Glarus

Glarus

Glarus, French Glaris, town, capital of Glarus canton, eastern Switzerland, on the left bank of the Linth River, at the northeastern foot of the Glärnisch Massif (with four peaks, rising above 8,900 feet [2,700 metres]), east of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstätter See). In 1861 practically the entire town was destroyed by a fire fanned by a violent foehn (hot wind) rushing along the Linth valley. Since rebuilt, it has an art gallery, a natural history museum, and the cantonal library and archives. The ancient Landsgemeinde (open-air democratic assembly) meets there annually. The parish church is used by both Roman Catholics and Protestants. Manufactures include textiles. The population is German speaking, with a small Protestant majority. Pop. (2007 est.) 5,840.