Glarus, Switzerland Travel Guide

Discover Glarus, Switzerland's hidden gem, where breathtaking alpine landscapes, rich history, and delectable local cuisine await you.

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Glarus is a hidden gem that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural charm. Surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine lakes, this picturesque town is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're hiking through lush forests, skiing down snowy slopes, or simply enjoying the serene landscapes, Glarus has something for everyone. In addition to its natural allure, Glarus boasts a fascinating history that dates back to medieval times. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Church of St. Hilarius and the Town Hall, which showcase its architectural heritage. Visitors can also explore local museums to learn more about the region's past and its traditional crafts. Glarus is also a paradise for food enthusiasts. The local cuisine is a delightful mix of Swiss flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the opportunity to try regional specialties like Glarner Pastete and Schabziger cheese. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food, Glarus is an unforgettable destination for any traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Glarus.

Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best weather and beautiful scenery.
Explore the hiking trails around Klöntalersee for stunning lake and mountain views.
Try the local specialty, Glarner Pastete, at a traditional restaurant.
Use the efficient Swiss public transport system to get around easily.

Explore Glarus: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Glarus

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Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg

Experience the beauty of Swiss wildlife at Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg, an animal park perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

4.6

Anna Göldi Museum Glarus

Explore the Anna Göldi Museum in Glarus to uncover the gripping history of witch trials and the enduring fight for justice and human rights.

4.5

Museum des Landes Glarus im Freulerpalast

Explore the Museum des Landes Glarus im Freulerpalast - a cultural treasure in Switzerland showcasing the rich history and artistry of Glarus.

4.6

Wasserfall am Klöntalersee

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Wasserfall am Klöntalersee, a must-see natural attraction in the heart of Switzerland's Glarus region.

4.7

Best landmarks in Glarus

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Rhodannenberg

Discover the enchanting Rhodannenberg hotel and restaurant in the Swiss Alps—your gateway to stunning nature and exquisite dining experiences.

4.2

Bergli Stüber Waterfall

Discover the breathtaking Bergli Stüber Waterfall in Fätschbach, Switzerland - a serene natural attraction perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

4.9

Anna Göldi Museum Glarus

Explore the Anna Göldi Museum in Glarus, a captivating history museum dedicated to the legacy of Anna Göldi and the dark tales of witchcraft in Switzerland.

4.5

Claridenhütte

Experience the stunning Swiss Alps at Claridenhütte—a cozy mountain cabin perfect for relaxation, adventure, and delicious local cuisine.

4.8

Best restaurants in Glarus

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Schwammhöhe

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine at Schwammhöhe in Glarus - a culinary gem with breathtaking views and a warm atmosphere.

4.7

Bären

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine and warm hospitality at Bären in Netstal—your gateway to culinary delights and picturesque landscapes.

4.7

Bergli

Discover authentic Swiss cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Bergli in Glarus.

4.5

Horgenberg

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine amidst stunning landscapes at Horgenberg in Glarus Süd.

4.5

Best bars in Glarus

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Schwammhöhe

Experience the true flavors of Switzerland at Schwammhöhe, a gem in the Glarus region offering exquisite local cuisine and stunning views.

4.7

Vista Bar

Discover a vibrant nightlife at Vista Bar in Näfels, offering exquisite cocktails and an energetic dance scene for an unforgettable evening.

4.4

Gastrorollbar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gastrorollbar, Glarus' go-to destination for artisanal coffee and a wide selection of drinks.

4.8

Bar Route 66

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local charm at Bar Route 66 in Glarus, a must-visit hotspot for tourists seeking relaxation and fun.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Glarus

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Bar Route 66

Experience the vibrant American bar culture at Bar Route 66 in Glarus, where cocktails, laughter, and nostalgia come together for an unforgettable night.

4.6

BlueBox

Dive into the heart of Niederurnen's nightlife at BlueBox, where dance and music create unforgettable memories.

4.2

UFO Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife at UFO Bar in Glarus, where delicious drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.

4.5

Casa Bruna

Discover Glarus's nightlife at Casa Bruna, a vibrant nightclub offering unforgettable experiences amidst lively music and a welcoming atmosphere.

5.0

Best shops in Glarus

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Bäckerei Gabriel - Spielhof Glarus

Experience the authentic flavors of Switzerland at Bäckerei Gabriel, where traditional baking meets modern charm in Glarus.

4.5

Cornetto

Discover the sweet taste of Switzerland at Cornetto, Glarus' charming bakery and café offering artisanal pastries and a cozy atmosphere.

