The moon is followed by the sun
Elm, 9 March 2026 – The fascinating natural spectacle around the legendary Martinsloch is about to happen again. On Friday, 13 and Saturday, 14 March 2026, the sun will shine through the natural rock window directly onto the church spire of Elm.
It is a magical sight when the sun casts its rays through the St. Martin’s window on the tower of the late Gothic church in the Glarus region just before sunrise. The event lasts only a few minutes, after which the sun disappears to rise definitively over the Tschingelhörner mountains shortly afterwards. This natural spectacle of light and shadow can be observed for two days, and with a bit of luck, the sun will shine directly on the church of Elm at exactly 08:50 on 13 March. The event will be repeated on 14 March at 08:48. Meeting point from 08:15 at the church in Elm. Parking is available at the town hall or at the Elm sports facilities. The sun can also be seen on the village street before and after the event. The locations will be marked.
More information on the exact times: elm.ch/sonnenereignis.
Exciting setting with regional products and culinary delights
Hans Rhyner, an expert in the field, will provide information on the phenomenon. Afterwards, you can visit the newly opened Vreni Schneider Museum or the UNESCO Visitor Centre in the old school building. At 09:20, a public guided tour with exciting stories from local guides is offered at the slate board factory. Registration is not required. On both days, there will be stalls with various local delicacies. There will also be a stand with exciting information on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona, staffed by knowledgeable GeoGuides.
Food and Accommodation
The surrounding hotels and guesthouses offer beautiful rooms and fine specialities – a good opportunity to combine the natural spectacle with an overnight stay in Elm.
More information: elm.ch/sonnenereignis
Image caption
Elm Martinsloch Solar Event I VISIT Glarnerland AG / Maya Rhyner
Preview
SOLAR EVENT AUTUMN 2026
The next opportunity to observe the solar event in the Martinsloch is on 29 and 30 September 2026. More information: elm.ch/sonnenereignis
LUNAR EVENT IN AUTUMN 2026
The next lunar event in the Martinsloch will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026. On this date, the full moon can also be observed in the village of Elm. More information: elm.ch/mondereignis
