Glarus

The capital of the canton, this charming Alpine town features a stunning main square rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1861, with elegant Neoclassical architecture and the impressive Glarus Cathedral. It serves as the cultural and economic heart of the region, offering museums, galleries, and authentic Swiss hospitality.

Things to do

• Explore Glarus Cathedral — Visit this impressive Neo-Gothic cathedral dominating the main square, rebuilt after the 1861 fire with striking architecture and ornate interior design.
• Wander the Main Square (Marktplatz) — Stroll through this beautifully reconstructed central plaza with elegant Neoclassical facades, cafés, and the heart of the town's social and cultural life.
• Glarus Museum — Discover local history, art, and Alpine culture through exhibits covering the town's reconstruction and regional heritage.
• Hiking to Säntis — Tackle the challenging alpine hike from Glarus to the 2,502-meter Säntis peak for panoramic views across northeastern Switzerland.
• Visit the Textile Museum (Industrie- und Fachmuseum) — Learn about Glarus's historic textile industry, which shaped the region's economy and continues to influence local identity.
• Walk along the Linth River — Enjoy scenic riverside paths and bridges that offer peaceful views of the valley and surrounding Alpine peaks.

Food to try

• Glarner Pasteten — Savor these traditional Glarus meat pies with a flaky pastry crust, filled with locally sourced pork, herbs, and spices, often enjoyed as a lunch specialty.
• Älplermagronen — Try this Alpine comfort dish of pasta layered with potatoes, cheese, and onions, served with applesauce—a hearty regional favorite.
• Glarner Läberli — Sample these traditional spiced gingerbread cookies, often made with local recipes and sold during festivals and at bakeries throughout town.
• Local Cheese from Säntis Region — Taste authentic Alpine cheeses produced in the surrounding Glarus hills, known for their distinctive flavor from mountain pasture grazing.
• Appenzell-style Chäs-Fondue — Experience this creamy cheese fondue adapted in the region using local dairy products and wines, perfect for a warming evening meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Landsgemeinde Traditions — Glarus still practices the historic open-air assembly (Landsgemeinde) on the first Sunday of May, where locals gather to vote on canton matters—an important civic tradition to observe respectfully.
• Appreciate the 1861 Fire Legacy — The town's architecture and layout reflect meticulous post-fire reconstruction, so locals take pride in this resilience; learning this history enhances appreciation for the Neoclassical beauty you see.
• Visit Museums During Weekday Afternoons — Many local museums and cultural institutions close on Mondays and keep limited hours, so plan visits for weekday afternoons to avoid disappointment.
• Embrace Alpine Hospitality Customs — Locals value straightforward, warm greetings and appreciation for their mountain heritage; a simple 'Grüezi' greeting and interest in regional history will be warmly received.