Hotels in Glarus Switzerland

Hotels in Glarus Switzerland: Your Guide to the Best Stays

Glarus, Switzerland, a canton nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, an adventurous hiking trip, or a cultural exploration, Glarus has something to offer every traveler. And, of course, a crucial part of any memorable trip is finding the perfect place to stay. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best hotels in Glarus, catering to a variety of budgets and preferences, ensuring your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Why Choose Glarus for Your Swiss Getaway?

Before diving into the hotel options, let’s explore why Glarus should be on your Swiss travel radar. Glarus boasts stunning Alpine scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush valleys. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, climbing, skiing, and cycling opportunities. Beyond the natural beauty, Glarus has a rich history and culture, reflected in its charming villages, traditional architecture, and local customs.

Here are a few highlights of what Glarus has to offer:

Hiking and Mountaineering: Explore the numerous trails that wind through the mountains, offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs. The Tödi massif is a particularly popular destination for experienced mountaineers.
Lake Klöntal: This picturesque lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and simply relaxing by the water. Its serene atmosphere makes it a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.
Braunwald: A car-free village accessible by funicular, Braunwald is a family-friendly destination with stunning views and a variety of activities, including hiking, skiing, and tobogganing.
Landsgemeinde: Witness the traditional open-air assembly where citizens gather to vote on important cantonal matters. This unique event offers a glimpse into Swiss democracy.
Glarus Town: Explore the cantonal capital, Glarus, with its historic buildings, charming shops, and delicious restaurants. Learn about the region’s history at the Freuler Palace Museum.

Finding the Perfect Hotel in Glarus: Factors to Consider

Choosing the right hotel can significantly enhance your travel experience. When selecting a hotel in Glarus, consider these factors:

Budget: Hotels in Glarus range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your options.
Location: Consider which area of Glarus you want to be based in. Do you prefer a central location in Glarus town, a peaceful retreat in the mountains, or a lakeside location?
Amenities: Think about what amenities are important to you. Do you need a hotel with a restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool, or free Wi-Fi?
Travel Style: Are you traveling with family, as a couple, or solo? Choose a hotel that caters to your specific travel style. Family-friendly hotels often have kids’ clubs and playgrounds, while romantic hotels offer couples’ packages and intimate dining experiences.
Transportation: Consider how you will be getting around Glarus. If you are relying on public transport, choose a hotel that is close to a train station or bus stop. If you are driving, ensure that the hotel has parking facilities.
Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the hotel’s quality and service. Websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia offer a wealth of reviews.

Hotel Categories in Glarus

To help you navigate the hotel options, let’s break them down into categories:

Luxury Hotels: These hotels offer top-notch amenities, exceptional service, and stunning locations. Expect fine dining restaurants, spas, swimming pools, and beautifully appointed rooms.
Mid-Range Hotels: These hotels offer a good balance of comfort and affordability. They typically have comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and essential amenities like free Wi-Fi.
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: These hotels and guesthouses offer basic but comfortable accommodation at affordable prices. They are a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Apartment Hotels: These hotels offer self-catering apartments with kitchen facilities, providing more space and flexibility than traditional hotel rooms. They are ideal for families or travelers who prefer to cook their own meals.
Boutique Hotels: These hotels offer unique and stylish accommodation with a focus on design and personalized service. They often have a distinctive character and a more intimate atmosphere.

Recommended Hotels in Glarus (by Category)

Here’s a selection of highly-rated hotels in Glarus, categorized for your convenience. Please note that availability and pricing may vary, so it’s always best to check directly with the hotel or a reputable booking website.

Luxury Hotels in Glarus

While Glarus isn’t overflowing with sprawling, ultra-luxury resorts, the area offers several high-end options that prioritize comfort, service, and stunning views. Many of the best luxurious experiences are found in meticulously maintained, smaller establishments that prioritize personalized attention.

Hotel Schwert

While technically a historic hotel offering modern comforts, Hotel Schwert often ranks high for those seeking an upscale experience in Glarus. Situated in the heart of Glarus town, this hotel boasts elegantly furnished rooms, a renowned restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the town’s attractions.

The Hotel Schwert prides itself on providing a personalized experience. Each room is carefully decorated, combining modern amenities with traditional Swiss charm. The restaurant is a highlight, offering a menu that showcases local ingredients and culinary expertise. Guests often rave about the attentive staff and the overall ambiance of the hotel.

Key Features:

Central location in Glarus town
Gourmet restaurant
Elegantly furnished rooms
Personalized service
Historical building with modern amenities

Mid-Range Hotels in Glarus

The mid-range hotel category offers a sweet spot between affordability and comfort. These hotels typically provide comfortable rooms, on-site dining options, and essential amenities, making them a popular choice for travelers seeking good value for their money.

Hotel Bergidyll

Located in the beautiful village of Braunwald (car-free!), Hotel Bergidyll offers a fantastic mid-range experience. Braunwald itself is a major draw, and this hotel complements the stunning scenery with comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and delicious Swiss cuisine. It’s an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Bergidyll truly lives up to its name, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. The hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain views, and the rooms are designed to be comfortable and relaxing. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The hotel is also conveniently located near hiking trails and ski slopes.

Key Features:

Located in Braunwald (car-free village)
Stunning mountain views
Comfortable rooms
Traditional Swiss cuisine
Close to hiking trails and ski slopes

Hotel Rhodannenberg

Situated in Obstalden, near Glarus, Hotel Rhodannenberg provides comfortable rooms and stunning views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding mountains. This hotel is known for its friendly service and its restaurant serving regional specialties. It’s an ideal base for exploring the area’s hiking trails and natural beauty.

