Glarus combines distinctive urban architecture with geological exploration. There are various areas of focus to choose from when planning your trip: the town church, the Landsgemeinde, the art museum and exhibitions about the mountain world. The town’s history also explains why the period following the 1861 fire stands out in its cityscape.

Between the Linth and the mountains

Glarus lies on the Linth, between the foot of the approximately 2,300-metre-high Vorderglärnisch to the west and the Schilt to the east. The Vorderglärnisch belongs to the Schwyz Alps, and the Schilt to the Glarus Alps. The highest point in the municipality is the Bächistock in the Glärnisch massif, at 2,914 metres above sea level. The riverside location and the named mountain ranges thus sit alongside a clear elevation figure for the municipal area.

Town history and the town church

Glarus was first mentioned in the early 9th century as “Clarona”; its first mention in German dates to 1178. The town underwent early industrialisation. The devastating fire of 1861 destroyed large parts of it, and only a few buildings from the period before the fire remain in the cityscape. The town church was subsequently built between 1863 and 1866, to plans by the architect Karl Ferdinand Stadler. Its location and size shape the cityscape, and it is considered a landmark of Glarus. Its basic elements follow the design of a Romanesque basilica. Two towers and rose windows above the entrances define its architecture.

Geology in the town and the surrounding mountains

The German-language Glarus GeoCity Walk is a guide to sixteen geologically significant building stones in the town. It leads to fossils from the age of the dinosaurs in the town hall fountain. Shark teeth can be counted in a window frame carved from shell limestone. The two discoveries offer different points of interest: fossils can be found in the fountain, while teeth are visible in the worked stone. The exhibition at the Glarnerland Nature Centre in Glarus explains the uniqueness of the Sardona Tectonic Arena and the formation of the Glarus thrust. The exhibition at the Glarnerland Visitor Centre shares knowledge about landscapes, animals, plants and people in mountain habitats, and is suitable for families.

Art, tradition and industrial history

The Landsgemeinde is held every year on Zaunplatz, where direct democracy can be experienced. If you want this event to influence your travel dates, check the event date in advance. Kunsthaus Glarus organises “Kunstschaffen Glarus” as a recurring survey exhibition featuring local artists. In 2023, the art museum’s educational programme included numerous guided tours, workshops for children and young people, and insights into the collection. The Glarner Industrieweg, from Elm to Ziegelbrücke, brings Glarus’s importance as an industrial centre to life. With these endpoints, the route’s themes extend beyond the town itself.

These themes also differ in their time and place: the Landsgemeinde is an annual event on Zaunplatz, while the industrial trail places Glarus within a regional route. By contrast, the town church and GeoCity Walk focus on architectural history and geological details in the town. These differences can help you plan your trip around your interests and choose suitable dates for your stay.

The town’s architecture, geological discoveries and cultural themes give a stay in Glarus a distinct character. If you are looking for a hotel in Glarus, you can first decide which of these aspects of the town you would like to shape your stay.

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To the main travel overview: Glarus.