The city of Zug (Switzerland) is the administrative center of the canton of Zug, which is located in the central part of the country just 23 km from Zurich. Zug is famous for its low taxes, which is why it has the most favorable conditions for international business development. However, tourists are not attracted by the signs of numerous foreign companies. For many centuries, the city has preserved the atmosphere of mystery and the Middle Ages, picturesque landscapes and numerous attractions.
General information
The small size of the city (only 21.6 square kilometers) does not prevent Zug from remaining the richest settlement in Switzerland for several years. About 30 thousand people live here. In terms of income, a small town is ahead of expensive Geneva and Zurich. However, the luxury of Zug is not striking, it is restrained. The Swiss are very moderate, and the locals are not used to wasting money. However, if you look closely, there are more luxury cars on the streets of Zug, people are dressed in expensive clothes and shoes.
The city of Zug is famous for its beautiful promenade and picturesque sunsets, as the sun sets directly in Lake Zug. In the open access there is a zoo located on the embankment, where families with children come to relax. Nearby there are mountains, and tourist routes of various levels of difficulty are laid to the peaks.
Historical excursion
The first mention of this settlement in Switzerland appeared in 1242. The first name of the locality is Oppidum (“Small Town”). A hundred years later, the city was renamed Kastrum, which means “Fortress”.
The modern name Zug reflects the main industrial direction in the city – fishing. The name is borrowed from the Old German dialect and means “pull”.
The city of Zug in Switzerland was founded by the Kyburg dynasty. A good geographical location has played a crucial role in the economic development of the settlement. Quickly enough, Zug turned into a major shopping center, where merchants and merchants came here.
In the first half of the 16th century, the settlement was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, during this period the settlement was reliably fortified, a fortress was built that served as a military headquarters for the army of Leopold I of Habsburg.
Interesting to know! The coat of arms of Zug depicts a crown resembling a fortress wall, which is a symbol of Habsburg rule.
The predominant language in Zug is the Swiss dialect of German. It is spoken by almost 80% of the entire city’s population. About 5% (foreigners) communicate in Italian.
Attractions and entertainment
Photo: Zug (Switzerland).
The best place to start exploring Switzerland’s richest city is on the waterfront. It is better to come here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset and walk along the most beautiful street in Zug. The embankment is bordered by numerous alleys, where colorful old houses have been preserved. You can walk along the pedestrian streets for an endless time, admiring the sights. The real symbol of the city is the clock tower, especially interesting are the museums of Zug-Africa, Prehistory, Sich, Tile Production. There are many art galleries in the city.
Zug Lake Cruise
Lake Zug is located on the territory of three regions-Zug, Schwyz and beautiful Lucerne. The landscape and geographical location of the lake is suitable for walking, cycling or roller skating. Many tourists after an active holiday go on a cruise along the shore of the lake.
On the lake there is a navigation company that offers tourist trips on four ships of different capacities. One of the boats received a prestigious award at the international design competition. On each ship, tourists are offered delicious treats that are prepared directly on board.
On a note! You can buy a themed tour – on a pirate ship, a wedding cruise, a dance cruise. Children are very happy to go on a dessert cruise.
During the trip, the ship makes several stops, during which passengers can go ashore and take a walk, a stop is provided in the center of the lake, from here the city of Zug looks especially fabulous, especially in the evening, when thousands of lights are lit.
- Ships depart from Monday to Saturday from 8-00 to 18-00 in winter, from October to April – until 17-30).
- A day ticket costs 43 Swiss francs, children from 6 to 16 years old-21.5 franc, children under 6 years old travel is free. Every Saturday, children between the ages of 6 and 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Zug Castle Museum
This landmark is considered a landmark in the city of Zug, where representatives of the ruling families lived. When the town became part of the Swiss Confederation in 1352, the castle became a private property and was used for several centuries as a residence for high-ranking families. For more than a century-from 1979 to 1982-the palace was reconstructed, after restoration, the landmark was included in the list of historical monuments not only of the city of Zug, but also of the whole of Switzerland.
The palace is located in the Old Town, where the fortress wall was previously located. Even today, the landmark looks majestic and menacing.
Interesting fact! Historians have not yet reliably established the author of the Zug Castle. Only the time of construction is known for certain-the 11th century.
Initially, the palace was the estate of the Kyburg family, then the palace was owned by representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, and from 1352 the castle became private property. Since 1982, the palace was opened after a large-scale restoration in a new capacity-today it is the Zug Castle Museum. The collection clearly and colorfully demonstrates the history of the city of Zug from a small fishing village to a world-famous shopping center.
