Attractions and Places To See in Glarus - Top 20

Glarus is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the serene Klöntalersee, a beautiful mountain lake nestled within the Glärnisch Mountains, perfect for swimming, barbecues, and hiking. Another stunning lake is Oberblegisee, accessible via a hike from Braunwald. The canton is also home to impressive waterfalls like the Berglistüber Waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade, and the Diesbach Falls, visible from the main road.

Yes, Glarus is home to the Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast area showcases the powerful forces of mountain building, featuring the Glarus Thrust where older rock layers lie above younger ones. A key highlight within this area is the Martinsloch, a natural rock window in the Tschingelhörner cliffs.

For families, the car-free mountain village of Braunwald village is an excellent choice, known as a health resort and family paradise with beautiful mountain views and hiking opportunities. The Klöntalersee is also family-friendly, offering camping, swimming, and barbecues. Additionally, the House of Läderach provides an engaging experience with its chocolate history and a unique chocolate fountain.

To delve into Glarus's culture and history, visit the Glarus Town Center with its historic buildings. You can also learn about the canton's past at the Museum des Landes Glarus, housed in the magnificent 17th-century Freuler Palace. Don't miss the Schabziger Höhenweg, a themed path offering insights into the traditional Schabziger herbal cheese.

Glarus offers extensive hiking opportunities across its impressive Alps. You can find trails ranging from easy walks to challenging routes. For specific hiking ideas, explore the routes in our guide to Mountain Hikes in Glarus, which includes challenging ascents like the 'Cave Near Glarus – Vorder Glärnisch loop'.

Yes, Glarus has several easy hiking trails perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk. You can find options like the 'Weissenberge Loop Trail' or the 'Elmer Citro Fountain – Elmer Citro Spring Trail loop from Elm'. For more easy routes, check out our guide to Easy hikes in Glarus.

Absolutely! Glarus provides excellent terrain for mountain biking. You can find challenging trails such as the 'Längenegg Bike' or the 'Fronalp Bike Trail'. Discover more routes in our dedicated guide to MTB Trails in Glarus.

Glarus features several welcoming mountain huts. The Martinsmadhütte is an Alpine hut above Elm, offering 48 beds and serving as an ideal starting point for hikes in the Tectonic Arena Sardona. Another option is the Leglerhütte SAC, known for its cozy atmosphere and magnificent views of the Glarnerland peaks. The Clariden Hut is also beautifully situated with views of mountain lakes.

The best time to visit Glarus for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is milder, trails are clear of snow, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Winter offers opportunities for snow sports in the higher elevations.

Many attractions in Glarus are accessible by public transport. For example, Klöntalersee can be reached by a 30-minute bus ride from Glarus. The car-free village of Braunwald village is accessed via a funicular from Linthal. Switzerland's public transport network is efficient, making it easy to explore the canton without a car.

Glarus offers numerous breathtaking viewpoints. The View from Hirzli provides a fabulous viewing platform with all-round visibility after a strenuous ascent. Other summits like Vorder Glärnisch Summit and Planggenstock also offer spectacular panoramic views of the Glarus Alps.

Visitors to Glarus frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the impressive mountain lakes like Klöntalersee with its quiet, clear water. The panoramic views from summits such as Hirzli are also highly appreciated, often described as sensational and well worth the effort. The cozy atmosphere and hospitality of mountain huts like Leglerhütte SAC also receive positive feedback.