Glarus Itinerary 2026 | Best Things to Do in Glarus Switzerland

If you’re looking for the perfect Glarus itinerary, you’re about to discover one of Switzerland’s most underrated alpine regions.

Glarus, Switzerland — also known as the Glarnerland — is a hidden gem tucked between dramatic limestone peaks, turquoise mountain lakes and peaceful hiking valleys. While many visitors head straight for the big-name resorts, like Zermatt, Interlaken, or Lauterbrunnen, we’ve always loved discovering the quieter corners of Switzerland — and Glarus is one of those places that quietly steals your heart.

And that is exactly what makes it special.

For families, outdoor lovers and travellers who enjoy exploring lesser-known parts of Switzerland, this 6-day Glarus itinerary combines scenic hikes, cable car adventures, crystal-clear lakes and some of the most stunning peaks in Switzerland – without the crowds.

We’ll be spending most of our time in the spectacular Glarus-Süd region. Home to Klöntalersee, Braunwald – where one of the best hotels in Glarus is, the famous Märchenhotel –  and the insta famous Limmernsee. These are all places where we guarantee to experience some of the best alpine adventures in eastern Switzerland.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Glarus, this guide will help you organise every day perfectly — whether you’re travelling as a family or as a couple looking for pure mountain magic.

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What You’ll Find in This Glarus Itinerary – Exploring Glarus-Süd

This Glarus itinerary focuses mainly on the spectacular Glarus-Süd region — an area packed with alpine adventures, family-friendly mountain experiences and proper Swiss scenery.

Here’s what we did during our six days in Glarus, Switzerland:

• 2 days in Elm – Scenic hiking trails, one of the best mountain playgrounds in Switzerland, and the brilliant downhill mountain scooter ride.
• 1 day in Linthal – A hike up to the impressive Muttsee Hut, one of the most spectacular high-alpine hikes in eastern Switzerland (see our detailed Linthal hiking guide).
• 2 days in Braunwald –Home to one of the most scenic via ferrata routes in eastern Switzerland, plus panoramic hiking trails and family-friendly alpine paths. If you’re considering tackling the Braunwald via ferrata, we’ve written a detailed guide covering difficulty level, safety and what to expect. Plus it is home to the wonderful Märchenhotel Braunwald, which we’ve reviewed in detail if you’re looking for a memorable mountain stay.
• Optional extra day at Klöntalersee – A lakeside stay surrounded by dramatic peaks, perfect for swimming, kayaking or simply slowing down.

Along the way, we’ve included scenic roadside stops, practical tips and ideas for extending your stay if you have more time. If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Glarus, this guide covers the highlights without overcomplicating your schedule.

Take your time reading through it — and start planning your own mountain escape.

Map of Glarnerland

We have marked all the best things to do in Glarus on our google map. Just click on it to get full access.

Best Time to Visit Glarus

The best time to visit Eastern Switzerland – Glarus, Switzerland really depends on the kind of adventure you’re planing on doing.

Late spring to early autumn (May to October) is ideal for hiking, mountain huts and lake swims, with cable cars running and alpine trails fully accessible.

July and August bring the warmest weather but also slightly busier weekends, while September often offers crisp air, quieter paths and beautiful autumn colours.

Winter transforms Glarus into a peaceful snow-covered escape, perfect for skiing in Braunwald and enjoying the mountains without the summer crowds.

How to Get to Glarus (Train vs Car + Swiss Travel Pass)

Before you begin planning your Glarus itinerary, it helps to understand how to reach and move around the region.

Below you’ll find the key transport options, along with practical considerations for travelling through the Canton of Glarus. You can also refer to the map above to see exactly which areas of Glarus-Süd we cover in this itinerary

Self-Drive or Public Transport

One of the best things about travelling in Glarus, Switzerland is that this itinerary works well whether you choose to rent a car and drive or rely on public transport. Switzerland’s infrastructure makes both options straightforward and efficient. Whether you drive or travel by train and bus, it doesn’t have much influence on this Glarus itinerary.

