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Glarus
Glarus is one of the least touristy cantons in Switzerland, and that is exactly why it works so well for families. This is not a destination built around “one attraction every hour.” Instead, it is a region shaped by a single deep valley, mountains rising right behind the town, and lakes and hiking areas that are easy to reach without complicated planning.
The overall feel is calm and authentic. There is less pressure, fewer organised groups, and none of the inflated “famous place” energy that can make family travel harder. For families travelling with children aged 5-18, this means real freedom: short drives, manageable walks, outdoor time, and days that do not feel rushed.
Where Is Glarus Located, and What Makes It Different from Other Swiss Regions?
Glarus lies in east-central Switzerland, tucked into a side valley with no transit traffic. People do not pass through Glarus by accident – they come here intentionally, and that shapes the experience from the start.
The canton feels open, quiet, and lightly populated, with mountains enclosing the valley in every direction. Even in peak summer, when other Swiss regions can feel crowded, Glarus still offers a sense of space and calm that is increasingly rare.
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How Do You Get Around Glarus, and Do You Really Need a Rental Car?
The answer is clear: yes, renting a car makes the trip significantly easier. There is a direct train from Zurich to Glarus roughly once an hour, and local buses operate within the canton. However, most lakes, mountain villages, and natural areas are not conveniently accessible without a car.
Having your own vehicle allows you to stop where you want, adjust plans to the weather, and save time – which matters a lot when travelling with children. Without a car, you will inevitably limit what you can do and where you can go.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: In Glarus, a car is not a luxury; it is a practical planning tool. Without it, you miss much of what makes the region special.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Glarus with Children?
Summer (June-September)
Summer is the strongest season for family travel in Glarus. Lakes are fully accessible, family-friendly hiking trails are open, mountain villages are active, and outdoor infrastructure works at full capacity. This period offers the greatest flexibility for combining nature, light walking, and easy mountain experiences without complex logistics.
Autumn (October)
Autumn brings clear air, golden colours, and noticeably fewer visitors. Early October also features the Martinsloch light phenomenon, when sunlight passes through a natural rock window and briefly illuminates a church in the valley. Days are shorter, but the atmosphere is calm and distinctive, which suits families looking for a quieter rhythm.
Winter
Winter in Glarus is scenic and peaceful, but it is less suitable for classic family trips focused on lakes and walking. It works better for travellers seeking tranquillity and gentle winter activities rather than full daily outdoor programmes.
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Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For most families, summer offers the best balance between accessibility, variety, and predictable conditions.
Glarus Town: What Is Worth Seeing in the Cantonal Capital?
Glarus is the smallest cantonal capital in Switzerland. It is compact, easy to navigate, and free from tourist overload. Everything is within walking distance, which makes it ideal for a light, unhurried day without strict planning.
Stadtkirche Glarus (City Church of Glarus)
The town’s main landmark is a Neo-Romanesque church built after the great fire of the 19th century. Entry is free, and a short visit is enough to understand its importance. Even travellers who usually skip churches often find this one worthwhile for context.
Entry is free.
Volksgarten Glarus
This small urban park offers lawns, benches, and shade. It is free and open year-round, making it a natural pause point for families who need space to slow down between activities.
Opening Hours: Open year-round
Free
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Volksgarten is an ideal place to reset the day – especially after a drive or before heading into the mountains.
Why Is Braunwald One of the Best Family Areas in Glarus?
Braunwald is a car-free mountain village located on a sunny plateau, and it consistently stands out as one of the most family-friendly places in the canton. The absence of cars immediately creates a sense of safety and calm, which is especially noticeable when travelling with children.
Standseilbahn Linthal-Braunwald
The funicular is the only way to reach Braunwald, and it is part of the experience rather than just transport. The ride takes about 6-7 minutes and quickly lifts you from the valley into a quieter mountain environment.
A round-trip ticket costs approximately CHF 12-15 per adult.
Distance/Time: Ride takes about 6-7 minutes
Parking at the lower station (Linthal)
Parking at the lower station in Linthal costs around CHF 4-5 per day.
CHF 4-5 per day
Zwerg-Bartli-Erlebnisweg
This themed family trail is designed with children in mind, featuring playful stations and interactive elements along an easy walking route. The trail itself is free; the only cost is the funicular ride. Walking is relaxed and unhurried, with frequent natural pauses for play and rest.
The trail is free; the only cost is the funicular ride.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand): This trail is not suitable for strollers. There are slopes, roots, and narrow sections, so comfortable walking shoes for both adults and children are essential. A realistic limitation to keep in mind is that summer weekends can be busy. Arriving earlier in the day noticeably improves the experience and keeps the atmosphere calm.
Elm: Where Do Nature and Family Activities Come Together?
