Netstal City
Swiss village in Glarus canton near Linth Valley
In the Linth valley Netstal gives quick access to Glarus Alps climbs and glacial cirques; hikers, climbers and winter skiers use the town as base, with old textile mills dotting the streets.
Netstal at a Glance#
Costs: Expensive Switzerland rates (~$150-$300/day) - swiss prices apply-expect high costs for lodging and dining.
Safety: Very safe and orderly - extremely safe, low crime and well‑maintained public spaces.
Best Time: Summer for hiking; winter for alpine sports (Jun-Sep / Dec-Feb) - summer for hiking and winter for nearby alpine sports; shoulder seasons are quiet.
Why Visit Netstal?#
Nestled in the Linth valley, Netstal offers direct access to the Glarus Alps and mountain activities such as hiking, climbing and alpine lake visits like Klöntalersee. Traditional Swiss mountain culture appears in local dairy farms and seasonal alp festivals, while compact village streets reveal a quieter side of Canton Glarus. Outdoor enthusiasts find it a convenient base for alpine walks and classic Swiss scenery without the larger crowds of major resorts.
Best Things to Do in Netstal#
Netstal Bucket List#
Glarus town and Landesmuseum - Short walk to Glarus town and Landesmuseum showcasing local history and industry.
Linth valley trails - Linth valley trails for easy riverside walks and mountain views.
Local village atmosphere - Peaceful village lanes with traditional Swiss homes, community cafés, and daily life.
Kerenzerberg pass - Kerenzerberg pass viewpoints and alpine meadows popular with locals for hikes.
Small alpine meadows - Hidden meadows above the village offering seasonal wildflowers and quiet picnic spots.
Heritage walking routes - Marked heritage trails linking hamlets and explaining local historical landmarks and industry.
Lake Walensee - Lake Walensee with boat rides, shoreline walks, and dramatic mountain panoramas.
Klausen Pass - Scenic alpine pass offering high-mountain vistas, hiking trails, and photographic viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Netstal#
Netstal is best from late spring through early autumn for hiking and lake trips. Winters bring snow in the surrounding peaks and cosy alpine atmosphere.
December - February
-2-6°C (28-43°F)
Cold with regular snow in surrounding mountains; town is picturesque but some hiking routes closed. Good for cosy village stays and winter sports nearby.
March - May & September - November
5-18°C (41-64°F)
Fresh, blossoming springs and crisp autumns - great for valley walks, early-season lower-elevation hikes and fewer tourists. Expect changeable weather; layers are key.
June - August
15-28°C (59-82°F)
Warm, sun-filled days ideal for hiking, lake trips and alpine sightseeing. Nights cool pleasantly; perfect balance of outdoor activity and relaxed village life.
Netstal's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1476 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 3° | -2° | 83 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 5° | -1° | 97 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 4° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 19° | 14° | 122 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 167 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 171 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 9° | 104 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 8° | 3° | 113 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 4° | -1° | 103 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
How to Get to Netstal#
How to Get Around Netstal#
- Walking -
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Where to Stay in Netstal#
Netstal village - CHF25-60/night (limited)
Netstal is a small Swiss village with very few commercial accommodations. Budget options are rare; many visitors stay in nearby Glarus town instead.
Glarus (nearby) - CHF90-150/night
Mid-range hotels are limited in Netstal itself. Glarus town offers comfortable hotels and guesthouses with reliable Swiss standards a short drive away.
Regional Swiss resorts - CHF200+/night
No luxury resorts in Netstal. For upscale stays, look to larger Swiss centres or mountain resorts with full-service facilities.
Where to Eat in Netstal#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Netstal’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Netstal#
Shopping in Netstal is limited to small local shops and a couple of basic services; for a fuller retail range you’ll go to Glarus town. Swiss prices apply, so expect higher costs than in many other countries.
Nightlife in Netstal#
Netstal’s nightlife is very low-key - you’ll find local restaurants and a few bars, but no club scene. For more evening options and events head into nearby Glarus.
