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Fun Facts & Points of Interest

Grüetzi! That’s the official way to greet friends in New Glarus. In 1845, twenty-seven immigrant famiies set out from Glarus, Switzerland seeking opportunities in the New World. We like to imagine that upon arriving in Green County, they looked around and said something like “ja, die hugel gseh us wi die daheim!” (yes these hills DO look a bit like home!) And so the community of New Glarus was founded. In 1846, Swiss immigrants helped to set the stage for Wisconsin’s future as America’s Dairyland when they purchased a few dozen dairy cows in Ohio and herded them back to New Glarus.

The Swiss roots established here more than 150 years ago are evident today in festivals, cuisine, folk art and architecture, family and business names, and the herds of Brown Swiss that still graze the green hillsides. Until the clocks in the bell tower of the Swiss Church were electrified in 1947, they ran from cables and heavy weights, and took a half-day to wind so they would run for the entire week. Eat local! Swiss favorites include cheese fondue (the Swiss national dish), roesti (ramped-up hash browns) raclette (melted cheese over boiled potatoes and pickles), and a fresh veal sausage called

depot that doubles as trailhead for the Sugar River Trail) is your one-stop shop for maps and visitor information. Music Fest, Heidi Fest, Fire Fest, Oktober Fest. New Glarus is known for festivals and family fun. Bike first, so you can eat more cheese: bring your own (or rent a bike at the chamber office) to enjoy the Sugar River Trail or the roller coaster hills on the backroads. There’s live music (and dancing) at New Glarus Hotel most Friday and Saturday evenings. Thursday nights in summer - head to the Chalet Landhaus for accordion music on the patio. Tofflers Pub and Grill also frequently features live music (outside on the back patio in the warmer months) - including local favorite “The Jimmy’s” every other Thursday night. Jodlerklub, Mannerchor, Kinderchor: our Swiss heritage is something to sing about. If you see two guys wandering around playing tunes on long wooden horns embellished with Swiss folk art, it’s probably George and Heinz - two of Green County’s favorite alphorn ambassadors. Stay awhile: our variety of wonderful lodging options include hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, vacation home rental, and campground.

kalberwurst that is available at the two local meat markets, and traditional breads at the New Glarus Bakery. You can also find other fare like pizza (Sugar River Pizza, Ticinio’s Pizzeria), Mexican and Southwest influence (Kristi’s Bistro) specialty

burgers and mac-n- cheese of the week

(Tofflers Pub & Grill) and even Limburger cheese sandwiches (Puempel’s Olde Tavern). The New Glarus Chamber (located in the restored railroad

Map Key page 61.

Wine Walk & Snow Shoe Hike - February 10 Kalberwurst Dinner - March 10 Swiss Village opens for season - May 25 Lions BBQ - May 25 Music Fest - May 25-27

Polkafest - June 8-10 Beer, Bacon & Cheese - June 9 Heidi Festival - (check back in 2019) EMS Run - June 9 Blues, Brews and Food Trucks - July 14

Pedal for Paws - July 14 Firefest - August 4-5 Alphorn Man Sprint Triathlon - August 5 Volksfest - August 5 Music in the Park - August 12

Wilhelm Tell Festival - August 31 - September 2 Art in the Park - September 2 Grace Church Free Festival - September 9 Oktoberfest - September 28-30

Holiday Open House Shopping - November 9-11 Tipsy Turkey Pub Crawl - November 24 Holiday Tree Lighting & St. Nicholas Day - December 1 Lunch with Santa - December 8

Kilby Supper - September 29 Swiss Village Harvest Fest - October 7 Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show - October 7 Gathering of Rogues & Ruffians Renaissance Faire - October 13-14

These are just some of our events; check the calendar at the back of the guide for more.

Visit SwissTown.com for updates and details.