Where a car really becomes useful is towards the end of this itinerary, when you visit the hidden waterfalls and drive one of the epic Swiss mountain pass roads. In Braunwald you won’t need it at all, as the village is car-free, and in Elm most activities start directly from the village.

By Train & Bus

Most destinations included in this Glarus itinerary are easily accessible using Switzerland’s excellent public transport network. Trains run regularly to Glarus town, with seamless connections onward to Linthal, Elm and Braunwald via regional trains and buses.

Where possible, we’ve included approximate travel times within the daily sections. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date schedules, always check the SBB app before travelling.

If you’re visiting from abroad and planning to explore more than just Glarus, the Swiss Travel Pass (available to non-Swiss residents only) is often worth considering. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats, plus discounts on many mountain railways and free entry to a wide range of museums. For longer Swiss trips, it can simplify planning and reduce overall costs.

If Glarus is just one stop on your wider Switzerland journey, you may also find our detailed guide to travelling Switzerland by train or road helpful, and combine it with our guide to eleven different Swiss itineraries.

By Private Car

Driving offers maximum flexibility and is particularly convenient if you enjoy spontaneous stops, scenic detours or travelling at your own pace. A self-drive road trip through Glarus allows you to pause at lakes, viewpoints and smaller villages that might otherwise be missed.

That said, once you arrive in places like Braunwald (which is car-free) or reach your hiking base in Linthal or Elm, you won’t need your car during the day. Most activities begin directly from the village or are accessed by cable car.

When deciding between renting a car in Switzerland and relying on public transport, consider how many regions you plan to cover and whether flexibility or simplicity matters more to you.

You definitely wanna rent a car if you like to extend your trip and add to this Glarus itinerary our epic summer road trip through Switzerland.

Where to Stay in Glarus – Best Hotels & Mountain Stays

Choosing the right base is an important part of planning your Glarus itinerary.

Although the region is relatively compact, each area offers a slightly different experience — from peaceful lakeside stays to car-free mountain villages and high-alpine hut nights.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Glarus, below you’ll find the areas we recommend and where we personally stayed. Accommodation tends to fill up quickly during summer holidays and autumn weekends, so booking ahead is advisable, especially for families and peak hiking season.

You can use the interactive map below to compare availability and find an option that suits your budget and travel dates.

Best Hotels in Glarus for Families – Braunwald

Braunwald is one of the most unique places to stay in Glarus, Switzerland. The village is entirely car-free, incredibly safe for children and surrounded by panoramic hiking and biking trails.

For families, we highly recommend staying at Märchenhotel Braunwald, a charming fairytale hotel designed with children in mind. Seriously it will be one of the best family hotel in Switzerland especially for the kids!

It offers spacious family rooms, play areas and direct access to hiking paths and cable cars. Morning visits from the house goats right at your window will be a ritual the kids will never forget.

Braunwald works particularly well if you plan to explore via ferrata routes, scenic hikes and mountain viewpoints without needing a car.
This hotel books out well in advanced, check availability for a family room.

Best Place to Stay for Hiking – Elm

Elm is ideal if hiking is high on your priority list. The village sits at the foot of dramatic limestone peaks and offers direct access to alpine trails and mountain lifts.

Accommodation here ranges from traditional Swiss guesthouses to comfortable family hotels. Staying in Elm, at the Elmerlodge allows you to start your day up at the alpine kids playground early and enjoy a quiet trail in the Riesenwald theme trail.

Unique Mountain Experience – Linthal & Muttsee Hut

If you’re looking for something more adventurous during your Glarus itinerary, consider spending a night in a mountain hut above Linthal. The hike to Muttsee Hut is rewarding, and waking up at altitude surrounded by some of the most amazing Swiss peaks truly is unique.

Lakeside Stay – Klöntalersee

For a slower pace, consider staying near or even better at Klöntalersee lake at Hotel Rohdannenberg .  The hotel is right by the turquoise lake, with incredible views. Alternative and this is what we did, book yourself a pitch at the Camping Güntlenau on the shore of the Klöntalersee.

It’s a wonderful option if you prefer swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing by the water.

