Venue

Magglingen – A Place of Symbolic Significance

Magglingen is regarded as the cradle of Swiss sport. Since the founding of the Federal School of Physical Education and Sport in 1944, the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) has developed into Switzerland's national centre of excellence for sport development, education and the promotion of young athletes. Through the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM), Youth+Sport and the National Sports Centre, FOSPO continues to shape Swiss sport to this day.

The development of karate in Switzerland is also closely connected with Magglingen. Since its foundation in 1970, the Swiss Karate Federation (SKF), in close cooperation with FOSPO, has evolved into a modern national sports federation. Their collaboration in coach education, youth development, elite sport and professional qualification has played a key role in firmly establishing karate within the Swiss sports system and advancing its professional standards.

For this reason, the fact that the 2026 International IKGA Seminar is being held in Magglingen for the first time carries special symbolic significance. It brings a traditional martial art to Switzerland's most important sports centre and demonstrates how long-standing values can be combined with a modern approach to sport development. At the same time, this unique setting reminds us that sport and Budo are not only about personal growth but can also build bridges between people, cultures and generations. In this sense, Karatedo seeks to make a modest contribution to mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence—values that extend far beyond the dojo.

Image: ©BASPO

Campus

Hotel Bellavista
Hauptstrasse 247

Grand Hotel
Hauptstrasse 247

Swiss Olymic House
Hauptstrasse 232

Seehaus
Hauptstrasse 230

Nationales Sportzentrum Magglingen (Main building)
Hauptstrasse 247
2532 Magglingen

Sport-Toto Halle
Hohmattstrasse 7A

Kampfsportpavillion
End der Welt-Strasse 2532

Site plan Magglingen (PDF)

Food & Beverage

Accommodation includes full board. All meals will be served at the Restaurant Bellavista. For lunch and dinner, you can savor a four-course menu including a small salad, soup, one of three main courses (with meat/fish, vegetarian, or a pasta dish), and a dessert. At lunch, you can also assemble your own plate at a salad buffet or enjoy some pizza. Meals also comprise bread, fruit, and water. Please note that other beverages must be paid.

Breakfast

For all guests of Swiss Olympic House and Seehaus, breakfast will be served at Swiss Olympic House.
For all guests of Grand Hotel and Bellavista, breakfast will be served at Bellavista.

Lunch and dinner

Lunch and dinner will be served for everyone at Bellavista.

PLEASE NOTE: Lunch and dinner at the Swiss Olympic House are reserved for EEC members and VIPs only.

Smoking, Fire, Alcohol and Drugs

Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas.
Open fires are allowed only at designated fire pits.
Alcohol may only be consumed in the restaurant areas or during authorised events.
Swiss youth protection laws apply:
- No alcohol for persons under 16 years of age.
- No spirits for persons under 18 years of age.
The possession and use of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

Important House Rules – FOSPO/BASPO Magglingen

Respect and Conduct

Treat everyone with respect, courtesy and tolerance.
Respect the physical and psychological well-being of others.
Help keep all buildings and facilities clean and tidy.
Avoid excessive noise and behaviour that may disturb others.

Safety

Follow all safety regulations, emergency instructions and directions from BASPO staff.
Keep emergency exits, escape routes and corridors clear at all times.
Report any damage or defects to the organisers or BASPO staff immediately.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Please respect other guests by keeping noise to a minimum during this time.

Environmental Responsibility

Help protect the environment by using energy responsibly.
Turn off lights when leaving rooms, close windows and doors when appropriate, and dispose of waste properly.

Parking

Please park vehicles only in the designated parking areas.

IMPORTANT – INSURANCE: Participants are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate insurance coverage, including accident, health and personal liability insurance. The organizers accept no liability for accidents, injuries, illness, loss, theft or damage to personal property, to the extent permitted by Swiss law.

To ensure a pleasant, safe and respectful stay for everyone, we kindly ask all participants to observe the following rules during the seminar.

Shuttle Service

Shuttle Transfer Payment: If you have booked the official seminar shuttle, the following fees apply:

EUR 50 for one-way transfer
EUR 100 for return transfer

The payment should also be organised by your Registration Manager. You may either pay the amount in advance by bank transfer, or pay the full amount in cash upon arrival. We would greatly appreciate receiving the exact amount, as we will have only limited change available.

Traveling by Car

There is a limited number of outdoor parking spaces available in Magglingen. To learn about their location, check the map of the national sports center. Our hotels are buildings #06 and #07 on the map, and training will take place in building #20.

Parking lots P1 – P6 cost CHF 2 / hour and up to CHF 16 / day.
Parking lots P7 – P10 cost CHF 2 / hour and up to CHF 10 / day.
Parking lot P11 is free, but it's about a 40-minute walk from the hotels.

Parking tickets must be purchased online, e.g., using the EasyPark app.

There are also several indoor car parks in Biel/Bienne operated by APCOA Parking. In general, you pay CHF 56 for the first 48 hours, then CHF 1.- / hour (i.e., CHF 105 for 96 hours). Please check their setting conditions.

You may also use one of the many P+Rail parking lots outside of Biel and then take public transportation to Magglingen. You can book your parking space upon arrival in the P+Rail app (iOS / Android), on SBB’s official website, or at a local ticket machine.
Please note that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a parking space will be available. We thus suggest that you buy your ticket upon arrival.

Here are three suggestions, all about a 30- to 45-minute ride from Magglingen:

(Prices may be subject to change)	Parking Fee	Train Ticket (one-way)
Lyss	CHF 8 / day	CHF 10.40 per adult
Suberg	CHF 4 / day	CHF 13.20 per adult
Grenchen Süd	CHF 6 / day	CHF 13.20 per adult

National Sports Center Magglingen