53rd Nissen Cup 2026

FIG Trampoline World Cup returns to Arosa

Dates: June 25–27, 2026
Location: Sports and Congress Center Arosa
Best for: Sports enthusiasts, families with children, gymnastics fans, Olympic sport followers, international sports event seekers

Overview: what is the Nissen Cup?

The Nissen Cup is the oldest international trampoline competition in the world, named after George Nissen, the American inventor who created the modern trampoline in the 1930s. Every two years, Arosa becomes the global hub for this Olympic discipline, hosting the 53rd edition in 2026 as part of the FIG Trampoline World Cup series. The event brings together approximately 250 of the world's best trampoline athletes from over 20 nations, all competing for crucial World Cup points in both senior and junior categories.

This is elite athletics at its most spectacular. Athletes launch themselves up to 8 meters into the air, performing multiple somersaults and twists with precision and grace that defies gravity. The competition includes individual and synchronized trampoline events, showcasing the incredible skill, body control, and courage required to compete at the highest levels of this demanding sport.

Dates and programme

Competition schedule

The Nissen Cup runs over three days with competitions scheduled throughout:

• Thursday, June 25: Opening ceremonies and qualification rounds begin; athletes compete for positions in finals; evening sessions
• Friday, June 26: Continued qualifications and semi-finals across different categories; both junior and senior divisions compete
• Saturday, June 27: Finals day with medal rounds in individual and synchronized events; awards ceremonies; closing celebrations

Exact session times and the detailed competition schedule will be published closer to the event. Sessions typically include both daytime and evening competitions, allowing flexibility for spectators to attend multiple rounds. Finals on Saturday draw the largest crowds as the world's best compete for podium positions.

What to expect

The experience

Expect breathtaking athletic performances in a professional competition environment. The Sports and Congress Center transforms into an international sports venue with trampolines, judging stations, scoreboards, and seating for spectators. You'll watch athletes launch themselves skyward, executing multiple rotations and twists with millimeter precision before landing back on the trampoline bed. The height they achieve (up to 8 meters) and the complexity of their aerial maneuvers are genuinely stunning to witness in person.

The atmosphere combines serious athletic competition with an accessible, family-friendly vibe. Between routines, you'll see athletes preparing, coaches offering last-minute advice, and the international nature of the event evident in flags, uniforms, and multiple languages spoken. Synchronized events add another dimension as pairs of athletes must match each other's movements perfectly while executing difficult skills. The judging is precise and technical, but even non-experts can appreciate the athleticism and artistry on display.

Who it's for

The Nissen Cup appeals to sports enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys Olympic-level athletic competitions. Families with children find trampoline competitions particularly engaging, as the sport is visually exciting and easy to understand even for younger viewers. Gymnastics fans will appreciate the technical elements and scoring, while casual spectators simply enjoy watching humans do seemingly impossible things in the air. The international field means supporters from various nations often attend, creating a diverse and energetic crowd.

Because Arosa becomes filled with international teams, coaches, and officials during the event, the entire village takes on a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Hotel guests staying at Hotel Altein Arosa during this weekend will find themselves surrounded by world-class athletes and the energy of a major international sporting event.

Practical tips

Book tickets in advance through official channels, as finals sessions on Saturday can sell out. The Sports and Congress Center is located centrally in Arosa, making it easily accessible on foot. Arrive slightly early to find your seat and settle in before competitions begin. Sessions can run several hours depending on the number of competitors, so bring water and consider the timing if attending with young children.

Cameras and photography are typically allowed during competitions, though flash photography may be restricted to avoid distracting athletes during their routines. Check current rules when you arrive. Dress comfortably for indoor viewing; the venue is climate-controlled but you'll be sitting for extended periods. If attending multiple sessions across different days, consider varying your seating location to experience different viewing perspectives.

