Glarus: History & Tradition
The canton of Glarus has a long history. Bronze Age finds (13th–9th century BC) are the first evidence of human life in Glarus. According to legend, the Irish missionary Fridolin brought Christianity to Glarus in the 6th Century. The first valley church was built around the year 600 in Glarus. St. Fridolin accompanies the Canton of Glarus even today – right on the cantonal coat of arms. The Glarus coat of arms is the only one in Switzerland that depicts a person. In 1387, at the first documented Landsgemeinde (cantonal assembly), the foundation for today’s democratic constitution was laid. The people of Glarus joined the Swiss Confederation as early as 1352. On 9 April 1388 they freed themselves once and for all from Habsburg rule at the Battle of Näfels. Since then, the cantonal holiday, the “Näfelser Fahrt”, has commemorated this event on the first Thursday of April.
Some Highlights througout the year
- February/ March: Glarnese Carnival
- Mid March: Youth-Cup Elm, Kids and Youth ski-race in Elm
- Beginning of April: Mad Mountain Downhill in Elm
- End of April, beginning of May: CS Mollis (Showjumping) in Mollis
- Beginning of July: Music Festival week in Braunwald
- End of August: Sound of Glarus in Glarus
- End of August: British Car Meeting in Mollis
- End of August: US Car Meeting & Harley Meeting in Mollis
- End of September: Klausen-Race (Oldtimer Race, every five years)
- 1st Sunday in October: Glarnese Cheese and Schabziger market in Elm
- Beginning of October: small livestock market in Glarus
- End of October: cattle and horse market in Glarus
Traditional products
Glarner Schabziger
Schabziger, a cheese distinctively flavoured with blue fenugreek, is one of the traditional culinary specialities of the Canton of Glarus.
Glarner Foulard
This product has a long history and tradition. With its distinctive design - originally coming form Java - it is still very popular with young and old.
Elmer Citro
The water for this traditional lemonade is deriving form the springs St. Martin above Elm.
Kalberwürste (Calf-sausages)
The "Kalberwurst" is served with a buttery white sauce with onions, mashed potatoes and cooked dried prunes and is a part of the traditional menu at the "Landsgemeinde".
Further traditional products
- Glarner Pastete
- Birnbrot
- Adler Bräu Bier
- Netzbraten
- Glarner Fondue
- Ziegerhöreli
- Glarner Schüblige
