Sola castle ruins

Sola castle ruins (Burgruine Sola) are the remains of a medieval hilltop fortress in the municipality of Glarus Süd, canton of Glarus, Switzerland. They stand north of the hamlet of Sool, within the territory of the former municipality of Mitlödi in the Linth valley. It is a quiet, free destination for a short outing if you like history without the crowds.

What is Sola castle?

Sola was a hilltop castle, now preserved as a conserved ruin. Archaeological finds date its construction to the second half of the 12th century, and it was already abandoned around 1250, so it was occupied for a fairly short time. The Historical Lexicon of Switzerland describes it as inhabited from the late 12th to the early 13th century.

Who built it?

Nobody knows. No document from the period mentions the castle, so neither its founders nor its residents are known. Later attempts to link it to particular noble families are considered unconvincing. That mystery is much of what makes Sola intriguing among the region's heritage sites.

What can you see there?

You will find the walls of the ruin, uncovered and secured in the first half of the 20th century. The outer ring wall is only faintly visible on the ground, but the core of the complex still lets you picture how the fortress was laid out. There is a fire pit on site, but no food service, so bring your own food and drink.

How has the ruin been looked after?

The Historical Society of the Canton of Glarus excavated and restored the site between 1927 and 1929. Since 1946 the whole property has been in the society's hands. That is why the ruin has survived in good condition, although it still has no tourist infrastructure.

How do you visit?

Entry is free and there are no opening hours, so you can arrive at any time of day. The approach is from the Sool side, north of the village. Wear sturdy shoes, because the terrain is natural rather than landscaped like a park. A dry day is best, when the paths are not slippery.

What else pairs well with the visit?

Mitlödi is a village in the Linth valley, first mentioned around 1320. Until 1395 it owed dues to the abbey of Säckingen, and since 2011 it has been part of Glarus Süd. You can combine the ruin with a stroll around the area and a short introduction to the valley's history, which came under different rulers over the centuries.

Canton Glarus is known for its mountain scenery, and a trip to the castle fits a calm, local style of sightseeing. If you are interested in Swiss castles, Sola shows how little we sometimes know about medieval strongholds, even well-preserved ones.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Sola ruins free?

Yes. Entry costs nothing and there are no opening hours.

When was the castle built?

In the second half of the 12th century. It was abandoned around 1250.

Who owned the castle?

Unknown. No contemporary source names the owners, and later attributions to noble families are doubtful. Since 1946 the ruin has belonged to the Historical Society of the Canton of Glarus.

Is there a restaurant on site?

No. There is a fire pit but no food service, so bring supplies with you.