Abstract: The surge arrester contains two connection fittings (1, 2) which are spaced apart from one another along an axis and between which at least one cylindrical varistor element (7) is arranged. The connection fittings (1, 2) and the at least one varistor element (7) are clamped with one another, accompanied by the formation of contact force, to form a mechanically stable active part of the surge arrester. The active part is surrounded by a cast housing (12) made from insulating material. The clamping of the active part is achieved by at least two loops (5) respectively acting independently of one another on the connection fittings (1, 2). The loops (5) are arranged at a distance from the at least one varistor element (7). The connection fittings (1, 2) contain bearing areas which correspond respectively to the number of the loops (5) and are distributed uniformly about the axis azimuthally and on which a loop end is respectively supported.