Arnold Hungerbühler, a roofer by profession, began cycling in 1958. He specialized in cross-country races, but also competed in road races in the summer. In 1959 he qualified for what was then the A class for amateurs in Switzerland. In 1960 he won the Swiss championship in cyclo-cross racing and won another eight competitions. In 1961 he obtained a license as an independent , which he could use to compete in professional driver races. At his first start at the UCI World Championships in his discipline, he was in 1961 15. In 1962 he was again Swiss champion. He ended his career in 1963 after an accident.