Plattenkreuz

Plattenkreuz is a large landmark cross overlooking Näfels, in the municipality of Glarus Nord, canton of Glarus. It sits atop the Plattenwand rock face and is visible from much of the valley floor — for locals in Näfels it's as much a symbol of the town as the nearby Freulerpalast.

What is the Plattenkreuz?

The cross was erected in 1934, with local youth playing a significant part in building it — that community effort is a big part of why the Plattenkreuz became a genuine local landmark rather than just a religious monument. It has been maintained and refurbished over the decades, and today the lighting is looked after by the Catholic parish of Näfels. Each year, from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany (January 6), the cross is illuminated in the evening — typically between 5 and 10 p.m. — making it a clearly visible reference point across the valley after dark. In recent years the municipality has repeatedly scaled back the lighting hours or intensity, partly for energy savings and partly due to technical faults, so the exact schedule can shift from one winter to the next.

How do you get there?

The Plattenkreuz rises above Näfels and Oberurnen and is within easy walking reach from the Glarus Nord valley floor. Footpaths climb steeply up the slope, passing the ruins of Festung Niederberg and the small Tankgraben reservoir — both worth a short stop on the way up. Depending on the route and pace, the hike takes anywhere from under an hour to around an hour. It's a popular outing for both valley residents and visitors looking for a rewarding viewpoint without committing to a full day in the high mountains.

What will you see up there?

From the foot of the cross, the view opens across the whole Glarus Nord valley, and on a clear day it extends as far as Lake Walensee. It's one of those spots where the payoff is disproportionate to the effort — which explains why it's popular at both sunrise and sunset. Down in Näfels itself, visitors can also see the historic Freulerpalast and the Church of St. Hilarius, making it easy to combine the climb to the Plattenkreuz with a stroll through the town.

Climbing beneath the cross

The Plattenwand rock face that carries the cross is one of the better-known climbing areas in the Glarnerland. It offers around 80 routes ranging from grade 4b to 8b, with an approach of only about five minutes from the parking area — a real draw for climbers after an intensive session without a long walk-in. A separate highlight is a group of six routes graded 5a to 6c, set in a strikingly scenic spot above the valley floor with views stretching to Lake Walensee. That combination of easy access and panorama draws climbers from across eastern Switzerland, not just hikers.

When should you visit?

Spring through autumn is the best window, when trails are dry and the rock is in climbable condition. In winter, the cross takes on a different character thanks to the seasonal illumination visible from the valley between Advent and January 6 — a good excuse for an evening walk to watch the lit cross stand out against the darkening sky.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is the Plattenkreuz? A large landmark cross built in 1934, standing on the Plattenwand rock face above Näfels in the municipality of Glarus Nord.

How long does it take to reach it? Roughly under an hour to an hour on foot from the Glarus Nord valley floor, depending on the route and your pace.

Can you climb there? Yes — the rock face beneath the cross is a well-known climbing area with around 80 routes graded 4b to 8b.

When is the cross lit up? From the first Sunday of Advent until January 6, usually in the evening hours; the exact schedule is adjusted by the municipality most years.