Elm is one of the strongest family bases in Glarus. It combines accessible mountain transport, outdoor play areas, and short, easy walking routes within a compact and well-organised area. For families with children, this balance makes planning simple and days feel full without becoming tiring.
Sportbahnen Elm
The gondola ride to the Ämpächli area serves as the main gateway to family activities. The ascent is comfortable and quick, and it already offers open views over the valley.
A round-trip ticket costs approximately CHF 28-32 per adult.
Parking at the base station is free, which simplifies logistics when travelling with children.
Riesenwald Elm
Riesenwald is a forest adventure area designed primarily for children aged 3-13. Wooden installations, play stations, and natural elements are integrated into the landscape, encouraging movement and exploration without long walking distances. Entry is free and included with the gondola ticket.
Entry is free and included with the gondola ticket.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: This is one of the few places where children stay engaged for 1-2 hours without needing additional entertainment, giving parents genuine downtime. One limitation worth noting is the food at the upper restaurant. It is practical and convenient, but not memorable, so it is best approached with realistic expectations.
Lakes and Landscapes: Where Is Glarus at Its Most Impressive?
Glarus shows its strongest side in its natural landscapes, where lakes and mountain formations are easy to access and do not require demanding hikes. These areas work especially well for families who want impressive scenery without complex logistics.
Klöntalersee
Klöntalersee is an alpine lake surrounded by steep mountain slopes and open viewpoints. Entry is free, and the walking paths around the lake are mostly flat and suitable for all ages. It is an ideal place for a calm day with frequent photo stops, short walks, and relaxed time by the water.
Entry is free.
Martinsloch and Tschinglen
This area is known for its geological formations and dramatic mountain scenery. Walking routes are free and range from short viewpoint walks to longer hikes. A seasonal cable car operates here at an additional cost, depending on the time of year.
Walking routes are free. Seasonal cable car operates at an additional cost depending on time of year.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Do not arrive late in the day. The surrounding peaks block sunlight early, especially outside high summer, which noticeably changes both light and temperature.
Linthal: Why Does This Valley Town Add Depth to the Trip?
Linthal is located at the far end of the Glarus valley and feels noticeably different from the mountain villages. Its character is more industrial and less polished, which makes it less of a classic holiday stop but adds context and contrast to a nature-focused itinerary.
Suworow Museum Linthal
This small museum is dedicated to General Suvorov’s Alpine campaign. Entry is free or donation-based, and opening hours are limited. The visit itself is short and works best as a brief stop rather than a main attraction, especially when travelling with children.
Opening Hours: Opening hours are limited.
Entry is free or donation-based.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Linthal fits best as a short pause within a mountain or valley day, not as a standalone destination. Treated this way, it adds historical depth without slowing the overall pace.
What Should Families Know Before Visiting Glarus?
A rental car is essential for flexible and stress-free travel. While trains and buses exist, they do not provide the level of freedom needed to reach lakes, mountain villages, and natural areas comfortably with children.
Many of the best experiences in Glarus are free. Lakes, walking paths, urban parks, and family trails usually do not require an entrance fee, while most costs are concentrated on mountain transport such as funiculars and cable cars.
Glarus is a quiet region, not an amusement-park destination. It suits families who enjoy nature, walking, and open space rather than constant entertainment or structured attractions.
The canton is not ideal for shopping-focused trips. Retail options are local and limited, which supports a slower pace but may disappoint travellers expecting large shopping centres.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Glarus rewards slower travel. Choosing two or three areas and letting the landscape set the rhythm creates a far more enjoyable family experience.
3-day itinerary
Trip Duration: 3 days
Day 1 - Glarus Town: Easy Start and Local Atmosphere
Getting around throughout the day is entirely on foot, which keeps the pace easy and stress-free and works well for families with children.
The morning (10:00-12:30) begins with a relaxed walk through Glarus town, focusing on the main streets, Hauptstrasse and Burgstrasse. This unhurried stroll takes about 45-60 minutes and allows time for short stops, photos, and observing everyday local life. Glarus is compact and calm, so there is no need for a strict route or schedule.
From there, continue on foot to Stadtkirche Glarus (City Church of Glarus), one of the town’s key landmarks. Entry is free, and 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a quiet visit and a short pause indoors. Morning hours work best, as the church and surrounding streets are noticeably calmer and more comfortable for families.
Lunch (12:30-14:00) is best taken near Volksgarten Glarus, a shaded urban park just 5-10 minutes’ walk from the centre. Children can move freely while adults rest. Cafés and casual restaurants around the park make lunch simple and unhurried.
The afternoon and early evening (14:00-18:00) are intentionally flexible. This time can be used for ice cream, small local shops, or a relaxed coffee without pressure. Optionally, a short 10-15 minute drive to a nearby valley viewpoint adds a gentle scenic finish before returning to accommodation.
