Ice hockey in Switzerland: the National League
The National League, the elite of Swiss ice hockey: format, big clubs, playoffs and where to follow the official standings live.
Ice hockey is one of Switzerland's most popular sports, and the National League is its elite. It is even one of the best-attended leagues in Europe: the arenas in Bern, Zurich or Fribourg regularly sell out.
Format and big clubs
The league brings together fourteen teams. The regular season, from autumn to early spring, is followed by best-of-seven playoffs that decide the champion. Among the most decorated or popular clubs: the ZSC Lions, SC Bern, Fribourg-Gottéron, Genève-Servette, Lausanne HC, HC Davos (organiser of the Spengler Cup) or Ambrì and Lugano in Ticino. Below it, the Swiss League serves as the second tier, with a promotion system.
Where to follow the standings
Frequently asked questions
How many teams are in the National League?
Fourteen teams, which play a regular season then best-of-seven playoffs.
What is the Spengler Cup?
An international hockey tournament held every year-end in Davos, one of the oldest in the world — a much-followed event in Switzerland.
Related reading
- Switzerland's professional sports leagues
Ice hockey, football, basketball, handball, volleyball: Switzerland's major professional leagues, their format, and where to follow official standings and results live.
- Football in Switzerland: the Super League
The Super League, the elite of Swiss football: format, big clubs, European qualification and where to follow the official standings live.