Best ways to enjoy it

• Attend both qualification rounds and finals. Qualifications let you see a larger number of athletes and get a sense of the competitive field. Finals feature only the best routines and highest difficulty levels with medals on the line.
• Watch synchronized events if offered. The coordination required for two athletes to perform identical complex movements simultaneously while bouncing up to 8 meters high is remarkable and often more dramatic than individual events.
• Learn about the scoring system. Understanding how difficulty, execution, and other factors combine into scores makes watching more engaging. Information is often available at the venue or in programmes.
• Explore Arosa between sessions. With competitions spread across three days and some breaks between sessions, take time to enjoy Arosa's summer activities, dining, or simply the alpine setting between athletic viewing.
• Stay for the entire finals day. The progression from early finals through to medal ceremonies builds excitement, and the atmosphere peaks as champions are crowned in each category.

How to get there from Hotel Altein Arosa

On foot (recommended)

The Sports and Congress Center Arosa is centrally located in the village, within easy walking distance from Hotel Altein Arosa. Walk toward the center of the village following signage for the Sports and Congress Center. The walk takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Arrive with adequate time before your session starts to collect tickets if needed, find your seat, and get settled before competitions begin.

Local transport

Local buses serve the area around the Sports and Congress Center, though the central location makes walking faster and more convenient from most accommodations in Arosa. Our reception can provide current bus information if needed, but walking is recommended for this venue.

By car

The Sports and Congress Center has limited parking, and spaces fill quickly during major events. If you're staying at Hotel Altein Arosa, walk to the venue rather than driving. The compact nature of Arosa and the central location of the venue make driving unnecessary. If you're visiting Arosa specifically for the Nissen Cup, park at designated areas and walk to the center.

Make it a weekend: stay at Hotel Altein Arosa

The Nissen Cup creates an exciting atmosphere throughout Arosa across the entire June weekend. Staying at Hotel Altein Arosa places you in the heart of the action, with the competition venue just minutes away on foot and the village buzzing with international athletes and teams. Attend different competition sessions across the three days, enjoy Arosa's summer offerings between events, and soak in the energy of hosting a world-class sporting competition. The hotel provides a comfortable retreat between sessions while keeping you connected to all the excitement. It's a unique opportunity to experience elite Olympic sport in an intimate alpine setting.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 53rd Nissen Cup in 2026?
June 25–27, 2026. The competition runs over three days with qualification rounds Thursday and Friday, and finals on Saturday. This is the 53rd edition of the world's oldest international trampoline competition.

Is it suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Trampoline competitions are visually exciting and accessible for children to understand and enjoy. The athletic feats are impressive without being overly technical for young viewers. Session lengths may be long, so consider attending shorter sessions or taking breaks if needed with younger children. The family-friendly atmosphere and the novelty of watching athletes fly 8 meters into the air typically keeps children engaged.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for indoor spectating. The Sports and Congress Center is climate-controlled, so dress as you would for any indoor venue. Bring water and perhaps snacks, especially if attending longer sessions or multiple competitions in one day. A camera if you enjoy sports photography, though check current flash photography rules. Sunglasses and sun protection for walking to and from the venue in June sunshine.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, particularly for finals on Saturday which draw the largest crowds. Purchase tickets through official Nissen Cup or FIG channels as soon as they become available. Qualification rounds on Thursday and Friday may have better availability than Saturday finals. Early ticket purchase also gives you better seat selection in many cases.

What is synchronized trampoline?
Synchronized trampoline involves two athletes performing identical routines simultaneously on side-by-side trampolines. They must match each other's height, rotation speed, body position, and landing timing while executing complex somersaults and twists. It requires incredible coordination and adds a dramatic visual element as you watch two athletes mirror each other's movements up to 8 meters in the air.

Will I see Olympic athletes?
Very likely. The Nissen Cup is a FIG World Cup event, which means it attracts top-ranked international athletes competing for World Cup points. Many Olympic trampoline competitors participate in World Cup events as part of their competition schedule. The field typically includes medalists, world champions, and athletes preparing for upcoming Olympic games.

Witness gravity-defying excellence

The 53rd Nissen Cup brings the world's best trampoline athletes to Arosa for three days of spectacular competition that showcases human athletic ability at its most impressive. Watching athletes soar 8 meters into the air while executing multiple rotations is an experience that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Book your stay at Hotel Altein Arosa for this unique sporting weekend and enjoy front-row access to Olympic-level competition in the intimate setting of an alpine village that becomes, for one weekend, the global center of trampoline sport.

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