Glarner Landsgemeinde
First Sunday of May
One of Switzerland's last open-air cantonal assemblies — citizens vote by show of hands on the town square.
- Where
- Glarus, Zaunplatz
- Arrival
- Glarus station
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Glarus · Travel guide
Language: GermanCapital: Glarus
Top sights
Klöntalersee
Klöntal
A mountain lake beneath the Glärnisch massif, Klöntalersee is celebrated for its dramatic reflections and peaceful shore. The surrounding area offers scenic walks and viewpoints.
Visitor tip: Check local transport and access information; use only designated swimming areas and heed conditions.
Plan your visitBraunwald
Braunwald
This car-free mountain village sits on a sunny terrace above the Linth valley. Walks lead to viewpoints, farms and alpine scenery.
Visitor tip: Check funicular operation and trail status before travelling; services can be seasonal.
Plan your visitSardona tectonic arena
Elm
The UNESCO-listed landscape reveals the Glarus thrust, where older rock layers lie above younger ones. Visitor viewpoints and interpretive stops make the geology accessible.
Visitor tip: Use official visitor information to choose suitable marked routes and check conditions.
Plan your visit
Festivals & celebrations
The celebrations Glarus is known for — confirm exact dates on the official agenda before travelling.
Glarner Alpabfahrten
September
Cattle descents in Elm and Engi with alpine cheese markets and Schabziger specialities.
- Where
- Glarus regional villages
- Arrival
- Regional buses
Christmas & winter lights
Glarus advent market
December
Small, traditional market in the cantonal capital's streets.
Dates, programme & ticketsBefore you go
Dates above are typical periods, not confirmed schedules. Check opening hours, admission, age limits and accessibility with the organiser. Book popular concerts and accommodation early; public transport is usually the simplest way to reach busy town centres.
Summer spots
Klöntalersee
Klöntal
Glärnisch peaks rise above this long mountain lake, known for mirror-like reflections and a road that follows much of its wooded shore.
Visitor tip: Check bus frequency and lakeside access before travelling; the narrow road and water temperature call for caution.
Plan your visitBraunwald
Braunwald
Car-free Braunwald sits on a sunny terrace above the Linth valley, with mountain paths and views toward the Tödi and Glarus Alps.
Visitor tip: The village is reached by funicular from Linthal; verify operating status and choose trails according to snow and weather.
Plan your visitSardona tectonic arena
Elm
The UNESCO-listed Sardona region exposes the dramatic Glarus thrust, where older rock lies above younger layers along a striking geological boundary.
Visitor tip: Use designated viewpoints and trails, and check mountain transport and weather; the high routes are not suitable in poor conditions.
Plan your visit
Winter spots
Braunwald
Braunwald
Car-free Braunwald sits on a sunny terrace above the Linth valley, with mountain paths and views toward the Tödi and Glarus Alps.
Visitor tip: The village is reached by funicular from Linthal; verify operating status and choose trails according to snow and weather.
Plan your visitGlarus valley walks
Glarus
Valley paths around Glarus follow the Linth beneath steep limestone peaks, offering lower-altitude scenery than the surrounding alpine routes.
Visitor tip: Check local trail notices after heavy rain or snowfall and use public transport to avoid committing to a long out-and-back walk.
Plan your visitKlöntalersee
Klöntal
Glärnisch peaks rise above this long mountain lake, known for mirror-like reflections and a road that follows much of its wooded shore.
Visitor tip: Check bus frequency and lakeside access before travelling; the narrow road and water temperature call for caution.
Plan your visit
Check local weather, trail conditions and transport timetables before setting out. Mountain lifts and seasonal attractions may close; snow is not guaranteed.
Quick answers for visitors
- When is the best time to visit Glarus?
- Summer: Mountain hikes, via ferrata and lake swims. Winter: Family skiing in Braunwald and Elm.
- Which festivals is Glarus known for?
- Glarner Landsgemeinde (First Sunday of May) · Glarner Alpabfahrten (September)
- Is there a Christmas market in Glarus?
- Glarus advent market — December
Have a question about Glarus?
Ask locals and expats in the community forum — from guest cards to festival tips.
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