The Canton of Glarus is a small alpine canton in eastern Switzerland with approximately 40,000 inhabitants spread across only 3 municipalities since the major municipal merger of 2011 (the most radical in Swiss history, reducing 25 municipalities to 3). The canton is essentially a main valley (the Linth) flanked by impressive peaks, with lateral valleys (Klontal, Sernftal). Its capital, Glarus, is a small town at the heart of the valley.
Glarus is a canton with a strong identity, shaped by its industrial past (textiles, fabric printing) and its spectacular alpine setting. It is also a canton that still practises the Landsgemeinde, the open-air popular assembly. One of its major assets is its very attractive tax regime: Glarus applies a unique flat tax rate among the lowest in Switzerland, attracting businesses and wealthy individuals.
Why move to the Canton of Glarus?
- Very attractive taxation: flat tax, one of the lowest tax rates in Switzerland
- Low property prices: among the most affordable in Switzerland, 40 to 50% cheaper than Zurich
- Alpine setting: majestic mountains, Lake Klontal, wild valleys, pure air
- Proximity to Zurich: Glarus is 1 hour from Zurich by train, making commuting feasible
- Nature and sports: skiing (Elm, Braunwald), hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking
- Tranquillity: a peaceful canton far from the bustle of large cities
The challenges of moving in the Canton of Glarus
Narrow valley
The canton is essentially a narrow, enclosed valley between mountain walls. Light is limited in winter and weather conditions can be harsh. The main route (road and railway) follows the Linth from north to south.
Lateral valleys
The lateral valleys (Klontal, Sernftal towards Elm) are accessed by narrow, winding roads. Braunwald, a car-free resort, is accessible only by a funicular from Linthal, which poses unique logistical challenges for moves.
Alpine natural hazards
The canton is exposed to natural hazards: rockfalls, mudslides, Linth flooding, avalanches in winter. The village of Elm historically suffered a catastrophic landslide. Local movers know these risks and adapt their planning.
Foehn
The foehn (warm, dry southerly wind) regularly blows through the Linth valley, with gusts that can exceed 100 km/h. On foehn days, outdoor moves and the use of furniture lifts may be compromised.
Our moving services in the Canton of Glarus
- Residential moving: service adapted to the alpine context of Glarus
- Commercial moving: offices, workshops, shops
- Free quote: compare offers from movers in the region
- Professional packing: reinforced protection for transport in a mountain valley
- Storage: secure storage in the Linth valley
- Furniture lift: for older buildings and buildings in central Glarus
- Alpine transport: vehicles adapted to mountain roads and lateral valleys
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration
Moving prices in the Canton of Glarus
Rates are among the lowest in Switzerland, reflecting the canton’s moderate cost of living. Moves into the lateral valleys cost more.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m3 | 400 - 850 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m3 | 700 - 1,250 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m3 | 1,100 - 2,400 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m3 | 1,800 - 3,600 |
| House / chalet | 60-90 m3 | 2,500 - 5,000+ |
Intercantonal move
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| Glarus - Zurich (75 km) | + 350 - 700 CHF |
| Glarus - Schwyz (50 km) | + 250 - 500 CHF |
| Glarus - St. Gallen (70 km) | + 300 - 600 CHF |
| Glarus - Graubunden (80 km) | + 350 - 700 CHF |
| Glarus - Bern (160 km) | + 550 - 1,000 CHF |
Factors affecting the price
- Accessibility: Braunwald (funicular only) and lateral valleys cost 20 to 40% more
- Season: winter moves at altitude are more complex and more expensive
- Foehn: cancellations or postponements may be necessary on days of violent foehn
- Distance: the valley is long (Nafels to Linthal = 25 km of mountain road)
- Property type: chalets and converted industrial buildings have specific constraints
The three municipalities of the Canton of Glarus
- Glarus Nord: the largest municipality (~18,000 pop.), grouping Nafels, Mollis, Netstal and other localities in the north of the valley, gateway to the canton
- Glarus: central municipality (~12,000 pop.), cantonal capital, administrative and commercial centre, Landsgemeinde square
- Glarus Sud: southern municipality (~10,000 pop.), grouping Schwanden, Elm, Linthal, Braunwald; the most alpine and most extensive
Unique features of moving in the Canton of Glarus
Braunwald, car-free resort
Braunwald is a mountain resort accessible only by funicular from Linthal. Cars and trucks cannot reach it. Moves require a transfer at the lower funicular station, then transport by funicular and electric vehicles on site. It is one of the most unusual moves in Switzerland.
Historic municipal merger
In 2011, the canton’s 25 municipalities merged into 3 large municipalities. This reform, unique in Switzerland, simplified administrative procedures for newcomers: a single office per municipality for all formalities.
Industrial heritage
The former textile industrial heritage (spinning mills, print works) is being converted into housing and cultural spaces. These buildings offer large volumes but sometimes complex access (industrial goods lifts, service staircases).
Flat tax
The attractive tax regime (flat tax) draws taxpayers from across Switzerland, generating a regular flow of incoming moves, often from Zurich or other cantons with higher taxation.
Tips for your move in the Canton of Glarus
- Check the weather and foehn: consult forecasts and avoid moving during violent foehn
- Get information about Braunwald: if it is your destination, the move requires specific logistics
- Choose a regional mover: knowledge of the valley and roads is essential
- Take advantage of the low rates: still compare several quotes
- Favour the warm season: May to October for high-altitude destinations (Elm, Braunwald, Linthal)
- Protect your belongings: mountain roads generate vibrations; reinforced packing recommended
- Schedule the cleaning: book at the same time as the move
- Register your arrival: at the municipality within 14 days
FAQ — Moving in the Canton of Glarus
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 400 CHF for a studio to around 5,000 CHF for a chalet. Glarus is one of the cheapest cantons in Switzerland for moving. Moves to Braunwald or the lateral valleys cost 20 to 40% more.
Braunwald is a car-free resort accessible only by funicular from Linthal. The move requires a transfer to the funicular. Local providers specialise in this particular logistics.
Yes, the foehn can blow violently through the valley (gusts over 100 km/h). Moving on these days is not recommended, especially if a furniture lift is needed. Local movers monitor weather forecasts.
Glarus is German-speaking. Some regional providers offer a service in French. Indicate your preference when requesting a quote.
In normal periods, 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. In summer (the best period for mountain destinations), book 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Yes, Glarus is famous for its attractive taxation (flat tax). This draws many new residents, particularly from Zurich. Movers see a regular flow of arrivals into the canton.
Yes, storage solutions are available in the Linth valley and in neighbouring cantons (Schwyz, St. Gallen). Rates are very competitive.
Request your free quote for a move in Glarus
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in the Canton of Glarus. From Nafels to Linthal, from Glarus to Braunwald, our partners deliver professional service in this alpine valley at the heart of eastern Switzerland.