The charming Zug is a small town located in the canton of Zug, Switzerland and situated on the lake’s northern shore with the same name and with stunning mountains like Rigi, the Grosser Mythen, and Pilatus, making for a spectacular background.
The small city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming old town, rich history and culture and beautiful lakeside promenade, making it an ideal tourist destination.
I was there in July, so the weather was terrific, and it was a delight walking through the narrow streets admiring the traditional Swiss architecture in the well-preserved old town dating back to the Middle Ages.
The town is located on the banks of Lake Zug (Zugsee in Swiss-German), which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains, and visitors can stroll along or take the Zugersee-Schifffahrt, a fleet of passenger boats that offer scenic tours to explore the lake’s beauty. Visitors can also take a ferry across the lake to the nearby town of Arth-Goldau.
The lake is relatively small and a popular destination for swimming, sailing and fishing. Several walking and cycling paths around the lake offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Additionally, Zug is surrounded by lush forests and greenery, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
Here are some of the top attractions to see in Zug:
1. Altstadt: The charming Old Town of Zug is a must-see. It has narrow streets, beautifully preserved buildings, and lovely squares.
2. Zug Castle: considered a heritage site of national significance, it is the town’s most prominent historical landmark, which was built in the 12th century. The castle is now a museum that showcases the town’s history and culture.
3. Zytturm: This iconic clock tower was originally built in the 13th century and is one of Zug’s most recognisable landmarks. It is located in the Old Town and offers stunning views of the town and Lake Zug.
4. Rosengarten Guggi: the short hike to one of the most beautiful vantage points in the city is a must-do so you can see Zug’s old town and the lake.
5. Kunsthaus Zug: This contemporary art museum showcases works by Swiss and international artists, particularly Viennese modernist paintings.
6. The Zug Chriesiwäg: This walking trail takes you through cherry orchards and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. The Zug Mountain: This mountain offers breathtaking views of the town and the lake below.
8. St. Oswald Church: built in 1478, the decorated Gothic “Doorway of Kings” is the entry to one of the most significant late-Gothic church buildings in Switzerland, with its plain refined interior. The Baroque Bossard organ and the original choir stalls are particularly worth seeing.
9. The Zug Farmers’ Market: This weekly market offers fresh produce, crafts, and local specialities. It is held every Saturday in the Old Town.
10. Seesicht: a staircase below the lake surface that gives the visitors a view of the lake via a window.
Furthermore, Zug is home to vibrant festivals and events. The town hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Zuger SEEfest, which celebrates the town’s history and culture. We were so lucky because we didn’t know about the event when we went there, and although we didn’t stay for the day, we went back later in the afternoon to watch the air show.
The city comes alive during this festival with traditional music, dance, and food. You can also attend the Zug Chamber Music Festival, which attracts artists and musicians worldwide.
How to get to Zug in Switzerland?
There are several ways to get to Zug, depending on where you are coming from:
By plane:
The nearest airport is in Zurich. From there, you can take a train or a taxi to Zug.
By train:
Zug is well-connected by train to other major cities in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. Zurich and Lucerne are 20-30 minutes away. The train station in Zug is located in the centre of town, making it easy to access.
By car:
Zug is just off the A4 motorway, which connects Zurich and Lucerne. You can also reach Zug by taking the A8 motorway between Bern and Lucerne.
By bus:
Several bus routes connect Zug to neighbouring towns and cities. The central bus station in Zug is located next to the train station.
Once you arrive in Zug, you can get around the town and the surrounding areas by public transportation, including buses and trains.
Interesting fact:
The canton of Zug has become known as a hub for businesses and startups, particularly in the technology and finance sectors. The low-tax policy has significantly attracted these businesses to the canton, creating jobs and economic growth.
The town of Zug is also known as the “Crypto Valley” and has become a hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency startups.
These businesses are lured to the city because of the “Zug low-tax policy” implemented by the canton of Zug. The policy aims to attract companies and entrepreneurs by offering them a favourable tax environment. Under the Zug tax policy, companies are subject to a considerably lower corporate tax rate than in other cantons in Switzerland.
In conclusion, Zug is a charming town that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and innovation. Zug has something for everyone, from its stunning landscapes to its well-preserved old town. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a business traveller, it is a must-visit destination.
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