Discover Obstalden

Obstalden brings together the mountain landscape of the Kerenzerberg, church art, mining history and a historic trail. If you are looking for a hotel in Obstalden, you can choose between these highlights when planning your trip: the elevated setting, architectural and art history, or the Historic Heerenweg with the Filzbach Gorge.

Landscape of the Kerenzerberg

Obstalden lies at an elevation of just under 700 metres on a terrace of the Kerenzerberg above Lake Walen. The Kerenzerberg is part of the Sardona Geopark and forms a high plateau above the lake. Scattered settlements of the former municipalities of Filzbach and Obstalden lie on this plateau. Within the municipality, Ruchen Mürtschen rises to 2,441 metres; it is the highest peak in Glarus Nord. The road across the high plateau lies at an elevation of more than 700 metres and is a historic mountain pass. Glarus Nord’s recreational inventory (October 2023) lists Bitzi as a fire pit and Firz as a mountain that can be climbed.

Church and local history

Obstalden’s church was built around 1300 and has been largely preserved in its original state, with frescoes dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its wall paintings in the tower choir are the oldest surviving example of monumental painting in the Canton of Glarus. During a restoration in 1979, 15th-century paintings were uncovered on the south wall of the choir. Obstalden was first mentioned in a document in 1340 in connection with Säckingen Abbey.

The Historic Heerenweg

The Historic Heerenweg with the Filzbach Gorge leads from the Roman bridge via the hamlet of Walenguflen to Obstalden, then follows the shores of Lake Walen back to Mühlehorn station. The route follows historic Roman roads that once led from Zurich in the direction of Graubünden and bypassed Lake Walen. The specific route describes the trail’s stops, while the historical context explains the roads’ former direction. The Heerenweg thus combines a hiking route with an aspect of the region’s transport history.

Mining and activities on the alp

Mürtschenalp also tells a story of past use: in the 17th century, mainly copper and silver were mined there, as well as iron. Parts of the former mining facilities can still be found today. Rafters Outdoor & Events in Obstalden offers guided geological hikes; the activities also include making cheese yourself on the alp. One activity focuses on geology, while the other explores cheesemaking on the alp. Check the availability of each activity before booking.

Getting to Obstalden

To get to Obstalden, take exit 47 Murg/Kerenzerberg on the A3 between Chur and Zurich. Together with the historic mountain pass across the high plateau, this access route situates Obstalden in the landscape of the Kerenzerberg.

Discover more destinations: Filzbach, Niederurnen, Braunwald, Engi, Elm, Nidfurn, Mollis, Matt

Back to the main travel overview: Glarus.