Data Centers in Glarus

Glarus – High-Security Resilience and Data Sovereignty

Executive Summary

Glarus serves as a strategic outpost for enterprises demanding physical isolation and strict Swiss data sovereignty. It is a purpose-built environment for long-term resiliency and disaster recovery where security-first deployments thrive away from urban congestion. This market is the premier choice for firms prioritizing stability and protection for their most sensitive hardware.

Glarus: At A Glance

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Carrier count: over 5. As of September 2025, the local infrastructure provides resilient fiber paths to national backbones. While density is lower than major metros like Zurich, existing providers offer reliable connectivity for specialized deployments and secure backup.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps: Over 0, enabling access to 0 cloud regions as of September 2025. There are no native cloud on-ramps in Glarus; however, low-latency private extensions connect to AWS and Microsoft Azure hubs in Zurich. This setup allows for synchronous replication while maintaining physical distance.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Most peering occurs via SwissIX in Zurich, which provides the necessary scale for regional traffic management. Local traffic remains efficient due to high-quality national fiber transit and direct paths to the Zurich metro area.

Bare Metal: Resilient bare metal services are available through regional providers and global specialists like Hivelocity or Latitude.sh. These options support high-performance computing and private cloud requirements for security-conscious firms.

Power Analysis

Average Cost Of Power: CHF 0.22/kWh, as of September 2025. The energy mix is exceptionally clean, with hydro accounting for approximately 56% and nuclear providing 33%. This profile ensures a low carbon footprint for power-intensive operations and predictable long-term costs.

Power Grid Reliability: The grid is well-engineered and maintains high uptime through multi-substation support typical of Swiss infrastructure. It is built to handle industrial loads with minimal fluctuation, providing a reliable foundation for mission-critical hardware.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

Proximity To Key Business Districts: Glarus is located near the Zurich financial district, providing a secure perimeter for sensitive financial data and backup systems. This distance offers a geographical safety buffer while maintaining manageable latency for secondary site operations.

Regional Market Reach: The location effectively serves the DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It offers a stable environment for companies prioritizing privacy and security over massive carrier density.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers: Switzerland maintains a stable and predictable corporate tax environment. This stability helps businesses manage long-term financial planning without the risk of sudden regulatory shifts or unexpected levies.

Natural Disaster Risk

The overall risk for Glarus is Low (1.8/10), as of September 2025. The region is characterized by high stability, though specific natural hazards require standard mitigation for facility placement.

• River Flood (5.9/10): This is the primary local hazard; data centers are typically sited on elevated ground to manage this risk.
• Earthquake (4.6/10): Moderate risk managed through strict Swiss building codes and resilient engineering.
• Epidemic (2.1/10): Low risk based on national healthcare infrastructure and response capabilities.
• Drought (0.9/10): Negligible impact on infrastructure operations.

Other hazards such as Tropical Cyclone and Tsunami are not applicable to this inland mountain region. All other natural risks remain minor or unlisted as of September 2025.