The Berglistüber waterfall in the canton of Glarus is a natural wonder in the Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Site. A five-minute walk brings you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland.

Text and pictures Marc Gottwald

Berglistüber – In just 5 minutes to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland

The Berglistüber waterfall is located on the Klausen Pass (canton Glarus) in the Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is very easy to get there, because when you drive up to the Klausen Pass, you can make a simple stop at the bus stop “Linthal, Bergli”. Free parking is available at the former Bergli restaurant. From there, the waterfall can be reached in a comfortable walk of only 5 minutes.

Simply breathtaking, how the water rushes down from the rock. The visitor platform, freshly built in 2021, and the greatly improved path provide safety thanks to the barriers. This means that the Berglistüber waterfall is now also a great excursion destination for families in Switzerland.

Behind the waterfall – at your own risk

The Berglistüber is officially one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland and accordingly a place for spectacular photos. In good sunlight and with lots of water, there is a rainbow in the waterfall. It gets more adventurous when you walk behind the waterfall. From there, the waterfall awaits you from a totally different angle.

You notice immediately that this fall is a true place of power. Because the energy released by the falling water has a positive effect on every visitor. If you go behind the waterfall, please be very careful, because it is wet and slippery. Stones can also come loose, which is why access was even prohibited at times.

Geology and background knowledge about the Berglistüber waterfall – simply explained

The Berglistüber waterfall is also very interesting geologically.

It is in fact a geological overthrust. Let’s take a closer look at what this means. While the upper, lighter layer of rock consists of limestone and is about 150 million years old, the lower, darker layer of shale is 50 million years old. You can see the separation layer by the light-coloured dividing line. However, it would be normal for the younger rock layer to lie above the older one.

How can this happen?

Plate tectonics causes the European continental plate to meet the African one. The result is the Alpine uplift. This is exactly what happened here. The older plate folded and overlapped the younger one. Thus there was an overthrust, which we can now admire here at Berglistüber.

In the same 5 minutes you walk back to the car park of the former Restaurant Bergli.

In summer, during the summer holidays and at weekends, a snack stand is waiting at good weather to sell local bratwursts and more right by the road.

Hiking suggestion to the Berglistüber, Switzerlands most beautiful waterfall

The Berglistüber can also be combined with a wonderful hike. From Linthal, you can walk along the right side of the Linth river and then turn in the direction of the Klausen Pass.

Insider tip: Shortly after the turnoff, the water of the Fätschbach stream, which has also passed the Berglistüber, comes and falls down in a beautiful waterfall. That’s why it’s worth doing the few extra metres to take the turnoff towards Bergli and Klausenpass afterwards. The hike to Berglistüber from Linthal takes about 1h 15 minutes and 400 metres of ascent. It offers a magnificent view of Linthal and the imposing Tödi and is definitely highly recommended.

Here is the hiking map from Linthal to Berglistüber:

The Berglistüber is the most beautiful waterfall in Switzerland a place to visit for all waterfall lovers.

Furthermore, you can combine your trip with other stunning places like a hike to the hidden glacier lake Claridensee. Also a drive on the Klausen Pass is very worth it as it is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Switzerland.

Or what about the epic Lake Limmernsee hike? You see the possibilities are endless in the Swiss Alps.