Day 1 & 2 – Elm: Hiking & Family Adventures in Glarus

Begin your Glarus itinerary in the charming mountain village of Elm, one of the best places for outdoor adventures in southern Glarus, Switzerland. Surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks and wide alpine meadows, Elm is perfect for families, hikers and anyone looking to experience authentic Swiss mountain life.

If you’re travelling by public transport, take the train to Schwanden and continue by bus to Elm. If you’re driving, parking is available near most hotels. Elm is compact and easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

ELMER Citro Quellenweg – Easy Hiking in Elm (Approx. 2 Hours)

After checking in, start with one of the easiest and most enjoyable Elm Switzerland hiking routes — the ELMER Citro Quellenweg. This gentle circular walk takes around 1½ hours and is ideal for stretching your legs after travelling.

The trail begins near the playground on the edge of the village and loops back to the same point. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous ELMER Citro fountain, where you can sample the local mineral drink. The playground also features BBQ stations, making it a lovely spot for a relaxed outdoor dinner.

Good to know:  this path is not suitable for pushchairs.

Day 2 – Ämpächli & the Giant Forest (Riesenwald)

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Elm Glarus with children, this is the day they’ll remember.

Take the Elm Sportbahnen cable car up to Ämpächli. If you are driving in, parking is available at the valley station. Always check the official website for current lift prices and opening times.

At the top, you’ll find one of the most impressive family mountain playgrounds in Switzerland, plus a large mountain restaurant perfect for lunch or snacks.

What We Did

We started with an hour at the playground — trampolines, climbing structures and water features included. From there, we followed the Giant Forest Theme Trail (Riesenwald), a 2.5 km interactive route filled with play stations, storytelling elements and BBQ spots. Although short in distance, it can easily take half a day.

Afterwards, the real highlight: the monster trottinet descent. Strap on a helmet and enjoy a thrilling ride down the traffic-free mountain road to the valley station. Children aged nine and above can ride independently, while younger ones can share with an adult.

Day 3 – Linthal: Muttsee Hut Hike & Limmernsee

Today’s highlight of this Glarus itinerary is a proper alpine adventure: an overnight hike to the spectacular Muttsee Hut at 2,500 metres above sea level. This is one of the most impressive Linthal hiking experiences and a true high-mountain escape.

Make sure to pack light but bring warm layers — even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly at altitude.

Bergli Stüber Waterfall – Easy Roadside Stop

Before heading up into the mountains, consider a short stop at the Bergli Stüber Waterfall in Linthal, especially if you’re travelling by car. The waterfall is slightly off the main road towards the Tierfehd-Kalktrittli cable car station.

Simply enter “Bergli Stüber Wasserfall” into Google Maps to locate the small parking area. From there, it’s only a short walk to the falls. Around 30 minutes is enough time to visit, making it an easy addition before beginning your hike.

Arriving by Bus

• If using public transport, take the bus to the “Bürgli” stop in Linthal and walk from there. Keep in mind that from the waterfall to the Tierfehd cable car station is roughly 9 km, so plan your timing accordingly.

Hike to Muttsee Hut via Limmernsee – Overnight in the Mountains

From Elm, the drive to the Tierfehd-Kalktrittli cable car station in Linthal takes approximately 35 minutes by car. If you include the waterfall detour, allow an extra 10 minutes.

By public transport, take the bus from Elm to Schwanden and change for Linthal. The total journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, there is no direct public transport connection to the Tierfehd cable car station itself. From the final bus stop in Linthal, you would need to walk approximately 6 km along the road.

Some travellers try to arrange a local taxi (you can find Linthal taxi services online) or kindly ask for a lift, but this does require some flexibility.

Once you reach Tierfehd, the real adventure begins. The cable car lifts you towards Limmernsee, where the hike to Muttsee Hut starts. The route offers dramatic views over the reservoir, rocky alpine terrain and sweeping mountain landscapes.

Spending the night at Muttsee Hut is a memorable experience and easily one of the most unique additions to this Glarus itinerary.

