A day trip to Glarus for extraordinary Open-Air Parliament

25th November 2007

Landsgemeinde gets under way Today I took a day trip to Glarus as the first extraordinary Open-Air Parliament (ausserordentliche Landsgemeinde) in 155 years was held.

Having changed trains in Ziegelbrucke, I got off at Glarus's only train station and merely followed the natives of the Canton towards the Landsgemeinde. The Cortege began at 09:30 prompt as local dignatries processed towards the ring at Zaunplatz for the debate. Soldiers (infantry) from the Swiss Army guarded the last few meters towards the official entrance of Zaunplatz.

Soldier guards the route to Zaunplatz in GlarusOnce the Cortege had passed, those natives of these parts who had not already taken their places showed their voting papers to the awaiting police and took their place.

As the debate began, I retreated to the company of other non-voting people and partook of Glühwein while the assorted important personages took to addressing the crowds.

Reformed church of Glarus in the Neo-Romanesque example of simplicity.Once I'd had enough Glühwein, I decided to wander around Glarus town while the natives were busy. Which was nice. Coz I had the place to myself. But then I discovered that, aside from the rather pleasant Neo-Romanesque Church, there really isn't much to see in Glarus. Especially when the clouds are down and it's raining - as you can't even see the mountains then.

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