Five in six people in Switzerland do sport, study finds

Five in six people in Switzerland do sport, although the country’s long-running sports boom is levelling off at a high level, according to a study reported by SRF.

The new Sport Switzerland 2026 study by the Federal Office of Sport examines the most popular activities, changing sports habits and the roles played by nature, fitness centres and social factors.

Some 52 per cent of the population are highly active, exercising several times a week for at least three hours in total. Another 17 per cent say they are inactive and do not do any sport. Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most active countries.

Walking and cycling remain popular

The so-called Swiss five-event combination of walking, cycling, swimming, skiing and jogging remains at the top of the rankings. However, these activities have become less popular since 2020. Strength training and yoga have gained popularity over the past six years.

Sports choices vary significantly by age and gender, with each activity having its own sociodemographic profile.

Activity varies by age and gender

Women’s sporting activity has declined slightly over the past six years, while men’s has risen marginally. The gender gap widened slightly again in 2026. Men are considerably more active than women, especially at younger ages. From the age of 55, activity levels become more similar.

The highest levels of activity are recorded among people aged 15 to 24 and 65 to 74. Activity is lowest among those aged 35 to 54.

Women, older people, residents of French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland, foreign nationals living in Switzerland, people with lower levels of education and income, homemakers and people working in agriculture are more likely to be inactive.

Income and education influence participation

There is a clear social divide, particularly in relation to income and education. The higher a person’s income and educational attainment, the more sport they do. Employment status, professional sector and household structure also influence activity levels, especially having children.

These social differences also affect the choice of sport. People with household incomes above 7,000 Swiss francs are overrepresented in athletics, floorball, tennis, golf, sledging, windsurfing, squash and ice hockey.

Competition becomes less important

Health, fitness, enjoyment of movement and experiencing nature are the main reasons people in Switzerland do sport. These motives vary according to age and gender.

Competition and performance are no longer central motivations. The proportion of people who take part in competitions has fallen from 20 per cent to 16 per cent among those who do sport over the past six years.