Glarus Alps
Mountains Swiss alpine range known for rugged peaks and valleys
The Glarus Alps in eastern Switzerland offer high peaks such as Tödi, alpine hiking routes and mountain villages; climbers and walkers use lifts, huts and marked trails.
The Glarus Alps are a mountain range in eastern Switzerland within the Canton of Glarus and neighbouring cantons, comprising rugged peaks, glaciers and deep valleys. The range includes several summits above 3,000 metres and notable geological exposures.
Prominent summits include Tödi (about 3,614 metres), Clariden (around 3,267 metres) and the Glärnisch massif; valleys support alpine pastures and high-mountain routes. The area contains glaciers and steep ridges that attract mountaineers, ski tourers and experienced hikers.
The Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, part of the Glarus Alps, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its clear tectonic structures and nappes, providing internationally important geological exposures and marked educational trails.
The range sits roughly between the cantons of Glarus, Graubünden and Uri, with village gateways such as Glarus and Linthal offering access; distances to Zurich are approximately 90-120 kilometres depending on route and valley.
- Hiking and huts: The range contains classic alpine routes and multi-day hut-to-hut walks; local mountain huts and marked trails are managed by Swiss alpine organisations.
What to See #
- Tödi (Piz Russein): Tödi (Piz Russein) is the highest peak in the range, rising to about 3,614 metres and forming a prominent alpine massif popular with experienced mountaineers.
- Clariden: Clariden is a major summit at roughly 3,267 metres and serves as a popular objective for hikers and ski tourers in the northern part of the range.
- Tectonic Arena Sardona (UNESCO): The Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies within the region and displays outstandingly exposed tectonic nappes and fault structures used for scientific study and hiking interpretation.
How to Get to Glarus Alps #
The Glarus Alps are accessed from towns in the Canton of Glarus such as Glarus and Linthal. From Zürich it is generally a 1-1.5 hour drive (roughly 70-90 km depending on the valley and route) using the A3 and cantonal roads into Glarus; exact driving distance depends on your chosen valley destination. Swiss Federal Rail (SBB) runs trains from Zürich to Glarus and onward toward Linthal, and from those valley towns local buses or lifts provide access to trailheads and alpine areas; many hikes begin within a short walk from the valley stations or bus stops.
Tips for Visiting Glarus Alps #
- Use Linthal or Glarus town as practical bases for exploring the Glarus Alps and check alpine pass openings (e.g., Klausen Pass) before you travel-some passes close in winter.
- Consider Braunwald as a car‑free base reached by funicular from Linthal; its easy access to trails and viewpoints makes it a good alternative to starting high alpine hikes from valley towns.
- Always check local cable‑car, funicular and mountain railway timetables in advance-many summits and hut accesses depend on seasonal lift schedules that travellers often overlook.
Best Time to Visit Glarus Alps #
Summer for hiking and alpine access, winter for snow sports-weather and temperatures change rapidly with elevation, so plan by specific valley or peak.
Weather & Climate near Glarus Alps #
Glarus Alps's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1897 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
