Glarus Industrial Culture
1740 saw the establishment of the first fabric printing factory in the canton of Glarus, marking the beginning of the industrial era in the canton. The use of water power was the driving force behind early industrialization, which has shaped the landscape to this day. Around 1860, one third of the population of Glarus was employed in the textile industry, and the villages were barely recognizable. Over time, the textile industry gave rise to new and diverse industrial branches: chemicals, paper, building materials, furniture, machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, to name but a few. Glarus is still one of the most industrialized cantons in Switzerland.
Workers’ settlements, impressive factory buildings, canal systems and factory owners’ villas are just as characteristic of the Glarus landscape as the Alpine scenery. Some industrial facilities are over 200 years old, while others are modern production facilities. Factory halls have been converted into loft apartments or medical practices, and former chimney stacks have been turned into concert halls and exhibition spaces. Some administrative buildings from the 19th century have been converted into modern co-working spaces, while others have been preserved in their original state and offer a glimpse of what work was like two hundred years ago.
The Glarus industrial culture offers a wide range of attractions – discover the most exciting museums, businesses and attractions:
Industrial Heritage Trail Glarus: A Journey Through History and Landscape
The picturesque Linth and Sernf rivers form the backdrop for a fascinating journey through the Glarus region. The villages and hamlets with their impressive factory buildings, historic industrial facilities, chimneys and hanging towers are strung out like pearls on a necklace.
The Industrial Heritage Trail takes you through this unique landscape in four exciting stages, which can be explored either on your own or with a guided tour. Over 60 historic objects throughout the canton are described in detail on informative panels, allowing you to delve deep into the industrial history and culture of the region. An unforgettable experience for history and technology enthusiasts!
From Inventor to Market Leader: A Look at 70 Years of Swiss Innovation
In 1904, the inventor Samuel Blumer began his journey into the world of heating appliances. What started as a small, individual enterprise became a joint-stock company in 1907 with the support of investors, and was renamed Therma. The company continuously expanded its product range and soon conquered the market with electrical household appliances such as heating pads, electric ovens, cooking ranges, irons, refrigerators, hot water boilers, toasters and coffee machines. In the 1930s, Therma already had a market share of more than 50% in Switzerland – a true model of innovation.
The story of Therma is still fascinating today. At the Schaulager in the factory that was closed in 2015, you can discover an extraordinary collection of objects from the years 1907 to 1978. These witnesses to the history of technology, design and economics bring the success story of Therma to life. An absolute must for technology and design enthusiasts!
Amazing history: The Glarus Economic Archives and their treasures
Discover the fascinating industrial history of the Glarus region in the Glarus Economic Archives! The archives collect and research valuable documents from the region and make them accessible to everyone. Browse the extensive online archive catalog and discover the treasures of the collection. We would be happy to invite you to explore the holdings on site after prior registration. Also visit the exhibition room where selected highlights are presented. Immerse yourself in history and let yourself be inspired!
A mountain valley in motion: the “Bähndli” train to Chlytal
Between 1905 and 1969, the Sernftalbahn railway ran between Schwanden and Elm, making a major contribution to the economic development of the Sernftal valley. The railway supplied raw materials to the textile factories and took away the finished products, it served various quarries and transported the valley’s inhabitants to their workplaces and many tourists to the impressive mountain landscape.
The exhibition in the former station building in Elm brings the “Bähndli” back to life: the disused railway ticket counter is put back into operation, the former waiting room is the meeting place for stories from local residents and from holidaymakers who have traveled far, and behind the counter in the former station office, one can see the former railway employees at work.
Experience textile printing up close: permanent exhibition at the Glarus State Museum
The Glarus State Museum covers over 500m2 and tells the 250-year history of textile printing in Glarus.
Visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of this important economic sector and discover the innovative spirit that characterized Glarus, the variety of textiles produced and how the working class fought for better working conditions in the 19th century.
From Slate and History: The Legacy of the Slate Industry in the Sernftal
The Landesplattenberg Engi and the Elm slate board factory are the last witnesses of the once thriving slate industry in the Sernftal.
The slate mine was first mentioned in documents in 1565, and from the 17th century onwards it was a significant source of income for the canton of Glarus and the village of Engi. Slate products, in particular boards and tables, were transported as far as Holland and England. In 1961, the mine was closed for reasons of occupational health and economic viability. Today, visitors can be enchanted by the gigantic underground halls and the magical atmosphere inside the mountain
Experience the slate tradition: The only working slate board factory in Switzerland
In 1898, the production of slate boards began at Sandgasse 13 in Elm. Jürg Schuler, great-grandson of the founder, worked in the factory as a child and is very familiar with the machines and production processes. School boards, jass boards and souvenir boards were produced until 1983.
Today, Schuler takes visitors on a journey into the past in the only working slate board factory in Switzerland.
Between Tradition and Culture: The Jenny Area and the Hänggiturm in Ennenda
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the textile industry at the Jenny Area Ennenda – the best-preserved factory complex in the municipality of Glarus. From 1827 to 1975, various textile industry companies shaped the economic life of the region. Today, the area is a living monument to the past, which not only tells the story of history, but also houses the largest Hänggiturm in the canton.
This impressive tower, which was once used for drying fabric, is a landmark of the region. For over 150 years, Hänggitürme like this one have shaped the landscape of the Glarus region. In Ennenda, the huge, almost sacral-looking hall now provides a unique exhibition space for the Anna Göldi Museum.
Timeless masterpieces: The furniture of Horgenglarus
The AG Möbelfabrik Horgenglarus is the oldest chair and table manufacturer in Switzerland and has been among the world leaders in furniture design and quality for over 140 years. The characteristic combination of form and function remains at the heart of horgenglarus. This is recognised: classic, perfection of form, timelessness and high quality of workmanship are the criteria for the ‘World Class – Made in Switzerland’ award that horgenglarus has received.
Hammer forge Mühlehorn
Since 1777, the water power in Mühlehorn has been driving the huge forging hammers. Their rhythmic blows accentuate the blazing fire in which Christian and Roswitha Zimmermann shape the iron. Where once everyday items were forged, today sacred and secular art is created, and visitors can immerse themselves in the world of blacksmithing.
Books on Glarus industrial culture
The economic boom in the 19th century was thanks to the courageous textile entrepreneurs of Glarus. What began as simple hand-weaving workshops developed into industrial-scale textile production – and the Glarus textile printing factories also helped to drive industrialisation in Switzerland. The varied history of an industry that from the very beginning focused on exports is impressively told in ‘130 years of Glarus export trade,’ ‘Spinning, weaving, printing’ and ‘The art of imitation’.
