Niederurnen: Täli, Views and Local History

Niederurnen is an industrial village in a hollow at the entrance to the Niederurner Täli. The village centre and historic traces shape the local character, while the Niederurnen–Morgenholz cableway provides access to the hiking area around the Täli. This makes it possible to plan a stay focused on local history or excursions into the Täli as separate priorities. When choosing a hotel, it helps to decide in advance whether you mainly want to explore the village or include activities in the Täli.

Village Character and Industrial History

Niederurnen and Oberurnen originally belonged to Gaster and were annexed by the people of Glarus in 1386. Industry played an important role in the village’s later development: from 1830 onwards, numerous industrial businesses were established in Niederurnen. Among the most important companies that have survived were Eternit near the railway station and the Jenny company in Ziegelbrücke.

Niederurnen’s village character is considered regionally significant because of its location at the striking entrance to the main Glarus valley, the spatial qualities of the village centre and its architectural-historical qualities. Ziegelbrücke is also part of Niederurnen. It was once a transhipment station for Linth cargo ships.

Church and Historic Traces

The present-day Reformed church replaced the Chapel of St Wendelin in 1659. A commemorative plaque on the southwestern wall of the nave recalls a shipwreck in 1678. The vineyard below Schlössli was first documented in 1640. Together with the ruins of Ober Windegg Castle, it forms a landmark of Niederurnen and an important backdrop to the village.

The Dämmli also gives an impression of how a place’s use can change: it was once part of a shooting range and is now used for walks. Alongside the traces at the church, vineyard and ruins, local history is also reflected in a place that is now used for strolls.

Hiking Area and Views

The Niederurnen–Morgenholz cableway provides access to the hiking area around the Niederurner Täli. It takes up to eight people to the Täli in ten minutes. The Hirzli rest area and viewpoint is north of the mountain station. From there, the view stretches across the Linth region to Lake Zurich and the Glarus Alps.

Allow around three hours for the hike to the Hirzli viewpoint with children. According to the operator, all hiking routes in the Niederurner Täli are adequately signposted. The Flüewald offers a landscape with its own distinctive character: it lies at the far end of the Täli, is surrounded by fens and is characterised by boulders covered in moss and dwarf shrubs.

Getting to the Cableway

One way to reach the cableway is to take the train to Ziegelbrücke, then take PostBus route 511 or 512 towards Mühlehorn/Mollis and get off at the “Niederurnen, Ochsenplatz” stop. From there, it is a ten-minute walk along the village stream. Check the current timetable and connections before setting off so you can plan each leg of the journey accordingly.

More Activities in the Niederurner Täli

The sculpture discovery trail in the Niederurner Täli has been there since 2002. Over time, 40 sculptures have been created along it. A mountain bike tour from the Glarus region via Siebnen and Rossweidhöchi leads through the Niederurner Täli on a long descent. So, in addition to hiking, there is a sculpture trail and a specific mountain bike route to consider for an excursion.

The length of the Bodenberg children’s ski lift and its connection to the mountain station are useful details for planning: the lift is 260 metres long, and a ski bus takes skiers directly there from the cableway’s mountain station. The lift operates daily during school holidays. If you plan to use it during your travel dates, check its current operating schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Nidfurn, Obstalden, Mühlehorn, Mollis, Braunwald, Engi, Elm, Matt

Return to the main travel overview: Glarus.