The Rhodannenberg offers a peaceful and scenic retreat. The rooms are well-maintained and offer beautiful views of the lake and mountains. The restaurant is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, serving delicious regional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring the area’s many hiking trails and attractions.

Key Features:

Located in Obstalden, near Glarus
Stunning views of Lake Zurich and the mountains
Comfortable rooms
Regional specialties in the restaurant
Close to hiking trails and natural beauty

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses in Glarus

For budget-conscious travelers, Glarus offers a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses. These establishments may not have all the bells and whistles of luxury hotels, but they provide comfortable and clean accommodation at a fraction of the price.

Gasthaus Richisau

Located in a remote and picturesque valley, Gasthaus Richisau offers simple but comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. This guesthouse is ideal for hikers and nature lovers looking for a tranquil escape. It’s a great place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the natural beauty of Glarus.

The Richisau is a charming and rustic guesthouse that offers a unique experience. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and the location is truly breathtaking. The guesthouse is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. The on-site restaurant serves hearty Swiss meals, perfect for refueling after a day of hiking.

Key Features:

Located in a remote and picturesque valley
Simple but comfortable accommodation
Affordable price
Ideal for hikers and nature lovers
Hearty Swiss meals

Youth Hostel Glarus

A classic option for budget travelers, the Youth Hostel Glarus provides dormitory-style rooms and private rooms at reasonable rates. It’s a great place to meet other travelers and explore Glarus town. Youth hostels typically offer basic amenities, such as shared bathrooms, common areas, and self-catering facilities.

The Youth Hostel Glarus is a clean and well-maintained hostel that offers a comfortable and affordable stay. The dormitory-style rooms are spacious and well-lit, and the private rooms offer more privacy. The hostel has a common area where guests can relax and socialize, and there is also a self-catering kitchen for those who want to cook their own meals. The hostel is conveniently located in Glarus town, making it easy to explore the area’s attractions.

Key Features:

Dormitory-style rooms and private rooms
Reasonable rates
Great for meeting other travelers
Basic amenities, such as shared bathrooms and common areas
Self-catering facilities

Apartment Hotels in Glarus

Apartment hotels offer the convenience of a hotel with the added benefit of self-catering facilities. These hotels are ideal for families or travelers who prefer to cook their own meals and have more space to relax.

Unfortunately, Glarus itself has limited apartment hotel options specifically within the town. However, nearby regions often offer excellent choices that serve as convenient bases for exploring Glarus. It’s worth expanding your search to surrounding villages and towns to find the perfect apartment hotel for your needs.

Tips for Finding Apartment Hotels Near Glarus:

Expand Your Search Area: Look at towns like Näfels, Netstal, or even slightly further afield to find more apartment hotel options.
Use Booking Websites: Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb are excellent resources for finding apartments and self-catering accommodation in the Glarus region.
Filter Your Search: Use the search filters to specify your desired amenities, such as a kitchen, washing machine, and parking facilities.

Boutique Hotels in Glarus

Boutique hotels offer unique and stylish accommodation with a focus on design and personalized service. These hotels often have a distinctive character and a more intimate atmosphere than larger chain hotels.

Similar to apartment hotels, finding a true, dedicated “boutique hotel” within Glarus canton requires a broader definition or exploration of guesthouses with unique character. However, the smaller size and independent ownership of many hotels in the region lend themselves to a more personalized and intimate experience, which aligns with the spirit of boutique hotels.

Tips for Finding a “Boutique Hotel Experience” in Glarus:

Look for Independent Hotels and Guesthouses: These establishments are more likely to offer a unique and personalized experience.
Read Reviews Carefully: Pay attention to reviews that mention the hotel’s design, atmosphere, and service.
Contact the Hotel Directly: Ask about the hotel’s history, design concept, and any special services they offer.

Booking Your Hotel in Glarus: Tips and Recommendations

Once you’ve narrowed down your hotel choices, here are some tips for booking your stay:

Book in Advance: Especially during peak season (summer and winter), it’s essential to book your hotel well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Compare Prices: Use multiple booking websites to compare prices and find the best deal.
Check for Deals and Packages: Many hotels offer special deals and packages, such as weekend getaways, family packages, or ski packages.
Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to the hotel’s cancellation policy, check-in/check-out times, and any other important details.
Contact the Hotel Directly: If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to contact the hotel directly.

Beyond the Hotels: Exploring Glarus

While finding the perfect hotel is essential, remember that Glarus has so much more to offer beyond your accommodation. Take the time to explore the region’s natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights.

Here are some ideas for your Glarus itinerary:

Hike to the Segnesboden Moor: This stunning moorland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Freuler Palace Museum: Learn about the history of Glarus at this beautifully preserved Renaissance palace.
Take a boat trip on Lake Klöntal: Enjoy the tranquil waters and stunning scenery of this picturesque lake.
Ski or snowboard in Braunwald: This family-friendly ski resort offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
Indulge in local delicacies: Sample Glarner Pastetli (meat pies), Zigerkrapfen (cheese pastries), and other regional specialties.

Getting to Glarus

Glarus is easily accessible by train and car. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is approximately 1.5 hours away by train. Glarus also has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around the region.

Final Thoughts

Glarus, Switzerland, offers a truly unforgettable travel experience. With its stunning Alpine scenery, rich culture, and variety of accommodation options, Glarus has something to offer every traveler. By carefully considering your budget, location preferences, and travel style, you can find the perfect hotel to make your Glarus getaway a truly memorable one. So, pack your bags, book your hotel, and get ready to explore the beauty and charm of Glarus!

Remember to always check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip. Enjoy your time in Glarus!