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Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
Glarus

Elm

Attractions and Places To See around Elm - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Elm, Switzerland, are concentrated in a mountainous region within the Glarus Alps. This area is known for its alpine huts, clear mountain lakes, and panoramic viewpoints, offering a variety of natural landscapes to explore. Elm Glarus attractions provide access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tektonikarena Sardona, showcasing significant geological formations. The region's natural environment makes it suitable for outdoor activities and scenic exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Elm

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Sardona Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The Sardona Hut is located at the end of the Calfeisen Valley at an altitude of 2,158 meters and is named after Piz Sardona. A perfect place for a rest with a view.

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Lake Cauma

Highlight • Lake

One of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland. Best to visit early in the morning and during the week, otherwise very crowded with people. Unfortunately, the steep access to the lake is also child's play via the train.

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Panoramic view of Lake Cauma

Highlight • Viewpoint

The view of the lake from the top is simply beautiful and the colors of the water shine in deep shades of turquoise, blue and green.

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Martinsmadhütte SAC

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Warm atmosphere, good food and friendly hosts.

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Biferten SAC Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

An AAC (= Akademischer AlpenClub) hut of the Basel section, which is worth visiting! Be sure to bring binoculars, as the ibex colony can usually be seen.

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Antonin
April 9, 2026, Panoramic View of Lake Cauma

one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Switzerland

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The Martinsmadhütte is a mountain hut located at 2,002 meters above sea level in the Glarus Alps, above Elm in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Built in 1907 and extended in 1938, the hut is managed by the Randen section of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and offers 48 beds during the summer season. It is an ideal starting point for hikes in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tektonikarena Sardona. Access to the hut can be facilitated by using a small cable car to the Nideren alp, followed by a hiking trail. Services include a buffet breakfast, but no showers are available; a stream behind the facility offers an option for refreshment.

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A beautiful hike through the Flims forest to Il Spir at any time of year

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Nina
August 12, 2024, Sardonahütte

A lovely, authentic hut with a dormitory and very friendly hosts. The daughter played the accordion and yodeled in front of the hut after dinner. It was a special treat for the guests. There's a barefoot path behind the hut where you can refresh your tired feet. Chamois and ibex can also be seen on the mountain in the mornings and evenings.

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From the small viewing platform at the "mountain station" you have the most beautiful view of the lake.

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Super beautiful turquoise lake

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This is actually the best place to see the lake from above. Since it is in the middle of the forest, there are too many trees on most hiking trails that prevent a broad view of the lake. On the shore of the lake, the colors often look different again, depending on the time of day and the lighting conditions.

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Paul
August 21, 2022, Caumasee

Lake Cauma, the Pearl of Flims Called "Lag la Cauma" in Romansh, which means "Lake of Midday Rest," Lake Cauma is the pearl of Flims. Origin This mountain lake was formed as a result of the largest landslide in the Alps, which occurred almost 10,000 years ago. The formation of the lakes is attributed to prehistoric landslides. The water seeped through the porous rockslide masses. However, it can also dissolve the limestone with the help of its carbonic acid. Over time, it created an underground passage. A deeper, impermeable clay layer ensures that the water does not completely seep into the ground. Text / Source: Flims Laax Falera https://www.caumasee.ch/geschichte/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural attractions can I explore around Elm?

Elm, Switzerland, is nestled in the Glarus Alps, offering a wealth of natural beauty. You can discover clear mountain lakes, panoramic viewpoints, and alpine landscapes. A notable highlight is Lake Cauma, often called the 'Pearl of Flims,' known for its stunning turquoise, blue, and green waters. From the Panoramic view of Lake Cauma, you can enjoy expansive vistas of this beautiful lake.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Elm region?

Yes, the Elm region offers attractions suitable for families. Lake Cauma is considered family-friendly, with its beautiful setting and easy access via a small train, making it enjoyable for all ages. The area's natural environment, with its lakes and gentle trails, provides many opportunities for family outings.

What are the best places to experience the Glarus Alps and the UNESCO World Heritage Site?

To truly experience the Glarus Alps and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tektonikarena Sardona, consider visiting one of the alpine huts. Martinsmadhütte, located at 2,002 meters above sea level, serves as an ideal starting point for hikes within the Tektonikarena Sardona. Similarly, Sardona Hut is situated at the end of the Calfeisen Valley and is a perfect base for exploring Piz Sardona.

Can I find accommodation and food at the alpine huts around Elm?

Yes, several alpine huts in the Elm area offer accommodation and facilities. Biferten SAC Hut provides wonderful views and is known for its delicious cakes. Martinsmadhütte offers a warm atmosphere, good food, and 48 beds during the summer season. Sardona Hut is an authentic hut with friendly hosts, a restaurant, and dormitory-style accommodation.

What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Elm?

The Elm region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, mountaineering, and road cycling. For detailed routes and trails, you can explore guides such as MTB Trails around Elm, Mountain Hikes around Elm, and Road Cycling Routes around Elm.

Are there hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels near Elm?

Yes, the Elm area offers hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult. For instance, the route 'Chübodensee – Chäseren Chalets and Meadows loop from Elm' is a moderate mountain hike. Many trails lead to alpine huts like Martinsmadhütte, which can be accessed via a hiking trail after a small cable car ride, or to Sardona Hut, an ideal starting point for climbing Piz Sardona. You can find more options in the Mountain Hikes around Elm guide.

What is the best time to visit Lake Cauma?

While Lake Cauma is beautiful year-round, it can get very crowded during the summer months. For a more tranquil experience and to fully appreciate its beauty, it's recommended to visit early in the morning or during the week. In winter, it transforms into a peaceful haven, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Can I see wildlife near the attractions in Elm?

Yes, the alpine environment around Elm provides opportunities to observe wildlife. Visitors to Biferten SAC Hut often report seeing an ibex colony nearby. At Sardona Hut, chamois and ibex can frequently be spotted on the mountains in the mornings and evenings.

Are there any unique experiences or 'hidden gems' in the Elm area?

Beyond the well-known highlights, the alpine huts themselves offer unique experiences. For example, Sardona Hut features a barefoot path behind it, perfect for refreshing tired feet after a hike. The authentic atmosphere and friendly hosts at these huts, sometimes even with accordion music and yodeling, provide a memorable cultural experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Elm?

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like the Panoramic view of Lake Cauma, where the water's vibrant colors are a highlight. The warm atmosphere, good food, and friendly hosts at alpine huts like Martinsmadhütte and Sardona Hut are also frequently praised. The opportunity to spot ibex and chamois adds to the appeal of the natural environment.

Is Lake Cauma accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes, Lake Cauma is noted as being wheelchair accessible. The steep access to the lake is facilitated by a small train, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to reach and enjoy this beautiful mountain lake.

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