Martinsloch – UNESCO World Heritage Sardona
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
In the Glarus Tschingelhörner, a huge rock window opens. Twice a year, the sun sends its rays through the Martinsloch directly onto the church of Elm. Watch this rare spectacle on site.
The Martinsloch – UNESCO World Heritage Sardona at a glance
The triangular rock window in the Tschingelhörner is 22 metres high and 19 metres wide. It is located at 2600 meters on the border of the cantons of Glarus and Graubünden, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sardona. The opening in the rock was created by erosion around 10 to 50 million years ago.
What to experience
Observing the solar event
On 12 or 13 March and on 30 September or 1 October, sunlight falls through the Martinsloch on the church of Elm in the minutes before the actual sunrise. The event lasts only 2 minutes. In hazy weather, a kilometre-long beam of light is visible in the air.
- Good to know: The incidence of light varies by one day depending on the leap year.
- Tip: Secure the observation site early and bring sunglasses.
Hike to Tschinglenalp (2–3 hours)
From Elm, a marked mountain trail leads up to Tschinglenalp. Already on the way you can see the Tschingelhörner and the Martinsloch. The alp is located at around 1500 meters and offers one of the best locations to see the rock window up close.
- Good to know: The trail requires good footwear and is only accessible in dry weather.
- Tip: From May to October, you can enjoy regional alpine dishes in the Tschinglen-Wirtschaft.
General information
| Season |
All year
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Gäste-Info Elm
Dorf 54
8767
Elm
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)55 642 52 52
Fax +41 (0)55 642 52 50
info@elm.ch
elm.ch
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