Zug Mini Guide
Tell me About Zug
Zug is a German speaking canton in the centre of
Switzerland. It is the smallest of the cantons – it contains 11 villages and Zug is also the capital.
How Would I get There?
The SBB CFF and FFS railways all link Zug with
Zurich, which has the nearest airport and major rail links with Europe. You can also use the S-Bahn lines S9 and S21 or driving is a good option via the A4 motorway; it should take around 45 minutes. For first timers
hiring a car in Switzerland there's little to be concerned about, cars are rarely more than a year old and the average customer service rating is extremely high.
What can I see There?
Firstly, take a walk along the lake shore promenade and see the views of Rigi and Pilatus. Visit the old town where you will see four walls from the towers of the original city and the parish church of St Oswald, which was built in1485. The town hall now houses the Historical and Antiquarian Museum and you can visit the Museum of Pre-history Zug which has archaeological remains from the bronze age settlement. If you are interested in art, the Kunsthaus is worth visiting. Rather manic in tone are the summer Monday evening rollerskate/rollerblade conventions that happen on the streets of Zug up to the end of September. Bring your own or hire some skates for some speedy fun!
Out and About
You can take an Earth Trail through Steinhausan Forest or hike up Zugerberg. After using all that energy, have a relaxing dinner cruise on Lake Zug or Lake Aegeri. Food lovers should try the cherry cake at Confiserie Speck and then visit the brewery at Baar to see how the local beer is made.
Souvenirs from Zug
A bottle of the locally made Kirsch Liqueur, in Zug it is used in cakes and truffles.
Where can I Stay?
The City Hotel Ochsen was built in 1543, it’s an old building with modern facilities and Wi-Fi. It is the centre of town, but also close to the lake and the train station, so a perfect base for exploring the town. Fine Swiss cuisine is served at the hotel’s restaurant and bar.
Zug has an attractive position on Lake Zug with the mountain Zugerberg behind it. The town itself is promising and has a tightly packed old quarter worth visiting. If venturing away from Zug old town, take your hire car down to the lake shore and walk the promenade that has been fashioned there.
Stunning views of the lake and the mountains; Pilatus and Rigi can be gained from there. Finally, drive through the orchards that crowd the slopes of the Zugerberg and buy some of the locally produced kirsch that Zug is famed for!