For detailed trail information, elevation gain and packing tips, read our full guide to the Muttsee Hut hike via Limmernsee. Oh and if you find a Drone very high in the mountains…. it is ours.

Day 4 & 5 – Braunwald: Car-Free Mountain Escape in Glarus

After your high-alpine night at Muttsee Hut, it’s time to descend back into the valley and continue your Glarus itinerary in one of the region’s most special villages — Braunwald.

Perched above Linthal, Braunwald in Glarus is completely car-free and surrounded by sweeping mountain views, alpine meadows and panoramic hiking trails.

Before leaving Muttsee Hut, plan your return carefully and check the Tierfehd cable car timetable, as it closes over lunchtime. You’ll find all detailed timings and hiking information in our full Muttsee Hut hiking guide.

Optional Stop – Linth Gorge Viewpoint & Schreyenbachfall

Before heading up to Braunwald, you could add a short optional walk from the Tierfehd-Kalktrittli cable car station.

If you have energy left, leave your overnight bag in the car and take the 3 km round-trip hike to the Linthschlucht viewpoint near the Pantenbrücke. Even without continuing further, this section offers dramatic views into the Linth Gorge and makes for a worthwhile detour. Afterwards, continue on to the Schreyenbachfall, another powerful cascading waterfall that’s well worth a short visit.

Good to know: The Schreyenbachfalls only carry waters on specific times. If you are not travelling during these dates, you can skip this and head straight to Braunwald.

Getting to Braunwald

From the Tierfehd cable car station, it’s around a 10-minute drive to the Braunwaldbahn funicular station near Linthal railway station.

There is no direct bus connection on this stretch, so if you are travelling by public transport, you would need to walk approximately 6 km or arrange a taxi. Some hikers coming down from Muttsee Hut coordinate and share a taxi back to the station, which can be a practical option.

At the Braunwaldbahn valley station, you’ll find a large paid car park (approx. Chf 5 per day, with reduced rates for additional days).

Always check current timetables and prices on the official Braunwaldbahn website before travelling.

Check-In at Märchenhotel Braunwald

For the next two nights, we recommend staying at the wonderful Märchenhotel Braunwald, an award-winning Swiss Family Hotel and one of the best places to stay in Braunwald if travelling with children.

Since Braunwald is entirely car-free, access is only possible via the Braunwaldbahn funicular. Luggage transport services are available, and if you’re staying at the Märchenhotel, the team will happily collect you from the station.

Relax & Enjoy Braunwald

After several active days, Braunwald is the perfect place to slow the pace slightly.

The Märchenhotel offers plenty to keep children entertained — from its jungle-style pool to organised afternoon activities such as electric car driving or llama and alpaca walks. Adults might prefer to book a wellness spa slot and enjoy some quiet time while the children explore safely.

Read our full Blog Post about the Märchenhotel in Braunwald

Day 5 – Via Ferrata & Scenic Hiking in Braunwald

After a proper mountain breakfast, walk around 15 minutes from the hotel to the Gumen Panoramabahn, which takes you higher into the alpine landscape above Braunwald.

Check for accurate prices on their website. And if you walk down the family trail in Braunwald you only need a one way ticket.

Braunwald Via Ferrata

If you’re looking for adventure in Braunwald, Glarus, the via ferrata is the highlight of the day.

You can rent your equipment directly at the Gumen mountain station, where there’s also a practice rock to familiarise yourself with the safety gear before setting off. Allow roughly two hours to complete the route, depending on your pace and confidence level.

The Braunwald via ferrata offers spectacular mountain views and a real sense of achievement — an excellent addition to your Glarus itinerary if you enjoy active outdoor experiences.

Rope Tree Park or Biking (alternative option)

When we first visited Braunwald, we focused on hiking and the via ferrata. On our return trip, however, we tried something different and had great fun at the Adventure Tree Park near the Hüttenberg–Grotzenbüel gondola. It’s a brilliant alternative to the via ferrata, especially if you’re travelling with younger children who enjoy climbing challenges in a controlled setting.

This time, we also brought our bikes and cycled back down to the hotel — a refreshing change from hiking boots and a fantastic way to experience Braunwald from a different perspective.