Day 2 - Braunwald: Car-Free Mountain Village
Today combines a short car journey with a scenic funicular ride, creating a mountain day that feels special without requiring long or demanding walks.
The morning (10:00-12:30) starts with a drive from Glarus to Linthal, which takes around 35 minutes through a quiet alpine valley. Parking is available near the funicular station and usually costs CHF 4-5 per day, located just a short walk from the platform.
From Linthal, take the Standseilbahn Linthal-Braunwald, a 6-7 minute ride that quickly lifts you into the car-free mountain village. A round-trip ticket costs approximately CHF 12-15 per adult. The ascent itself already sets the tone for the day, with open views and a clear sense of leaving the valley behind.
Late morning to early afternoon (12:30-14:30) is dedicated to the Zwerg-Bartli-Erlebnisweg, a themed family trail designed especially for children. The walk is easy and playful, with interactive stations that naturally slow the pace and keep kids engaged. Plan 1.5-2 hours, including time for play, short breaks, and photos. The trail is free; the only cost is the funicular ride. Lunch can be taken afterward in Braunwald Dorf, where restaurants offer a relaxed alpine setting suitable for families.
The afternoon and early evening (14:30-18:00) are left open for free time on the Braunwald plateau. Playgrounds, short walks, and simply sitting with the views all work well here. Toward the end of the day, descend by funicular, collect the car, and return to Glarus at an easy pace, without rushing.
Day 3 - Elm and Lake Klöntal: Forest + Water
The final day combines a mountain experience with a relaxed lakeside finish, using a mix of driving and cable-car transport.
The morning (10:00-13:00) begins with a drive from Glarus to Elm, which takes around 40 minutes along a scenic alpine road. Parking at the cable-car base station is free and conveniently located, making arrival straightforward for families.
From Elm, take the Sportbahnen Elm cable car up to the Ämpächli area. A round-trip ticket costs approximately CHF 28-32 per adult. The ride is comfortable and short, and the views already give a sense of open space and altitude without physical effort.
The main morning activity is Riesenwald Elm, a forest-based experience area designed for families with children. Wooden installations and play elements are integrated into the natural landscape, encouraging movement, exploration, and imaginative play. Plan 1.5-2 hours here, allowing children to engage at their own pace rather than treating it as a simple walk.
Lunch (13:00-14:30) can be taken at one of the restaurants near the Ämpächli station. The food is practical and family-friendly, designed for hikers and day visitors, with convenience taking priority over variety.
In the afternoon and early evening (14:30-18:00), drive from Elm to Klöntalersee, a journey of about 30 minutes. Spend the rest of the day walking along the lake, stopping frequently for photos, and enjoying time by the water. Entry is free, and paths are mostly flat and suitable for all ages.
Traveller Reviews of Glarus
Michael Turner
July 2018
We travelled to Glarus with two children aged 6 and 9, specifically looking for quiet nature rather than famous attractions. Braunwald was the highlight: no cars, plenty of open space, and children free to move around safely. Glarus isn’t flashy, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it special. One important note – without a rental car, the experience would have been very limited.
Sarah Williams
August 2019
Glarus surprised us in a very positive way. Klöntalersee became our “slow day,” and it turned out to be one of the best moments of the trip. Mountains, water, no pressure to do anything. The kids were happy just walking and playing by the lake. One practical lesson: mountain restaurants close earlier than expected, so lunch planning really matters.
Daniel Moore
September 2021
We were looking for an uncrowded Swiss region with easy walking, and Glarus delivered exactly that. Elm and Riesenwald kept our children (7-12 years old) engaged for hours. This is a very nature-focused destination. If you want shopping or city energy, it’s not the right place – for us, that was a clear advantage.
Emily Carter
June 2022
Before coming, I worried Glarus might be too quiet for kids. In reality, it worked extremely well. Every day felt different: a town walk, then mountains, then a lake. The biggest lesson for us was slowing down. Trying to pack too much into one day here simply doesn’t make sense.
James Robinson
August 2023
Glarus feels like a well-kept secret. Braunwald’s family trail was a huge success, and the lack of crowds made everything easier with children. One downside is that some cable cars can get busy on summer weekends. Arriving early made a noticeable difference.
Laura Bennett
October 2024
We visited in autumn and experienced the Martinsloch light phenomenon. The atmosphere was calm and very different from peak summer. Days were shorter and weather changed quickly, so flexibility was important, especially with kids. Still, it felt unique and memorable in a quiet way.
Thomas Green
July 2025
We chose Glarus to escape checklist-style travel, and it worked perfectly. Elm was great for active mornings, while Klöntalersee was ideal for slow afternoons. There’s no single “must-see” attraction, but the combination makes sense. A rental car is essential – without it, you miss much of the region.
