An ancient Alpine tradition and an increasingly popular sport, also in South Tyrol
Ranggeln is not just a sport, but a true tradition with deep roots in Alpine culture. Practiced mainly in South Tyrol, North and East Tyrol, Salzburg, and Bavaria, especially at village and Alpine meadow festivals, its origins date back at least to the Iron Age, between the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures. The first written mention of its most important tournament to date, the Hundstoa-Ranggeln held on Mount Hoher Hundstein in the Salzburg district of Zell am See (also known as Pinzgau), dates back to 1518.
Ranggeln (or Ranggln) is a particular form of wrestling, similar to the Swiss wrestling known as Schwingen. The fights traditionally take place outdoors on grassy meadows, or on mats indoors in case of bad weather. The wrestlers, strictly barefoot, wear a special white uniform: a sturdy linen shirt called Rangglerpfoad, trousers tied at the ankles, and a belt.
Victory is achieved by making the opponent touch the ground with both shoulders, but not by any means: holds and levers to inflict pain on the opponent or to strangle them are forbidden.
Athletes are not divided by weight as in other forms of wrestling, but by fighting level - by age in youth categories - and a good Ranggler is distinguished by technique, courage, agility, and strength. Whoever wins three consecutive matches also wins the tournament, and with it the title of "Hågmoar", which literally means "master, head of the fence", because in the past, the fights took place in areas delimited by fences. The traditional prize for champions was a feather called "Schneidfeder" (the feather of courage), preferably from a black grouse, to be displayed on the hat worn on festive days. With changing fashion, the prize is now a medal or a flag, but the prestige and honor of victory remain unchanged.
In the past, only those who had themselves won a "Hågmoar" title could referee the fights. Ranggeln referees are still called by the curious name of "Schermtax", which in the Pinzgau dialect indicates an isolated spruce with wide branches.
The Ranggeln season extends from April to October, with tournaments taking place almost every weekend in various locations across the Alpine arc. In South Tyrol, the strongholds of Ranggln are the Aurina Valley, Terento, and the Val Passiria, but it is increasingly loved and practiced in other areas as well, such as Rodengo or the Sarentino Valley.
Recognized internationally and included in the IFCW (International Federation of Celtic Wrestling), Ranggeln is a bridge between past and present, between ancient traditions and modern sport. While celebrating strength and skill, it above all embodies the spirit that has linked Alpine communities for centuries.
