Top 12 Caves around Glarus Nord
Best caves around Glarus Nord are found in a region characterized by picturesque landscapes and significant natural features. This area is known for its impressive karst systems and historical cave sites. Visitors can explore both natural caves and dramatic karst springs that hint at extensive underground networks. The diverse geological formations offer unique insights into the region's natural history.
Best caves around Glarus Nord
- The most popular caves is Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle, a waterfall and karst spring that represents one of Europe's largest karst springs, indicating a vast underground cave system. It is notable for its dramatic emergence alongside the nearly 600-meter-high Seerenbach Falls.
- Another must-see spot is Wildenmannli’s Cave, a natural cave with historical significance. Visitors can explore its initial sections, which extend approximately 192.1 meters into the mountain, and learn about its past as an excavation site for ancient human and animal remains.
- Visitors also love Hundsquelle Gorge, a gorge that can be entered through a gap during low water levels. This feature makes it special for those seeking a unique, cave-like experience within a natural gorge setting.
- Glarus Nord is known for natural caves, significant karst springs, and gorge features with cave-like access. These offer a variety of underground and geological experiences for explorers.
- The caves around Glarus Nord are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and over 190 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Wildenmannli’s Cave
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Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle
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Gigantic spectacle of nature
The best view of all three levels of the waterfall is from the chapel in Betlis. The middle of the three cascades is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the world with a height of 305 meters.
Refreshing destination
Coming from Weesen or Quinten, the Seerenbach Falls with the source of the Rin are a special highlight of every hike. It is a short hike from the picturesque village of Betlis to stand on the viewing platform at the foot of the third cascade and watch the roaring waterfalls up close. In warm weather, they provide cool refreshment. In spring after the snow has melted or after heavy rainfall, the Seerenbach Falls are particularly impressive due to the large amounts of water.
Mystery source of Rin
Where the Seerenbach falls imposingly fall into the valley, they unite with the Rinquelle, one of the largest karst springs in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century, researchers began to study the source of the Rin and the cave system that branched out for kilometers. There is a turnoff about three kilometers from the cave entrance. From here the water disappears inside the mountain. Where? That will probably remain a secret.
See also: Christian Steiner - cave diver at Lake Walen
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Entrance to Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry, Engi
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Hundloch Spring
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Hundsquelle Gorge
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Tips from the Community
We were there today and can only assume it's a nice hike. The access road from the southern end of the lake is practically impassable and only good for hiking, unfortunately. We'll try again another time.
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Water source rising from the Schrattenkalk
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On the eastern side of the Seluner-Ruck there is a cave, the Wildmannlisloch. Its gate is so large that one can drive in with a horse and cart. It leads an hour and a half deep into the mountain, and the passages inside are so wide that several men can walk upright side by side. At the front the wild men have carved out tables and benches for themselves; a quarter of an hour further in is a small lake, surrounded by boulders; the dwarves have rolled around these to form cool resting places; even further back are the dwellings. The dwarves lived on roots and milk. They helped the neighboring herdsmen to "shear" the stables, feed the cattle, and make hay on the mountain. Once they fetched the midwife from Starkenbach, who had to assist a wild woman. As a reward she received an entire apron full of lumps of earth. On the long way out of the cave, however, she paid no attention to the worthless gift; When she came out into the daylight and looked at the last piece, it was pure gold. Rochholz, Swiss legends.
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When the water is low (in winter) you can enter through the gap!
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You can explore this cave on your own; a headlamp and waterproof shoes are a good idea. You sometimes have to bend down a bit, so be careful.
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A little down (narrow, steep forest path, just under 1 minute) from the road on the eastern shore of the Wägitalersee, the Ziggenbach flows imposingly in a short "canyon" into the lake.
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Waterproof shoes or rubber boots are needed to explore more than just the front third of this impressive 150m cave!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which caves in Glarus Nord are suitable for families?
For families, Wildenmannli’s Cave is an excellent choice. It offers an accessible initial section and combines nature with local legends, making it an engaging experience for children. It can be reached via a hiking trail from Alp Sellamatt or using the Selunbahn cable car.
What historical significance do the caves in Glarus Nord hold?
Wildenmannli’s Cave is historically significant as an excavation site where bones of cave bears and Mousterian stone tools (dating back 40,000 to 35,000 years ago) were found, indicating ancient human use. Additionally, the Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry in Engi is a former slate mine with a rich history dating back to 1565, offering insights into the region's industrial past.
What natural features can I expect to see around the caves?
The region is rich in natural features. Near the Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle, you'll witness one of Europe's largest karst springs emerging dramatically alongside the nearly 600-meter-high Seerenbach Falls. Hundsquelle Gorge offers a unique cave-like experience within a natural gorge setting, especially during low water levels.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves in Glarus Nord?
Spring and summer are ideal. In spring, after snowmelt or heavy rainfall, the Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle are particularly impressive due to the large amounts of water. During hot summer days, Wildenmannli’s Cave offers a welcome cool-off. Visiting Hundsquelle Gorge is best in late winter when water levels are low, allowing access through the gap.
Are there hiking trails that lead to or near these caves?
Yes, several hiking trails provide access. Wildenmannli’s Cave can be reached via a hiking trail from Alp Sellamatt. A short hike from the picturesque village of Betlis leads to a viewing platform for the Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle. For more hiking options in the area, explore the Mountain Hikes around Glarus Nord guide.
What should I wear when visiting the caves?
For most cave visits, especially those involving exploration like Wildenmannli’s Cave or the Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry, good shoes and warm clothing are recommended. The temperature inside the Landesplattenberg mine, for instance, is between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius with 90% humidity. In Wildenmannli's Cave, water can reach up to 20 centimeters deep further inside, so waterproof footwear might be beneficial.
Can I explore extensive cave systems in Glarus Nord?
While Glarus Nord features fascinating cave experiences, extensive, multi-kilometer cave systems open for public exploration are not the primary attraction. The Rinquelle is part of a vast, branching underground karst system, but it's primarily experienced as a dramatic spring rather than an accessible cave. Wildenmannli’s Cave extends about 192 meters, with the initial sections being explorable.
Are there any unique geological formations to observe?
The Rinquelle is one of Europe's largest karst springs, showcasing a dramatic emergence of water from an extensive underground system. The region's geological formations are characterized by impressive karst systems, which are responsible for features like the Rinquelle and the various natural caves and gorges.
What other outdoor activities are available near the caves?
Beyond cave exploration, Glarus Nord offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for Mountain Hikes, explore MTB Trails, or enjoy Cycling routes throughout the picturesque landscapes surrounding the caves.
Is public transport available to reach the caves?
Public transport options vary by location. For Wildenmannli’s Cave, you can reach the area via the Selunbahn cable car, which connects to public transport networks. For other locations, it's advisable to check local bus schedules or train connections to nearby villages like Betlis for the Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle.
Are there any guided tours available for the caves?
Yes, guided tours are available for the Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry in Engi. These tours typically last about two and a half hours and provide an immersive experience into the gigantic underground halls and the history of the mine.
What makes the Rinquelle special?
The Rinquelle is one of Europe's largest karst springs, notable for its dramatic emergence alongside the nearly 600-meter-high Seerenbach Falls. It represents a vast, branching cave system beneath the surface, discharging up to 30,000 liters per second at its peak, creating a truly gigantic spectacle of nature.
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