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Näfelser Fahrt
A line of people in red capes carrying ornate religious banners across a field.

Näfelser Fahrt – Experience historical customs

The Näfelser Fahrt is one of the most important festivals in Glarus. The pilgrimage, which takes place on the first Thursday in April, commemorates the Battle of Näfels on 9 April 1388. 500 fearless Glarus men, supported by some from Schwyz and Uri, defeated 6,000 Habsburg soldiers.

A Habsburg army crossed the Letzimauer and invaded the country, plundering everything in its path, while the Glarus men, joined by other Swiss Confederates, gathered their forces. In the battle, the numerically superior Habsburg army was defeated.

Join us, the people of Glarus, on this solemn procession.

We have put together all the information you need about the Näfelser Fahrt and a stay in the Glarus region. There is so much to discover that we recommend staying for more than a day.

A line of people in red capes carrying ornate religious banners across a field.
The traditional procession featuring ecclesiastical banners during the Näfeles Ride.

Näfelser Fahrt on 9 April 2026

Experience the festive procession with the women and men of Glarus. The most important facts, the detailed programme and further information about a stay in the Glarus region can be found in the flyer.

To the flyer (in german)
Historical Näfels – Guided Tour
Find available accommodation
Details of ‘Living Traditions’
Official website of the Canton of Glarus

The traditional procession featuring ecclesiastical banners during the Näfeles Ride.

A line of people in red capes carrying ornate religious banners across a field.
The traditional procession featuring ecclesiastical banners during the Näfeles Ride.

Historical drummer formation during the traditional Näfeles Ride in the Canton of Glarus.

A group of drummers in historical uniforms marching on a road with mountains in the background during the Näfeles Ride.
Historical drummer formation during the traditional Näfeles Ride in the Canton of Glarus.

The traditional procession featuring ecclesiastical banners during the Näfeles Ride.

A line of people in red capes carrying ornate religious banners across a field.
The traditional procession featuring ecclesiastical banners during the Näfeles Ride.

Participants of the Näfeles Ride gathered for a ceremonial outdoor service.

A large gathering of people on a field, with a choir in the foreground and flag bearers in the background.
Participants of the Näfeles Ride gathered for a ceremonial outdoor service.

Enjoy the Glarus menu (reservation recommended)

Näfels
Restaurant lintharena
Sit back and enjoy culinary highlights − from the lunch menu to a dignified dinner in the evening.
Näfels
Restaurant City Hotel Glarnerland
Located in Näfels, City Hotel Glarnerland offers 4-star accommodation with a private terrace. Facilities at this property include a restaurant, 24-hour self-check-in, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a balcony with garden views.
Näfels
Restaurant Schützenhof
The well-kept small hotel with ambience

Excursion tips in the region

Näfels
Freulerpalast / Museum of the Municipality of Glarus
More than just a museum for rainy weather, the magnificent Freulerpalast also serves as the Museum of the Municipality of Glarus with numerous sumptuous showrooms and a variety of exhibitions covering the rich tapestry of textile history, Alpine winter sports and the military.
Filzbach
Winter & Summer Resort Kerenzerberg
The family mountain with a view of Lake Walen
Niederurnen
Luftseilbahn Niederurnen-Morgenholz
The cable car for great family and beautiful summit excursions.
Näfels
Obersee
The Obersee, located in a beautiful valley basin, is one of the insider tips for a family excursion in Glarus Nord.
Mollis
Naturfreundehaus Fronalp Mountain Restaurant
Would you like to relax in a wonderful landscape in the Glarus region and breathe fresh mountain air?
Näfels
lintharena Spa
Now, in addition to the renovated indoor pool, there is a warm-water outdoor pool and a beautiful wellness area in the Glarus region.
Bilten
House of Läderach
Great news for all chocoholics: enjoy fresh handmade chocolate and experience it with all your senses - visitors can celebrate this with a visit to the new "House of Läderach" experience in Bilten, at the foot of the Glarus Alps. Chocolate lovers can take a unique look behind the scenes of the Swiss family-owned company and witness first-hand how the freshness gets into the chocolate.
Events in the region
Visit the events during the Fahrtswoche and experience the diverse Glarus region. Markets, industrial espionage, concerts, museums and exhibitions.
To all events