Haslen is a village and former independent municipality in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Since the municipal mergers of 1 January 2011, it has been part of the municipality of Glarus Süd. The village is situated in the Linth valley, on the left bank of the river Linth, approximately 15 km southeast of the cantonal capital, Glarus town.
Geography
- Location: Central Switzerland, within the Glarus Alps region.
- Coordinates: Approximately 47°10′N 9°7′E.
- Elevation: About 530 m (1,740 ft) above sea level.
- Area (as former municipality): 14.38 km² (5.55 sq mi).
- Surroundings: The settlement is flanked by steep alpine slopes to the south and agricultural land in the valley floor. The nearby villages of Leuggelbach and Schwändi lie to the west, while the municipality of Glarus Süd includes the larger Lenzerheide area to the east.
History
- Early mention: The name “Haslen” appears in documentary sources dating to 1249 (as Hasling).
- Etymology: The name is likely derived from the Old High German hasal (hazel), suggesting an area where hazel trees were prevalent.
- Municipal status: Haslen functioned as an independent municipality through the 19th and 20th centuries, with local governance centered on the village church and communal assemblies.
- Merger: In a cantonal reform aimed at reducing the number of municipalities, Haslen merged with several neighboring municipalities to form Glarus Süd in 2011.
Demographics (as of the last official count before the merger, 2010)
- Population: Approximately 1,050 residents.
- Language: Predominantly German‑speaking (Swiss German dialect).
- Religion: Majority Roman Catholic, with a Protestant minority, reflecting the historical confessional distribution of the canton.
Economy
- Historically, the local economy was based on alpine agriculture, dairy farming, and small‑scale manufacturing (e.g., textile mills).
- In the late 20th century, many residents commuted to larger towns such as Glarus and Zurich for employment.
- Tourism related to nearby hiking trails and winter sports areas contributes modestly to the local economy.
Transport
- Road: The village is accessed via the Hauptstrasse (primary road) that follows the Linth valley, connecting it to Glarus and the A3 motorway corridor.
- Public transport: PostAuto Swiss buses provide regular service to Glarus town and other villages in Glarus Süd. The closest railway station is in Glarus, on the Zürich–Chur line operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
- Cycling and hiking: Numerous marked trails and mountain bike routes originate near Haslen, linking to the larger Glarus Alps network.
Culture and Landmarks
- St. Catherine’s Church: A parish church dating to the 15th century, featuring a Baroque interior and a notable historic organ.
- Traditional architecture: The village retains a number of well‑preserved farmhouses characteristic of the Glarus valley style, with wooden balconies and stone foundations.
- Festivals: Local customs include the annual Alpabzug (cattle descent) in autumn and seasonal markets that showcase regional crafts and produce.
Education
- Primary education is provided by a local school in Haslen; secondary students attend schools in the larger Glarus municipality.
Governance
- As part of Glarus Süd, Haslen is represented on the municipal council (Gemeinderat) and contributes to cantonal elections.
References
- Swiss Federal Statistical Office, “Gemeindestruktur Glarus” (municipal statistics).
- Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (HLS), entry “Haslen”.
- Canton of Glarus official publications on municipal mergers (2010‑2011).
Note: All data reflect the status of Haslen up to the 2011 municipal reorganization; subsequent changes are recorded under Glarus Süd.