In Glarus, geological history can be told through a visible rock boundary: at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sardona Tectonic Arena, the Glarus Thrust and the rock outcrops above and below it are visible in three dimensions. The structure clearly illustrates how the Alps were folded. From this geological theme, the view turns to a landscape of narrow valleys, steep rock faces and mountain lakes.
Geological history and mountain landscapes
The Glarus Alps rise above narrow river valleys and are home to the largest post-glacial rockslide in the central Alpine region. The Linth Valley runs through the canton; its landscape features also include glacial remnants and broad Alpine expanses. At 3,612 metres, the Tödi is the canton’s highest peak. In Glarus, you can encounter both major geological connections and specific trails and landscapes.
The Sardona Tectonic Arena offers day trips and multi-day hikes with luggage transport and a personal geo-guide. A panoramic mountain hike passes through landscapes whose geological history spans 300 million years. The Glarus Thrust is particularly easy to see on the second stage of the Via GeoAlpina, from Elm to Linthal. These are different ways to learn about the mountains and how they formed.
Hiking trails across different timescales
For those looking at longer routes, there is the Via Glaralpina: this long-distance trail in the highlands of Glarnerland links Glarus Nord, Glarus and Glarus SĂĽd along around 230 kilometres of hiking trails, with 18,500 metres of ascent and descent. In addition, there are around 170 kilometres of official hiking trails within the municipality of Glarus. These figures refer to different offerings and geographical scales: the Via Glaralpina is a long-distance hike, while the trail figure for the municipality of Glarus gives a local overview.
In the canton of Glarus, there are opportunities for hiking, climbing, ski touring, snowshoeing and winter hiking. At the same time, the region is characterised by steep terrain and mountain and alpine hiking trails. Lake Klöntal offers a different timescale: an approximately two-hour walk follows the shore, with narrow sections along the way. There is also an easy hike around the lake. Swimming, surfing, fishing and ice diving are possible there; the lake originally formed as a result of a rockslide.
Textile history and industrial heritage
At the Museum of the Canton of Glarus in Freuler Palace, permanent and temporary exhibitions explore the history and culture of the canton. A permanent exhibition, “Glarus Textile Printing,” focuses specifically on the subject. It opened in 2024 and presents the more than 250-year history of textile printing in Glarus. Fabrics, tools and photographs illustrate the craftsmanship and trade of the textile printers. For a more in-depth look at the subject, the museum offers 60- or 90-minute guided tours.
The legacy of the textile industry is still visible today in former factory buildings, even beyond the exhibition. The 50-kilometre Glarus Industrial Trail runs through the Linth and Sernftal valleys and is laid out as a cycling and hiking route. Along the route are old factories, factory owners’ villas, power stations and canals, as well as modern factories. This contrast brings the canton’s industrial character to life in different ways.
Other insights can be found at museums with different focuses: Kunsthaus Glarus is a platform for contemporary Swiss and international art. The permanent exhibition at the Mollis Museum presents information about the geology and fossils of Glarnerland. Fossils from the age of the dinosaurs can be seen on the Geological City Walk in Glarus. A German-language fold-out brochure, “Brunnentrog und Haifischzahn” (“Fountain Trough and Shark Tooth”), also leads to 16 geologically significant building stones in Glarus.
Local themes and living traditions
The Schabziger Mountain Trail combines a hike with culinary highlights and insights into the canton’s alpine and mountain farming development. Ten information panels explain the history, production and marketing of Schabziger. If you are interested in how handmade chocolate is made, the “House of Läderach” experience world offers a behind-the-scenes look; check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The Landsgemeinde, a long-standing tradition of direct democracy, is part of the political culture. Eligible voters decide on laws and elections in the open air. Together with textile and industrial culture, this offers another perspective on Glarus: discoveries in the canton are shaped not only by the landscape, but also by work, trade and forms of public decision-making.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Elm, Braunwald, Glarus, Mollis, Engi, Matt, Filzbach, Nidfurn, Näfels, Obstalden, Mühlehorn, Glarus Süd, Niederurnen.
Go to the overview of destinations: Switzerland.
