Nordgalerie

Nordgalerie is a compact but well-regarded sport-climbing crag in the municipality of Glarus Nord, in the canton of Glarus. It rises above the southern shore of Lake Walen (Walensee), directly over the A3 motorway gallery that gives the crag its name — set apart from the "classic" wall on the opposite side of the valley.

What is this place?

Nordgalerie is a limestone crag sitting at roughly 430 metres above sea level, part of a larger climbing complex on the Kerenzerberg slope. The area is split into more than a dozen sectors — among them Podest, Treppe, Hauptwand, Gäsibeach, Mindgame, Trolok, Raststätte, Grüne Hölle, Aquarium and Riff — with routes ranging from around French grade 6a to 8a. A distinctive feature of the rock is that sections of the limestone are naturally coated with sinter deposits, giving the wall an unusual texture and holds you won't find on a typical crag. Many routes carry playful pop-culture names, such as "Captain Barbossa" and "Captain Jack Sparrow".

Most of the wall faces north, so it stays shaded and cool throughout summer. That makes Nordgalerie a favourite pick on hot days, when other climbing spots in the region sit in full, punishing sun.

How do you get there?

Access starts from the paid car park by the lakeside campsite near Mühlehorn and Filzbach. From there, a gravel track leads east, crossing a stream, to a point where several sectors sit right beside the path. A short stairway next to the road gallery leads up to the main wall (Hauptwand). The whole area is within easy walking distance of the car park, without the multi-hour approach typical of alpine climbing — one of the crag's main appeals.

When should you visit?

Summer is the best time: thanks to the shade, the rock stays cool even under full sun, making it a comfortable alternative to more exposed walls nearby. One restriction matters, though — climbing is banned on all north-facing crags between Walensee and Kerenzerberg from 10 May to 1 June every year, the nesting season for crag martins that breed in the rock's crevices. Sticking to this closure is what keeps the area open to climbers season after season.

Who is Nordgalerie for?

With routes spanning roughly 6a to 8a, the crag appeals both to intermediate climbers and to those chasing demanding, endurance-style sport routes on vertical limestone. It suits climbers with some experience rather than complete beginners — there's no tourist infrastructure here, just an intimate, no-frills training ground right above the water, with views across Lake Walen to the surrounding peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is climbing at Nordgalerie possible all year round? No. Climbing is prohibited on all north-facing walls in the Walensee–Kerenzerberg area from 10 May to 1 June each year to protect nesting crag martins.

How hard are the routes? Routes range from around French grade 6a to 8a, so the crag suits climbers with some experience, though a few easier lines exist too.

How do you reach Nordgalerie? Start at the paid car park by the campsite on Lake Walen, then follow the gravel track to the individual sectors of the crag.

Is it worth visiting in summer? Yes — the wall stays in shade for most of the day, making it a comfortable choice during hot spells when other regional crags are baking in full sun.