Näfels brings together the history of the canton of Glarus and opportunities for culture and outdoor activities. The village lies on the left bank of the Linth at 437 metres above sea level, in the border area between the Schwyz Alps, the Glarus Alps and the Eastern Swiss Prealps. The highest point of the former municipality is Rautispitz, at 2,283 metres above sea level. For a stay, you can plan different highlights, such as local history, activities at the lintharena or a trip to Lake Obersee.
Freuler Palace and local history
Freuler Palace is one of Switzerland’s most magnificent 17th-century residences. Since 1946, it has been home to the Museum of the Canton of Glarus, which presents the canton’s history and culture from its beginnings to the present day. The palace offers a tour of nine 17th-century reception and living rooms; check the current booking conditions in advance. Näfels itself is also listed in the ISOS inventory as a settlement of national importance. The Catholic Church of St. Hilarius is included in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance.
The Mariaburg monastery complex was founded in 1674 on the castle hill in Näfels; a Franciscan community lives there today. It stands on the site of Näfels Castle, which was destroyed by the people of Glarus in 1351 and had previously served as an important Habsburg administrative centre in the Glarus region. Näfels is also associated with the Battle of Näfels in 1388. A walking tour of historic Näfels takes visitors to sites of cultural and historical interest; two official local guides are recommended for the tour.
The Näfelser Fahrt in April
The Näfelser Fahrt takes place on the first Thursday in April, unless that date falls during Holy Week. Processions make their way to the battle memorial and the eleventh memorial stone. The official ceremony ends with a solemn high mass in Näfels parish church; a market is held on the streets of Näfels at the same time. As details can change from year to year, check the information for your visit date before travelling.
Water, outdoor activities and wellness
The indoor swimming pool at the lintharena has a 25-metre swimming pool, a multi-purpose pool and a children’s paddling area. Connected directly to it is an outdoor pool heated to 34.5°C; there is also the «Magic Tube», a water slide more than 100 metres long. The wellness area includes a bio sauna, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, experience showers, relaxation rooms and a tea corner with views of the Glarus Alps.
The bike skills park combines several flowing circuits and jump features with technical trails, including rock gardens, hairpin turns and drops. There is a 100-square-metre children’s area for balance bikes and children’s bikes. A free-to-access skatepark is located right next to the lintharena, providing visitors with a safe environment. The GLKB bouldering hall offers courses for different age groups and experience levels.
From the Lake Obersee loop to a mountain hike
An on-demand shuttle takes visitors from Näfels to Lake Obersee. The lake is a clear mountain lake with views of the Glarus Prealps. Visitors can fish there and take a stroller-friendly path around the lake. The Lake Obersee loop is 3.0 kilometres long, is classified as an easy walk and takes about 50 minutes. A longer mountain hike leads from Lake Obersee via Rautialp to Rautispitz; it covers 1,300 metres of elevation gain and takes about six and a half hours. This gives visitors a choice between a short, easy loop and a considerably longer mountain hike. Trail conditions, fishing regulations and access conditions can change; check them in advance.
Traditional Alprohziger
Traditional Alprohziger is still made at Alp Obersee-Rauti near Näfels. It is seasoned with salt and Zigerklee, a local speciality that adds a distinctive culinary note alongside the cultural and natural highlights of a stay.
Discover more destinations: Obstalden, Braunwald, Glarus, Mollis, Engi, Nidfurn, Matt, Filzbach
Go to the main travel overview: Glarus.
