New Glarus Chamber of Commerce

Just over a half hour from Wisconsin capital Madison, New Glarus was founded in 1845 by immigrants fleeing hard times in their home canton Glarus, in eastern Switzerland,  and these days the locals embrace their town's Swiss heritage with a passion. Downtown is full of Alpine-style chalets adorned with boxes of geraniums, as well as Swiss bakeries, shops, restaurants, and museums such as the Swiss Center. Traditions from the old country including yodeling and playing the alpenhorn (above) are still practiced, and a number of festivals throughout the year such as Volksfest and the Wilhelm Tell Festival also keep the Helvetic spirit alive.

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