Glarus, Switzerland

Capital City

With a population of just 12,886, Glarus is a sleepy Swiss town that offers little excitement beyond its neo-Romanesque church. Though over a quarter of the residents are foreign nationals, the city maintains a conservative, insular vibe - the 2015 election saw the center-right BDP party dominate with nearly 50% of the vote. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city struggled to enforce new regulations after the French invasion of 1798. And the climate is distinctly alpine, with an average of 142 rainy days per year and nearly 60 inches of annual precipitation. Glarus may appeal to those seeking a quiet, traditional Swiss lifestyle, but most would find it dull and provincial.