Filzbach combines local history with excursions that appeal to a wide range of interests: geological features along the educational trail, routes on the Kerenzerberg and winter activities. The settlement is spread out across the high plateau of the Kerenzerberg above Lake Walen. When planning your accommodation, you can decide whether to focus your trip on culture, longer hikes or seasonal activities.
History and World Heritage
Around 15 BC, a Roman watch post was built near what is now Hotel Römerturm. A later chapter in the town’s history began in 1963, when a chairlift was inaugurated in Filzbach. After Braunwald, this became the second ski and tourism area in the canton of Glarus. These two dates span the period from Roman times to the development of tourism in the 20th century.
The Kerenzerberg UNESCO World Heritage exhibition at Seminarhotel Lihn offers insights into the Sardona World Heritage Site and the formation of the Alps. Exhibition features include five information panels, two video stations, a touchscreen station, a microscope with rock samples and a 3D relief of the Glarus Alps. If you would like to explore the topics in greater depth, you can book guided tours led by trained GeoGuides Sardona; admission is free. Check the visitor arrangements before you arrive.
Trails with different themes
The Habergschwänd–Talsee educational trail combines a 2.5-kilometre route with geological information: using examples, it explains how Lake Talsee was formed and covers a period of 100 million years. The educational trail can be reached from Filzbach by chairlift. Seasonal conditions may affect access; check trail conditions before setting out.
The Schabziger Höhenweg is another educational route. At ten stops, you can learn more about the history, production and marketing of Glarner Sapasago cheese, also known as Schabziger. The route also features a mechanical Stöckli moulding machine dating from 1910. Here, the focus is on the cheese-making tradition, while the Habergschwänd–Talsee educational trail explains how the landscape was formed.
For a longer hike, consider the moderately difficult Kerenzerberg circular hike. It is 12.7 kilometres long and follows historic paths between Lake Walen and the Kerenzerberg. In Filzbach, a zigzag path descends from the pre-Alpine terrace to Lake Walen. By comparison, the Habergschwänd–Talsee educational trail is much shorter at 2.5 kilometres; the two routes therefore differ in both theme and length. Check trail conditions before your hike.
Activities that get you thinking are also part of the local scene. The Filzbacher DenkWeg has eight stops: four oversized puzzles and thinking games, and four mindfulness stations. The DenkWeg Kerenzerberg starts and ends at the large car park by the Kerenzerberg Sports Centre in the heart of Filzbach. The DenkBahn Kerenzerberg offers eight themed thinking trips on the chairlift, accompanied by a seminar toolkit. Reservations may be required for the thinking trips.
Activities and facilities in Filzbach
The sports centre in Filzbach includes an indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose sports halls, tennis courts and sports fields. Another option on the mountain is the Habergschwänd Dragon Playground, with a wooden climbing dragon, a large trampoline, a sandpit with toys, a small wooden house and various children’s vehicles. It is located at the top station and can also be reached with a pushchair on the Kerenzerberg cable car. On foot, the journey from Filzbach takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the children’s ages.
Winter on the Kerenzerberg
The Habergschwänd–Nüenalp snowshoe hike is described as a 5.2-kilometre tour with 380 metres of ascent and descent, taking approximately two and a half hours. Seasonal availability depends on snow conditions. In winter, guests can also ride electric MoonBikes on Alp Habergschwänd; availability depends on conditions and operations.
The Kerenzerberg toboggan run leads from Habergschwänd to Filzbach. It is six kilometres long, with a descent of 540 metres. This makes it possible to choose between two different winter plans: a snowshoe hike with an approximate duration given, or a toboggan run with a specified length and descent. Snow conditions may affect both activities; check current conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Matt, Niederurnen, Braunwald, Glarus SĂĽd, Glarus, Mollis, Elm, MĂĽhlehorn
Go to the main travel overview: Glarus.
