United States

New Glarus

New Glarus

New Glarus is a charming village located in Green County, Wisconsin, United States. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills and valleys of the…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Sightseeing travelers
  • Hiking travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

New Glarus is a strong pick for sightseeing & hiking — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 70/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈4.9 km span)

7 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: April · May · September · October

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

50°F - 70°F

Summer

70°F - 90°F

Winter

20°F - 40°F

How to get there

How to Reach New Glarus, United States

If you are planning a trip to the charming village of New Glarus in the United States, there are several transportation options available to reach this beautiful destination.

By Air:

The closest major airport to New Glarus is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), located in Madison, Wisconsin. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach New Glarus, which is approximately a 30-mile drive southwest of the airport.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, New Glarus is easily accessible by car. From Madison, Wisconsin, take US-151 South and continue for about 20 miles. Then, take Exit 65 for County Highway N towards New Glarus. Follow the signs to reach the village.

By Bus:

Another option is to travel by bus. There are several bus services that operate in the area, providing transportation to New Glarus. You can check with local bus companies or use online travel platforms to find the most convenient bus route.

By Train:

Unfortunately, New Glarus does not have a train station. The nearest train stations are located in Madison, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. From there, you can either rent a car or take a bus to reach New Glarus.

By Bicycle:

If you are an adventurous cyclist, you can also consider biking to New Glarus. The village is surrounded by picturesque countryside roads, providing a scenic route for cyclists. Just make sure to plan your journey and be prepared for the distance.

Regardless of the transportation mode you choose, reaching New Glarus will reward you with a delightful experience. This Swiss-inspired village offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that will make your visit truly memorable.

Getting to know New Glarus

New Glarus is a charming village located in Green County, Wisconsin, United States. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills and valleys of the Driftless Area, this small community is often referred to as "America's Little Switzerland" due to its strong Swiss heritage. The village is named after the city of Glarus in Switzerland, from where many of its original settlers hailed in the mid-19th century.

Visitors to New Glarus are immediately captivated by its old-world charm and unique architecture. The village is renowned for its Swiss-style chalets, colorful flower boxes, and intricate woodwork, which reflect the cultural influence of its early settlers. Strolling through the streets, one can't help but feel transported to a quaint European village. The Swiss heritage is also celebrated through various festivals and events held throughout the year, including the popular Heidi Festival and the New Glarus Oktoberfest.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, New Glarus offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby New Glarus Woods State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Furthermore, New Glarus is home to the renowned New Glarus Brewing Company, which has gained a national reputation for its exceptional craft beers. Beer enthusiasts can take a tour of the brewery, sample a variety of award-winning brews, and learn about the brewing process. The brewery's Swiss-inspired chalet-style tasting room provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere to enjoy their handcrafted beers.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget to try the local Swiss-style cheese
  • Visit during the New Glarus Oktoberfest for a fun-filled experience
  • Explore the scenic trails of New Glarus Woods State Park
  • Book accommodations in advance, especially during the high season

Places worth exploring

7 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in New Glarus?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in New Glarus, United States.

When is the best time to visit New Glarus?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in New Glarus?

Travelers often find better value in April, May, September, October.

What kind of trip is New Glarus good for?

New Glarus suits Sightseeing, Hiking, Beer Tasting, Cheese Sampling.

Is New Glarus walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for New Glarus?

Don't forget to try the local Swiss-style cheese

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • New Glarus → Mount Horeb → Shorewood Hills, United States · ≈47 km
  • New Glarus → Mount Horeb → Cross Plains · ≈37 km
  • New Glarus → Mount Horeb → Black Earth · ≈37 km

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