Clarenbach

A small mountain village offering authentic Alpine village atmosphere with traditional architecture and access to excellent hiking routes. The village provides a peaceful base for exploring the southern Glarus mountains.

Things to do

• Hiking to Säntis — A challenging day hike from Clarenbach to the nearby Säntis peak offering panoramic views of the Appenzell Alps and Glarus valley.
• Braunwald Village Walk — Explore the car-free mountain village of Braunwald, accessible via cable car from nearby Linthal, featuring traditional chalets and Alpine meadows.
• Linthal Valley Cycling — Cycle through the scenic Linthal valley on well-maintained regional routes connecting traditional villages and mountain streams.
• Traditional Alphorn Playing Demonstration — Visit local farmers or cultural centers in the region to hear authentic Alphorn performances, a living tradition in Glarus valleys.
• Clarenbach Church Architecture Tour — Study the small village church featuring traditional Glarner stone construction and religious heritage dating back several centuries.
• Wildlishohe Ridge Traverse — Undertake a moderate ridge walk from Clarenbach offering sweeping vistas of the Glarus Alps and limestone formations characteristic of the region.

Food to try

• Glarner Pastry (Glarner Wädeli) — A traditional flaky pastry filled with dried fruit and nuts, a regional specialty served with coffee in mountain villages throughout Glarus.
• Älplermagronen — A hearty Alpine pasta dish layered with potatoes, cheese, and onions, commonly prepared in mountain huts and village restaurants.
• Appenzeller Cheese — A pungent semi-hard cheese from the neighboring Appenzell region, aged and served at local farms with fresh bread and fruit.
• Bratwurst from Local Butchers — Smoked sausages prepared according to traditional Alpine recipes, available fresh at village meat shops and served at mountain rest stops.
• Mountain Spring Water and Herbal Teas — Pure alpine water sourced locally and herbal infusions made from mountain herbs gathered in the surrounding meadows during summer months.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mountain Weather Changes — Alpine weather can shift rapidly; locals advise bringing layered clothing and checking forecasts before hiking, as conditions change within minutes.
• Greet with Local Swiss Courtesy — Use 'Grüezi' as a greeting and 'Auf Wiedersehen' when departing; these traditional salutations are deeply valued in conservative Alpine communities.
• Support Local Agriculture — Purchase directly from farmers and village shops rather than chain stores; the local economy depends on agritourism and traditional farming practices.
• Follow Alpine Hiking Protocols — Stay on marked trails, close all gates behind you, and avoid disturbing grazing animals; these customs protect private Alpine pastures and livestock.