Niederurnen Travel Guide

City Village in Glarus canton, Swiss alpine foothills

Niederurnen sits in the Linth valley beneath the Glarus Alps, popular for short mountain hikes, pastoral scenery and family-run guesthouses. Walkers use it as a low-key base for alpine routes and local dairy products.

Costs

Typical daily budget: $140-$200

Swiss cost levels: expect expensive food, lodging and regional transport fares.

Safety

Very safe and orderly

Very safe with low crime and dependable public services.

Best Time

Best months: May-October

Summer and early autumn provide the best hiking and mountain-viewing weather.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

3:09 AM

GMT+2

Weather

48°F

Overcast

Population

3,657

Infrastructure & Convenience

Served by regional trains and buses; compact and pedestrian-friendly with clear signage.

Popularity

Quiet and local; mainly used by hikers, commuters and regional visitors.

Known For

Glarus valley, mountain hikes, regional rail link, pastoral landscapes, Swiss village life, outdoor activities, forests, Alpine proximity

Niederurnen was incorporated into the new municipality of Glarus Nord during Glarus's 2011 municipal merger reforms.

Why Visit Niederurnen? #

Niederurnen is a quiet Swiss village valued for its access to alpine recreation and lakeside scenery. Its location near the Walensee shoreline and valley trailheads makes it easy to reach hiking routes, cable cars and panoramic viewpoints, while village bakeries and dairy farms offer classic alpine cheeses. Peaceful streets and mountain-fed rivers give Niederurnen the feel of a traditional mountain community with strong outdoor appeal.

Best Things to Do in Niederurnen

All Attractions ›

Lake Zurich

Swiss lake adjacent to the city of Zurich

Lake

Walensee

Deep alpine lake surrounded by steep Swiss cliffs

Lake

Glarus Alps

Swiss alpine range known for rugged peaks and valleys

Mountains

Säntis

Iconic peak in Alpstein massif with weather station

Mountain

Glarus thrust

Geological thrust fault displaying Alpine overthrust examples

Tomb

Einsiedeln Abbey

Baroque Benedictine abbey and major Swiss pilgrimage site

Temple

Tödi

Alpine peak in the Glarus Alps, popular among climbers

Mountains

Ägerisee

Scenic lake in Canton Zug used for recreation

Lake

Niederurnen Bucket List

Don't Miss

Niederurnen village centre - Stroll Niederurnen village centre with traditional farmhouses and peaceful local atmosphere.
Local Reformed church - Visit the local Reformed church with historic interior and community events.
Walensee shoreline - Walk the Walensee shore near Niederurnen for mountain-backdrop lakeside scenery and swimming spots.

Hidden Gems

Sernftal valley trails - Follow trails into Sernftal valley for waterfalls, alpine streams, and quiet forest paths.
Small dairies and farm stalls - Visit small dairies in the region to sample Swiss mountain cheeses and farm products.
Wiggis ridge hikes - Hike Wiggis ridge for panoramic views over Walensee and Churfirsten mountain chain.

Day Trips

Glarus town and museum - Short drive to Glarus for the local museum, shops, and mountain rail links.
Flumserberg - Reach Flumserberg for year-round alpine recreation, slopes, and lakeside viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit Niederurnen #

Niederurnen is most enjoyable from late spring through summer when trails and mountain passes are open. Winters bring snow and winter-sport options but colder, wetter conditions for casual visitors.

Winter

December - February · -2-6°C (28-43°F)

Frosty valley mornings and occasional snow - lovely for quiet walks but chilly and shorter days limit activities.

Spring

March - May · 4-15°C (39-59°F)

Fresh, green and increasingly sunny; the best time for hikes and cycling before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer

June - August · 15-27°C (59-81°F)

Warm, sunny and ideal for alpine adventures, lake trips and relaxing on village terraces; busiest and most pleasant season.

Best Time to Visit Niederurnen #

Climate

Niederurnen's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1342 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustSeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

30°

Warmest Month

-28°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-2° – 3°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

76 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.8h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-2° – 5°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

2° – 10°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

85 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

4° – 14°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

97 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

9° – 19°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

113 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

14.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 21°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

154 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

14° – 24°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

169 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

14° – 23°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

155 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 19°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

111 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

6° – 14°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

94 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 8°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-1° – 4°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

96 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.3h daylight

How to Get to Niederurnen

Niederurnen (Nieder- and Oberurnen area) is served directly by SBB regional trains and is easiest to reach via Zurich Airport and the Swiss rail network. Local PostAuto buses handle final-mile connections into the surrounding villages.

By Air

Zurich Airport (ZRH): The primary international airport for Niederurnen. By rail Zurich Airport to Ziegelbrücke or Glarus then onto Niederurnen takes about 1-1.25 hours; driving is similar. Typical single rail fares are around CHF 20-CHF 40 depending on connections and discounts.

Geneva / Basel: Both are options for international travellers but entail longer rail journeys (2.5-4 hours) with transfers to reach Niederurnen.

By Train & Bus

Train: Niederurnen has its own station (Niederurnen station) on the Ziegelbrücke-Sargans line served by regional SBB trains. Trains connect to Glarus and Zürich with regular S-Bahn/regional services - travel to Zurich takes roughly an hour depending on connection.

Bus: PostAuto and local buses provide onward links into nearby villages and valleys; short local fares are a few francs and integrate with SBB tickets for seamless travel planning.

How to Get Around Niederurnen #

Niederurnen is small and walkable for moving around the village itself; many residents use bicycles for short trips. The area is part of the Swiss regional network so public transport links are available. Regional trains and PostBus services connect to larger towns; frequency is generally good by local standards. Tickets and fares follow Swiss pricing; buying a day pass can be worth it if you plan several journeys.

Where to Stay in Niederurnen #

Budget

Village centre / Glarus valley - CHF 60-140/night

Niederurnen is residential with a few pensions; budget travellers often stay in nearby Glarus for more choice and transport links.

Local guesthouses (Niederurnen) - Small family-run pensions listed online
Budget stays in Glarus - More affordable options in nearby Glarus town

Mid-Range

Glarus valley - CHF 120-220/night

Mid-range hotels in the valley offer solid facilities, good breakfast and easy access to hiking and train services.

Hotel Linthpark (Näfels area) - Modern mid-range conference hotel nearby
Hotel Glarnerhof (Glarus) - Comfortable rooms and restaurant services

Luxury

Zurich / Lucerne for luxury - CHF 250+/night

Niederurnen lacks luxury hotels; for premium rooms and services, travel to Zurich or Lucerne and visit by train.

Luxury options: limited locally - Upscale hotels found in larger Swiss cities
Zurich & Lucerne luxury hotels - Best luxury choices are in Zurich or Lucerne

Where to Eat in Niederurnen #

Village Inns & Comfort Food

Niederurnen's eateries are mostly village inns offering Swiss comfort dishes-sausages, rösti, and seasonal game-popular with locals after outdoor activities.

Bakeries & Local Delicacies

Local bakeries serve fresh breads and pastries; simple cafés provide a place to sample regional cheeses alongside espresso and small cakes.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Niederurnen's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Italian

Kebab

Burger

Turkish

Local

Indian

Tea

Cake

Pide

Thai

Asian

Greek

French

German

Chicken

Sausage

Tibetan

Barbecue

Nightlife in Niederurnen #

Nightlife is minimal - a few local restaurants and bars provide evening meals and drinks. The area is quiet after dark, with larger nightlife options available in nearby cities.

Shopping in Niederurnen #

Shopping options are limited to local bakeries, grocers and small retailers. For a wider retail selection you’ll need to travel to nearby towns or regional centres.

Nearby Cities #