Sardona-Welterbe-Weg

The Tectonic Arena Sardona was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritages because in this region, the processes of mountain formation can be observed more clearly than anywhere else in the world. The key element is the Glarner main thrust fault, a dead straight, magical line, which can be seen along many kilometres: old rock has been thrust over younger rock for a length of 35 kilometres.

«Wind and weather» have gnawed at the rock over thousands of years: creating glacier-polished rock, moraine, lakes, gravel and flood plains, their structure still well preserved in the primarily untouched landscapes. The high density of dry grassland, moorland landscapes, flood plains, no-hunting areas and geotopes of national importance form a valuable habitat where in 1911 ibex were first reintroduced into Switzerland after being wiped out in earlier times. Many traces of Walser settlements are still recognisable in the mountain villages.

The Sardona-Welterbe-Weg can also be covered in stages. An accompanying brochure is available for those keen on geology, with information on geology and natural history (www.geopark.ch).