This is Glarus
The municipality of Glarus lies in
Eastern Switzerland on the Linth River. The smallest cantonal capital in Switzerland is a popular travel destination thanks to its proximity to
Zurich, its industrial history, and its surrounding mountain landscapes.
Discover Glarus
Your stroll through Glarus takes you past spacious squares with buildings from various eras. The town church against the backdrop of the Glärnisch stands out, as does the Art Museum in the Volksgarten or the train station building with the
Glarnerland Nature Center. On Zaunplatz, the annual
Landsgemeinde takes place, where direct democracy can be experienced. A short hike up to the castle chapel is worthwhile: from there you can see the geometric street grid — a sign of the city’s reconstruction after the fire of 1861. Round off your sightseeing at the market hall with a café and Glarus specialties.
The Glarus Alps
The mountains around Glarus are perfect for hiking, for example through the wild and romantic
Löntschtobel to the beautiful
Lake Klöntal. Or visit the Lochsite rock wall near Schwanden, where you can see how plate tectonics shaped the Alps: contrary to logic, the oldest rock lies above the younger layers. At the end of the Sernf Valley rises the
UNESCO Tectonic Arena with the famous
Martinsloch.
The industrial history of Glarus
In the 19th century, Glarus experienced a huge boom with the rise of the textile industry, which in the 20th century developed into a variety of industrial sectors. On the
Industrial Trail from
Elm to
Ziegelbrücke, discover the importance of Glarus as an industrial location. The hiking and cycling trail leads past factory buildings, power stations, and canal systems. Information panels along the way explain the special features of these constructions.
Around Glarus
Enjoy a boat trip on
Lake Walen with its striking
Churfirsten. Idyllic too is the circular hike around Lake Obersee near Näfels. The car-free village of
Braunwald on the most beautiful sun terrace of the Glarus Alps is perfect for slowing down. And at the end of the valley, the trail passes the
Berglistüber waterfall on the way up to the Klausen Pass towards Uri.
Experience Glarus for less
Starting from one overnight stay, you receive the
GlarnerlandPass. With it, you can travel free of charge by train and bus throughout the entire
Glarnerland.
