Zug

Zug Town and Surrounding Countryside

Founded in the 13th Century, Zug has a cosmopolitan feel, mainly due to the international background of residence. It is seen as a place with a high standard of living and is considered to offer a high quality of life.

The pristine old town, beautiful and vast lakeside spaces, and natural environment of hills, forest and meadows all with a stunning backdrop of the Alps are good reasons to stop here.

Zug is a main stop for trains travelling across Switzerland.

Zug’s lakefront with the old town in the distance
Walking track on Zugerberg
Zug’s waterfront
Zug waterfront
Zug old town
The historical Zyturm, once part of the cities surrounding walls

Walking around the old town and along the waterfront on a warm sunny day is a great way to enjoy the idyllic ambiance and surroundings. I can guarantee your spirits will be lifted afterward.

I recently took a train from Zürich to Zug with plans to visit Zugerberg (a hilltop sitting above Lake Zug). It couldn’t have gone more smoothly with the bus that connects to the funicular in front of the train station ready to take me there as soon as arrived.

The Zugerberg Funicular

The funiculars are found in the leafy Schönegg district and, as per normal, it was a good connection with not too long to wait until departure. They are light and modern with huge windows instead of a roof making it a very pleasant journey up the small mountain. Once at the top, there are plenty of options for hiking with the yellow hiking arrows pointing in all directions. I followed the ones pointing to the adventure playground and Grillstelle Brand, the BBQ and picnicking area shown below.

Grill and picnic spot at one of Zugerberg’s lookout points

I could have easily wandered around all day – with lovely countryside everywhere and signs pointing toward more views, lakes, and forest trails.

Ägerisee

From here it is possible to wander down to Ägerisee – a lake surrounded by gentle hills and countryside and with an impressive view of the Alps. It’s around 1 hour 30 mins. walk from Zugerberg funicular. Several towns can be found on the edge of the lake and grill spots, bathing areas and camping around it. In summer it is possible to try all kinds of water sports and some very cool themed boat cruises run throughout the year – go here for more information.

Morgarten, on the southern side of the lake, is where the legendary Battle of Morgarten took place. In 1315 the Swiss Confederates defeated the Austrian Habsburg army – an event that was hugely significant for the independence of Switzerland. This is a pretty spot with a small, modern museum to commemorate the battle and hiking trails around the hills above.

Zug Public Transport Links

Zurich to Zug

IR/EC/IC Inter-region express trains – operate regularly. Journey time: 20-25 mins. Other stops include Lucerne, Lugano, Milan or Bellinzona – depending on the train.

S24 – slower train runs twice an hour. The journey time is approx. 35 mins.

Lucerne to Zug

IR express trains – operate twice an hour. Journey time is approx: 20 mins. Continuing on to, or starting at Zürich HB, Zürich Airport, or Constance – depending on the train.

S trains – slow train runs regularly. Journey time is approx. 30 – 45 mins.