Glarus, town, capital of Glarus canton, eastern Switzerland, on the left bank of the Linth River, at the northeastern foot of the Glärnisch Massif (with four peaks, rising above 8,900 feet [2,700 metres]), east of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstätter See). In 1861 practically the entire town was destroyed by a fire fanned by a violent foehn (hot wind) rushing along the Linth valley. Since rebuilt, it has an art gallery, a natural history museum, and the cantonal library and archives. The ancient Landsgemeinde (open-air democratic assembly) meets there annually. The parish church is used by both Roman Catholics and Protestants. Manufactures include textiles. The population is German speaking, with a small Protestant majority. Pop. (2007 est.) 5,840.