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Switzerland

Glarus

Administrative territorial entity Cantonal capital of Switzerland Cantons of Switzerland City of Switzerland Federated state First-level administrative division Municipality of Switzerland Swiss townscape worthy of protection

Glarus, Administrative canton in eastern Switzerland

Description

Glarus is a territory in eastern Switzerland that follows the course of the Linth valley and rises into surrounding mountains. The peaks climb to 3614 meters at Tödi in the northern sector, while lower valleys and pastures trace the southern slopes.

History

The area joined the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1352, counting among the eight founding members during the medieval period. After a fire in 1861, the main town was rebuilt with a planned street grid.

Culture

The capital and surrounding territory still use an open voting process in which residents gather outdoors to decide on cantonal questions. This public assembly draws participants who make decisions together, practicing a form of direct self-government visible to anyone attending.

Practical

Housing and land cost less here than in neighboring areas, while connections to Zurich remain within an hour's reach. Trails lead from valley floors to higher ridges and suit different levels of difficulty.

Did you know?

After the great fire of 1861, the capital was rebuilt with a fully gridded street network that still shapes its entire layout today. The even blocks let visitors find their way easily through the reconstructed town.

Inception

January 1, 2011

Capital city

Glarus

Elevation above the sea

474 m

Reference

Part of

Eastern Switzerland, Southeastern Switzerland

Shares border with

Innerthal, Glarus Süd, Muotathal, Glarus Nord

Phone

+41556466011

staatskanzlei@gl.ch

Website

https://glarus.ch

GPS coordinates

47.03306,9.06639

Latest update

December 13, 2025 18:10

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