Rebecca Collins
August 2025
Travelling with three children, we appreciated how manageable everything felt. Short drives, clear logistics, and plenty of free outdoor spaces. Food in mountain restaurants is simple and practical rather than exciting. Glarus isn’t for thrill-seekers – it’s for families who want nature without stress.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
I always rent a car in Glarus. Even though trains reach the town, the most interesting places – Braunwald, Elm, Klöntalersee, and Linthal – are far easier and faster to reach by car, especially when travelling with children and adjusting plans to the weather.
I start mountain days early, particularly in summer. In Braunwald, the Standseilbahn Linthal-Braunwald can become busy on weekends. Arriving before 10:00 avoids queues and keeps the car-free village calm and enjoyable.
I never bring a stroller to Zwerg-Bartli-Erlebnisweg. From personal experience, roots, slopes, and narrow sections make strollers impractical. Good walking shoes for children are far more useful than any “convenient” equipment.
In Elm, I plan half a day – not more. Sportbahnen Elm and Riesenwald Elm are excellent, but after 2-3 hours most children are done. I always combine Elm with a lake visit or a relaxed valley drive.
I visit Klöntalersee between 12:00 and 15:00. The surrounding mountains block sunlight early, especially outside peak summer. Midday offers better light, warmer temperatures, and more pleasant conditions for photos and breaks.
I eat lunch earlier than usual in mountain areas. In Braunwald and Elm, restaurants may close earlier or operate limited hours. I aim for lunch between 12:00-13:30 and always carry snacks in my backpack.
I double-check cable-car stations before getting off. Around Elm and the Martinsloch area, station names can be confusing. Getting off at the wrong stop can add an unnecessary extra hour of walking – a real issue with children.
I don’t try to do everything in Glarus. From experience, the region works best when you choose two or three areas only. One town day, one mountain day, one lake day – this rhythm keeps children engaged and parents relaxed.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited Glarus in August 2022, travelling with a family and children, and it quickly became one of the few places in Switzerland where the trip did not feel rushed. Glarus does not try to impress with a single headline attraction. Instead, it offers a sequence of calm, well-connected experiences: an easy walk through Glarus town, a full car-free day in Braunwald, long pauses by Klöntalersee, and a morning in Elm where children stay engaged with nature rather than screens.
What works especially well for families is balance. Distances are short, logistics are simple, and it is easy to combine light town time with mountains and lakes in the same day. At the same time, it is important to be honest: this is not a destination for water parks, large shopping centres, or constant adrenaline. Without a rental car, it is also difficult to experience the region properly – this is a real planning limitation that should be considered in advance.
From both professional and personal experience, Glarus suits families who value space, calm, and authentic landscapes over ticking boxes. It is a quiet, green region with rhythm and breathing room – a place where travel feels natural rather than forced. If you are looking for a thoughtfully paced family journey, we would be glad to help you create a personalised itinerary for Glarus and for Switzerland as a whole.
Price List - Glarus (Switzerland)
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stadtkirche Glarus (City Church) — Glarus (Town) | Free CHF | Open during church opening hours |
| Volksgarten Glarus — Glarus (Town) | Free CHF | Urban park, open year-round |
| Standseilbahn Linthal-Braunwald (round trip) — Braunwald | ~12-15 CHF | Funicular - the only access to the village; Child: Free with Swiss Family Card / discounted |
| Parking at lower station (Linthal) — Braunwald | 4-5 / day CHF | Daily parking fee |
| Zwerg-Bartli-Erlebnisweg — Braunwald | Free CHF | Only the funicular ride is paid |
| Gondelbahn Elm-Ämpächli (round trip) — Elm | ~28-32 CHF | Free parking at the base station; Child: Discounted |
| Erlebnis / Family Tickets — Elm | Varies CHF | Seasonal family packages |
| Riesenwald Elm — Elm | Free CHF | Included with gondola ticket |
| Suworow Museum Linthal — Linthal | Free / donation CHF | Small museum, limited opening hours |
| Martinsloch - hiking trails — Natural Areas | Free CHF | Seasonal cable car available at extra cost |
| Elm-Tschinglen cable car — Natural Areas | ~20-30 CHF | Seasonal pricing; Child: Varies |
| Klöntalersee — Natural Areas | Free CHF | Lake with walking paths |
| Bus Glarus-Klöntal (Route 504) — Natural Areas | Regional fare CHF | Regular public transport |
| Limmerensee — Natural Areas | Free CHF | Access only by hiking / long ascent |
| Klausenpass — Natural Areas | Free CHF | Open in summer only (June-October) |
Popular Questions About Glarus
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