Martinsloch, the magical window of the sun in Switzerland

Martinsloch
Snow, watches, cheeses, chocolate, spectacular natural landscapes, a wide cultural and leisure offer, history, adventure sports ... Switzerland It hides attractions on all four sides, and yet it is not among the most visited destinations in the world. Of course, we recommend you visit this country at any time of the year.

One of the great attractions of Switzerland that we have not mentioned before is a natural phenomenon that can only be seen twice a year and in a specific place in the country. We are referring to the call Window of the Sun, a natural hole located on a mountain in the canton of Glarus through which the sun passes twice a year. Do you want to discover more details about this impressive natural phenomenon? Well, then you can not miss anything we tell you below!

Location

Today we move to the small town of Elm, which is located in the Sernf valley, in the Swiss canton of Glarus Sur, to tell you about one of the most beautiful and surprising natural phenomena on the planet, among other things because it only happens twice a year. We are referring to Martinsloch, also called the Martin Hole or the Window of the Sun, which is actually a hole located in the Tschingelhörner formation, in the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a mountainous area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO that covers 32,850 hectares and houses seven peaks over 3,000 meters high.


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The hero Martin

The hole itself, which measures 22 × 19 meters, would have no value if it were not because 4 days a year it lets in the sun, magically illuminating the church and offering a unique image that some tourists come to contemplate. However, this phenomenon is still so little known that it can be observed without stress. Yes, it has fascinated to men for several centuries. In fact, how could it be otherwise, there is a legend around the famous hole. According to him, the origin of Martinsloch is due to the hero Martin, who generated the hole after fighting against an evil giant.

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You can also see the moon

As we were telling you, this event occurs only 4 days a year, two in early spring and another two in early fall. Although it only lasts a couple of minutes, during sunrise it is tremendously surprising. For this reason, many astronomers make a pilgrimage to this place on September 30 and October 1; and on March 12 and 14, which is when this phenomenon takes place. In addition, it seems that on some occasions it is also possible to see the moon through the Sun Window.

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The M

Beyond Martinsloch, the town of Elm has a lot to offer tourists. It is the last town in the Sernftal valley and hides a beautiful historic nucleus that houses houses that are a protected monument. In fact, these wooden houses were distinguished by the award Wakerker and an award from the European Council. Of course, if there is something that attracts the attention of this place, in addition to the hole, it is its alpine environment, which is super interesting from a geological point of view. In addition, it is important to note that the exploitation of the slate was very important in the development of Elm and other towns in the valley. Of course, it should not be forgotten that from Elm you can quickly access ski slopes, being able to find options for both beginners and specialists. In summer, instead, we recommend you to make excursions to enjoy the fauna and flora of the place.

"Martinsloch" - Stephan Siegrist balances between shadow and sunshine (March 2024)


  • natural phenomena, nature
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