monitored by judges who score based on strength, technique, and determination.

Apart from the competitions, the Race d’Hérens Tour is also a fun festival for locals and tourists to enjoy shows and entertainment. There are cultural performances, including folk dances and live music bands. Food is also another important element of the festival as many stalls are set up to sample Swiss delicacies such as fondue and freshly baked pastries.

The Agenda of the Race d'Hérens Tour 2025

Here are the upcoming winter and spring qualifying fights of the Race d’Hérens Tour 2025:

23 March, 2025 Chermignon – Chermignon-Montana Union
30 March, 2025 Pra Bardy Arena – Vex Syndicate
06 April, 2025 Goler Arena – Saas-Staldenried Union
12-13 April, 2025 Probé Arena, Le Châble – Sembrancher Union
21 April, 2025 Goler Arena, Raron – Visp-Brig Syndicate
27 April, 2025 Hérens Arena, Les Haudères – Upper Val d’Hérens Union
10-11 May, 2025 Pra Bardy Arena – National Final

Source: www.raceherenstour.ch

How to participate or attend the Tour de la Race d'Hérens

If you are coming to the Valais region as a spectator, it is always a good idea to plan ahead.

Make sure to:

Purchase tickets ahead of time: buy tickets online through the official Race d’Hérens website or directly at event venues.
Check dates and locations: refer to the event calendar for specific dates and locations of each competition across Valais.
Book accommodations as early as possible: hotels and resorts book quickly. Using platforms like Alpvision Residences is a great option for finding the ideal apartments or chalets for your stay.

If you are a participant in the Race d’Hérens, you must follow some strict eligibility criteria. For example, all cattle must be officially registered with the Fédération d’Élevage de la Race d’Hérens and meet breed standards. The cows must also be in top health to compete.

Experience the Race d'Hérens in person

The unforgettable experience of attending the Race d’Hérens is a must-see event. It is an insight into the cultural significance and tradition of the Swiss Alps. The cow-fighting competitions provide an exciting experience, all with the most stunning backdrop of the Alps.

When planning your visit, make sure to check the official Race d’Herens website for event schedules and ticket availability. Booking your ticket in advance is highly recommended, especially for the national finals where they crown the winning Queen!

Rely on Alpvision Residence for your stay, with different options of comfortable lodging for any group size. You will have easy access to the events and nearby sights. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this spectacular event in the heart of Switzerland.