The best hiking routes in Glarus

Glarus is a deeply carved, mountainous canton in eastern Switzerland defined by dramatic elevation changes. If you prefer flat, rolling meadows, this region is not for you; the terrain here is steep, rocky, and dominated by sheer limestone cliffs. Walkers must choose between the deep, shadowed valley floor of the Linth river and the high-altitude alpine pastures that sit abruptly above the vertical rock walls.

On the trail, you will notice how the geology shapes your route. The famous Glarus Thrust is visible as a distinct horizontal line where older rock sits on top of younger stone, creating sharp, angular peaks and scree slopes underfoot. In July, the high pastures around the Limmernsee reservoir offer rugged paths over limestone pavement, while the lower valleys feature hard-packed gravel forestry roads through dense pine woods.

Choosing where to walk depends on your comfort with steep climbs. The northern part of the canton near the Walensee lake has wetter, greener slopes and views of the jagged Churfirsten range across the water. In contrast, the southern head of the valley feels much more enclosed and industrial, where narrow gorges lead toward massive hydroelectric infrastructure and high alpine glaciers.