For detailed route information, safety advice and practical tips, read our full guide to the Braunwald via ferrata.

Hiking in Braunwald – Zwerg Bartli Theme Trail

After the adrenaline rush on the via Ferrata, slow things down with one of the most enjoyable options for hiking in Braunwald: the Zwerg Bartli Erlebnisweg (Gnome Theme Trail).

This scenic descent leads you back towards the village and is ideal for families. Along the way, you’ll pass interactive stations, wooden carvings and several BBQ spots where you can stop for lunch.

If you prefer something more comfortable, the Gumen Restaurant serves hearty local dishes before you begin the trail.

The full walk takes around 3.5 hours, depending on how often you stop — and it’s easy to shorten if needed.

For a detailed hiking map and practical tips on adjusting the route, see our full Zwerg Bartli hiking guide.

Day 6 – Klöntalersee or Continue Your Swiss Road Trip

It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful corner of Glarus, Switzerland — unless you decide to add one final scenic stop.

Before heading home, make time for a visit to Klöntalersee, one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in the canton. Conveniently located near the main road back towards the motorway, it’s an easy and worthwhile detour to round off your Glarus itinerary.

Drive along the right-hand side of the lake to fully appreciate the dramatic cliffs rising straight from the water. You can stop for a short lakeside walk, enjoy lunch with a view, or even take a refreshing swim on a warm summer day.

Accommodation and campsites are available on both sides of the lake, making it a lovely place to extend your stay by one more night if time allows.

Travelling to Klöntalersee by Public Transport

Reaching Klöntalersee by public transport is possible from Linthal.

• The journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• First take the bus to Schwanden.
• Second hop on the train to Glarus.
• Thrird, finish by a ride on the PostBus to Klöntal, which stops on the far side of the lake.

If you prefer a shorter lakeside walk, you can also get off near the dam at the beginning of the lake and explore from there.

Continue Exploring Switzerland

If you’re not quite ready to end your trip, this is also a natural point to continue your journey and follow part of one of our other Swiss road trips. From here, you could head towards eastern Switzerland, Lake Zurich, or even connect to one of our longer Switzerland itineraries covering scenic passes, lakes and mountain villages all the way to Ticino.

Glarus may be less known than some Swiss regions, but it links beautifully into a wider Swiss adventure.

Conclusion – Is This Glarus Itinerary Worth It?

And just like that, our journey through Glarus, Switzerland comes to an end.

Over these six days, this Glarus itinerary has taken us from peaceful alpine lakes to dramatic high-altitude hikes, from quiet mountain villages to adrenaline-filled adventures. Sleeping at 2,500 metres above sea level, standing above the Linth Gorge and tackling the Braunwald via ferrata — each day revealed a different side of this often-overlooked Swiss canton.

What makes Glarus special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the space. The lack of crowds. The feeling that you’ve discovered something quietly extraordinary.

Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or adapt it to suit your own pace, we hope it inspires you to explore beyond Switzerland’s famous hotspots and discover places that feel a little more personal.

For us, this trip wasn’t only about ticking off hikes or viewpoints. It was about shared experiences, mountain air, and those small, unexpected moments that stay with you long after you leave.

If you’re looking for authentic mountain landscapes, family-friendly adventure and a region that still feels refreshingly local, then Glarus might just surprise you.

Swiss Travel Tips & Further Inspiration

If this Glarus itinerary has inspired you to explore more of Switzerland, there’s plenty more to discover.

You might also enjoy our 4-day itinerary in the Jura & Three Lakes region, perfect for gentle landscapes and lake bike rides, or perhaps a summer escape to Gstaad, where alpine glamour meets scenic hiking trails.

If you’re planning a wider journey, browse our other Swiss travel guides for detailed road trips, train itineraries and family-friendly mountain adventures across the country.

Explore guided tours and curated experiences across Switzerland via Get Your Guide from scenic train journeys to mountain excursions and city experiences throughout Switzerland.

I hope that the information provided here proves useful when you plan your epic Glarus Itinerary.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help others and they can join in the discussion.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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