Best attractions and places to see around Linthal, nestled in the Glarus Alps, offer a diverse range of experiences. The region is characterized by towering peaks, dramatic gorges, and serene reservoirs, making it home to Switzerland's deepest valley. Linthal provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural history, with historic buildings and significant engineering feats. It serves as a starting point for mountain tours and offers access to various natural landmarks.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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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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Maybe we were just unlucky, the food wasn't exactly great...
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The hut stands on a vantage point with a lake in the vicinity.
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Great staff, amazing views and good place to give your legs a rest after a long hike. Plus you get see an actual alpine glacier.
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Very pleasant stay. Good food, nice staff and this in a breathtaking glacier landscape
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Warm atmosphere, good food and friendly hosts.
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Small but very clean and newly renovated SAC hut. Food very good. Big downer: toilet house "outside", which in my opinion is no longer up-to-date.
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Linthal is rich in natural beauty. You can discover the dramatic Linthschlucht Gorge where the young Linth river carves its path, or visit the beautiful Berglistüber Waterfall. The region is also home to impressive reservoirs like Limmerensee and Muttsee, and the towering Tödi peak, which is Switzerland's deepest valley. Several glaciers, including the Clariden and Biferten Glaciers, feed the tributary valleys of the Linth river.
Yes, Linthal offers a glimpse into its past with several historical sites. You can visit the Landvogt Schiesser House, dating back to 1530 and now serving as the village museum. The Protestant Church of Linthal (built 1782) and the Catholic Church of Linthal (built 1906) are also notable landmarks. The area also has historical significance with its former Sulphur Springs, once part of a prestigious spa.
Linthal is an excellent starting point for various hiking experiences, from challenging mountain tours to more relaxed walks. The region is known for its numerous Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts, which serve as bases for hikers. Popular options include Biferten SAC Hut, known for its views and ibex colonies, Martinsmadhütte, an ideal starting point for hikes in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tektonikarena Sardona, and Leglerhütte SAC, offering magnificent views of the Glarnerland peaks.
Absolutely! Linthal and its surroundings offer diverse routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. For road cyclists, you can explore routes like the 'Urnerboden Plateau – View of Stäubenfall loop' or the 'Start of the Klausen Pass – Urnerboden Plateau loop'. Mountain bikers can tackle trails such as the 'Bächi Bike Trail' or the 'Braunwald – Linth Bridge, Rüti loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Linthal and MTB Trails around Linthal guides.
The best time to visit Linthal for outdoor activities largely depends on your preferred activity. Summer and early autumn (June to October) are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the high-alpine areas like the Klausen Pass and SAC huts. During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and trails are clear of snow. Winter offers opportunities for snow-related activities, though access to some higher attractions might be limited.
Yes, Linthal is welcoming for families. The traffic-free resort village of Braunwald, accessible by funicular, is particularly family-friendly. It's known for its 'Zwäärg Baartli' (bearded dwarf) trail, which is a fun experience for children. Many of the easier hiking trails and the accessible SAC huts like Glattalp Hut also cater to families.
The Klausen Pass is a historic and scenic mountain pass that begins its ascent in Linthal. It leads to Central Switzerland and offers superb views of the Tödi and Clariden mountains. The pass is also famous for its motor races and provides access to the Urnerboden Plateau, which is Switzerland's largest alp, home to a large number of cattle during the summer months.
Visitors consistently praise the warm atmosphere, good food, and stunning views offered by Linthal's mountain huts. For instance, the Biferten SAC Hut is loved for its beautiful views and fine cakes, with many spotting ibex colonies nearby. The Martinsmadhütte is noted for its friendly hosts and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Tektonikarena Sardona. The Leglerhütte SAC is described as cozy with a magnificent view of the Glarnerland peaks.
Linthal is accessible by public transport, primarily by train to Linthal station. From there, local buses or cable cars can take you to various attractions. For example, the traffic-free village of Braunwald is reached via a funicular from Linthal. Some mountain huts, like Martinsmadhütte, can be accessed by using a small cable car up to Nideren Alp, followed by a hiking trail.
Yes, Linthal offers several breathtaking viewpoints. The Klausen Pass provides superb views of the Tödi and Clariden mountains. Many of the SAC huts, such as Leglerhütte SAC and Biferten SAC Hut, are situated at vantage points offering magnificent panoramas of the Glarnerland peaks and surrounding alpine landscape.
Accommodation and dining options are available throughout the Linthal area. The numerous Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts, including Glattalp Hut, Cavardiras Hut, Martinsmadhütte, Biferten SAC Hut, and Leglerhütte SAC, offer both lodging and food, often with a focus on local cuisine. In Linthal village and nearby Braunwald, you'll find various hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants.


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