Glarus (Swiss Canton)

The canton of Glarus is a mountainous region where hikers, mountaineers, cyclists and geologists can enjoy a wide variety of activities and excursions in a region of ancient traditions.

On the road along the southern shore of Lake Zurich through the Linth plain towards Graubünden, the deep valley of the Glarus region opens up to the south just before Lake Walen. Here the mountains rise steeply and the Tödi, at 3614m, is the highest point in eastern Switzerland.

Glarus has a long industrial tradition: its printed fabrics became world-famous in the 19th century, and on the 50km Industry Trail cyclists can discover witnesses to the history of Glarus industry.

The town of Glarus, at an altitude of 472 metres, is the smallest cantonal capital in Switzerland. It is situated in the Linth Valley, nestled in the Glarus Alps at the foot of the 2,915 metre-high Glärnisch.

In winter, there is skiing, sledging, snowshoeing and other winter sports on the Kerenzerberg above Lake Walen, in Elm and in Braunwald. Lovers of peace and quiet will be delighted by the many winter hiking trails.

The Klöntal lake, famous for its beautiful reflections, is an invitation to water sports and fishing in summer and to ice skating in winter.

On the local food side, Glarus Schabziger, a fragrant cheese, is considered Switzerland's oldest branded product.

Along with Appenzell Innerrhoden, Glarus is the last canton to have a Landsgemeinde, an ancient form of direct democracy: on the first Sunday in May, the inhabitants gather on Glarus' Zaunplatz and decide by a show of hands on the future of the canton.