4.3

Coop Supermarkt Glarus

Explore the heart of Glarus at Coop Supermarkt, where local flavors and friendly faces await every traveler.

4.1

Läderach | Schweiz | Glarus

Discover the art of Swiss chocolate-making at Läderach in Glarus, where exquisite flavors and craftsmanship await every chocolate lover.

4.6

Explore Glarus on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Glarus, mapped for you.

Glarus Essentials

Glarus is located in the eastern part of Switzerland. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport, about 90 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Glarus, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Trains are frequent and offer a comfortable journey with scenic views of the Swiss countryside.
Glarus is well-connected by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), making it easy to get around. Local buses also operate within Glarus and to surrounding villages. For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Biking is a popular option for exploring the picturesque landscapes. Taxis are available but can be expensive.
The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available in Glarus, and some places may also accept Euros, though the exchange rate might not be favorable.
Glarus is generally a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always good to stay vigilant.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are well-equipped. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is recommended. Pharmacies in Glarus can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress in layers due to variable weather. Avoid overly casual clothing in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local religious customs; remove hats when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual; Swiss transportation is known for its timeliness. Don’t talk loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and wines. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity.
To experience Glarus like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage in local festivals such as the Landsgemeinde, one of the oldest forms of direct democracy. Hiking in the surrounding mountains and valleys offers breathtaking views. For a unique experience, visit the Klöntalersee, a beautiful alpine lake perfect for a day trip.

When is the best time to visit Glarus?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Glarus

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Glarus. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [Hah-lo]
- GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Veeder-zayn]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bitt-eh]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates?]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Gooot. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shprekh-en Zee Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ikh fersh-teh-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ikh het-teh gair-neh dee Shpy-zeh-kahr-teh, bitt-eh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ikh ess-eh kine Flysh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch würde gerne bezahlen, bitte
  [Ikh vur-deh gair-neh beh-tsah-len, bitt-eh]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hihl-feh!]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vek!]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roof-en Zee dee Pol-it-zai!]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roof-en Zee eye-nen Artz!]
- I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [Ikh bin fer-lo-ren]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ikh bin krank]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ikh meur-teh kow-fen...]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ikh shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kost-et es?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsu toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en Zee den Price senk-en?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpaht ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [Hahlb (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahkh-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bend]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Gehs-tern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Eyns]
- 2Zwei
  [Tsvi]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Fear]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Aht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsen]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?
  [Vo ist ine/dahs...?]
- What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vahs ist dee Ah-dress-eh?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [Kern-en Zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsai-gen?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt dair nay-steh (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach....)
  [Ine Ticket (nahkh....)]

History of Glarus

The history of Glarus dates back to Roman times when it was known for its strategic location in the Alps. Archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited by Celtic tribes before being Romanized. The region's fertile valleys and mountainous terrain made it an attractive settlement for early communities.
Glarus was officially mentioned in historical records for the first time in the early 9th century. By the 13th century, it had become a significant part of the Holy Roman Empire. The town of Glarus was granted a charter in 1274, marking its development into an organized municipality with distinct local governance.
One of the most pivotal events in Glarus' history is the Battle of Näfels, fought on April 9, 1388. The battle was a decisive victory for the Swiss Confederation against the Habsburgs. The Glarner forces, though significantly outnumbered, utilized the mountainous terrain to their advantage, ensuring their place within the Swiss Confederation.
The 16th century brought the Protestant Reformation, which significantly impacted Glarus. The area became a battleground of religious ideologies, with both Protestant and Catholic influences vying for dominance. Huldrych Zwingli, a prominent figure in the Reformation, was a priest in Glarus before moving to Zurich. Glarus eventually adopted a policy of religious tolerance, allowing both faiths to coexist.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Glarus experienced significant industrialization, particularly in the textile industry. The region became renowned for its cotton fabrics, which were exported worldwide. This period marked a dramatic transformation from a primarily agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse, shaping the economic landscape of Glarus.
On May 10, 1861, a devastating fire swept through the town of Glarus, destroying over half the buildings and leaving thousands homeless. The reconstruction efforts led to the modern layout of the town, with wider streets and improved infrastructure. This event is a turning point in Glarus' architectural and urban development.
Today, Glarus is a blend of historical charm and modern living. The region's cultural heritage is preserved in its museums, historical sites, and annual events. The 'Landsgemeinde,' a traditional open-air assembly where local residents vote by raising their hands, is a unique practice that continues to this day, reflecting the deep-rooted democratic traditions of Glarus.