The Zug Cherry Storm - Switzerland’s Wildest Race

Ready, Set, Chriesisturm: The Mad Rush for Zug's Cherries

The Zug Cherry Storm (Chriesisturm) dates back to an old custom from the 18th century. Back then, thousands of cherry trees grew on Zug’s public common lands (Allmend). To prevent chaos and early theft, the city council placed these orchards under strict lockdown, patrolled day and night by armed "Cherry Guards." No one was allowed to pick a single fruit until the largest bell of St. Michael’s Church, the Chriesigloggä (cherry bell), rang out at noon on harvest day.

The moment the first chime hit the air, the strict ban was lifted. Families would literally "storm" out of their homes, sprinting at breakneck speed with heavy equipment to claim the best trees first. Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, this chaotic custom gradually fell into obscurity. However, in 2008, the Chriesigloggä tradition was revived, and since 2009, the Cherry Storm has been reborn as a spectacular, high-speed race through Zug’s Old Town.

When Colin started playing for the youth team in 2017, I heard about this event for the first time, and I was excited. I went out of my way to make it possible to attend, and I was disappointed. There were only a few participants running, and there were hardly any spectators. After 15 minutes, the whole thing was over. On a positive note it wasn't hard to find a spot and to move freely at the market. Read about it here.

The Race Today: Speed, Timber, and Total Inclusion

This year’s traditional event kicked off on June 22, 2026. The resounding ring of the Chriesigloggä at midday marked both the official start of the regional harvest and the commencement of the race. Today, the event brings together different generations, local trade guilds, and the wider community in a furious dash over the historic cobblestones.

On my Instagram post you can watch some videos.

In the men’s category, pairs of runners sprint through the winding alleys carrying massive, traditional wooden ladders. These ladders measure 8 meters in length (26 feet) and weigh a substantial 22 to 25 kilograms (around 50 pounds). Teams from prominent local guilds compete for the honor of the fastest harvest, including the Fishermen (Zuger Fischerzunft), the Bakers (Zuger Bäckerzunft), and the woodworkers of the Bauleute- and Schreinerzunft.

Not to be outdone, the women compete individually in the Huttenrennen, sprinting up the  alleys while carrying a traditional woven wicker backpack known as a Chratte or Hutte. Woven by hand in the local Bostadel correctional facility, these rigid back-baskets weigh 3 to 4 kilograms (up to 9 pounds) even when completely empty.

The tradition is also safe in the hands of the youth; 32 children split into teams to tackle the course using shorter, 4-meter wooden ladders (13 feet).

What makes the modern Chriesisturm truly beautiful, however, is its incredible spirit of community. The race is open to absolutely everyone. This year's runners ranged from elite professional female hockey players from the EVZ squad to an inspiring blind participant navigating the treacherous cobblestones with a guide.

Culinary Delicacies at Landsgemeindeplatz

After the racing excitement wraps up, the festivities move to the Landsgemeindeplatz. Here, you can look forward to fresh cherries, the legendary Etter Kirsch liqueur, and the famous Chriesiwürste (cherry sausages). These unique sausages consist of a base made from ground beef, pork, and bacon fat, but the secret ingredient is dried dark cherries from local orchards, chopped and folded directly into the meat mixture.

You know I do have a sweet tooth, and I was particularly interested in trying the muffin-looking pastries they call Chriesistürmli (little cherry storms). They have a very dense consistency and contain almond paste and sour cherries. Honestly? I decided my homemade cherry brownies tasted way better! Keep your eyes open, because I will be posting that recipe next week!

The Zug Cherry Market opens in the afternoon and runs daily thereafter, as long as the local harvest lasts and there are enough cherries to go around.

Fun Fact: A Landsgemeindeplatz is a plaza where traditional, open-air democratic assemblies, known as a Landsgemeinde, are, or historically were, held by citizens to vote on local laws and elect officials. These civic gathering spaces remain a vital part of Swiss cultural heritage, often serving as picturesque town centers. Prominent examples include this historic waterfront square right here in Zug, as well as the main square in Appenzell, where the open-air voting tradition continues to take place to this day.

Now, I want to hear from you: What is the strangest or most unique local tradition you have ever witnessed on your travels? And more importantly... would you ever try a cherry-infused sausage? Let me know in the comments below!