Braunwald

Braunwald sits at 1,256 metres above the Linth valley in the canton of Glarus and is one of Switzerland's rare car-free villages — the only way up is the Braunwaldbahn funicular from Linthal station. The village grew into a health resort in the late 19th century, and several Belle Époque guesthouses still reflect that era. In summer, hiking trails fan out across the Glarus Alps toward the Ortstock massif; in winter a small, family-oriented ski area takes over. The absence of road traffic gives Braunwald a genuine stillness that sets it apart from busier Alpine resorts.