Among the exhibits are statues, unique furniture, armor and weapons, paintings. Visitors in each hall are told interesting facts about the development and history of the city.
- You can visit the museum at 11 Kirchenstrasse.
- The attraction is open daily, except Mondays: from Tuesday to Saturday-from 14-00 to 17-00; on Sunday – from 10-00 to 17-00.
- The price of a full ticket is 10 Swiss francs, for students and for seniors – 6 Swiss francs. Admission is free for children under 16 years of age.
- Website: www.burgzug.ch.
Useful to know! On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is free for everyone.
Funicular
Amazing nature is another attraction of the city of Zug. There is only one way to see it in all its glory – by taking the funicular up the Zug Mountain to a height of almost 900 meters. The ascent takes only 8 minutes, and bus number 11 goes to the lower station.
Couples in love come here in the evening to meet the sunset in a romantic atmosphere.
Useful to know! The funicular route to the top of the mountain is part of the Swiss Pass area. You can read more about the special discount card here.
There are 80 km of hiking trails at the top of the Zug Mountain. On the way there are cozy restaurants. If you wish, you can buy an excursion and walk around the area with a guide who will tell you many interesting facts about the city and its history. The top offers an amazing view of the lake. Tourists who have visited here say that the surface of the lake when viewed from the mountain, as if, attracts.
While strolling through the city’s streets, be sure to visit St. Oswald’s Church. This is a unique architectural structure built in the Gothic style. Construction of the church began in the second half of the 15th century. Inside, the temple is richly decorated, the central place is the organ, decorated in the Baroque style. In the evenings, you can enjoy an organ concert.
The list of modern attractions in the city of Zug in Switzerland includes the central railway station. In the evening, it looks more like a light show, as the building is illuminated with bright colors.
Another attraction is the Holgroth Caves, which have beautiful underground lakes inside. Numerous stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated, creating a sense of magic and fairy tales in the caves.
Annual entertainment in Zug
Every year in late February or early March, the city hosts a festival. One of the characters is named Gret Schell – a local resident who became famous for carrying her drunken husband home in a basket.
In summer, Zug hosts the Lake Festival – a fun celebration with rich treats, band performances and colorful fireworks.
In December, there is a fabulous Sunday in the city, on this day, in all the squares, local residents tell children fascinating stories.
The Christmas Market is a fabulous event, where the aroma of cinnamon, pine needles and mulled wine wafts over the city, cheerful music sounds and you can buy handmade souvenirs.
Prices for food and accommodation
Zug is known for several delicious delicacies. Be sure to try trout caught in Lake Zug in local restaurants. The fish is grilled and served with vegetables and white sauce.
On a note! The peak catch is in November.
The regional product of Zug is cherry. A variety of dishes and drinks are prepared from it, and the cultivation of cherry trees in the Swiss city is included in the list of traditions of humanity according to UNESCO.
A full meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost from 20 to 30 CHF per person. Lunch for two in a mid-level restaurant will cost from 80 to 130 CHF.
There are also no problems with fast food restaurants and eateries in Zug. A snack at a fast food restaurant (like McDonald’s) costs between 13 and 18 francs.
Beer in the restaurant costs 7 CHF on average, coffee – from 4-6 CHF, and a bottle of water-from 4 CHF.
It offers travelers about three dozen hotels, inns and apartments. Prices for accommodation in Zug can not be called budget, for a simple hotel room you will have to pay at least 120 CHF, for a 3* hotel room – from 165 CHF.
How to get to Zug from Zurich
The easiest way to get to Zug from Zurich is by train. The journey takes from 25 to 45 minutes. The ticket price is from 9 to 20 francs, depending on the class of car.
Trains depart every 15 minutes. Flights with the letter S – suburban meaning, they stop at each station, respectively, go longer. The fastest train is 46-Y. Purchase a ticket. you can also find out the train schedule on the website of the Swiss Railways. www.sbb.ch.
Zug is served by trains to Lugano, Locarno and Italy. You need to get off at the Zug station.
A taxi is a comfortable but expensive method. You can order a transfer, in which case you will be met at the airport or arrive at the hotel. The cost of the trip is about 160-180 CHF.
Another affordable way to travel is by renting a car. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and petrol costs between 4 and 8 francs.
On a note! The sights of Zurich are described on this page with photos.
Interesting facts about Zug
- Do you like sweets? Then a very special reason to visit Zug is its sweet attraction-a cherry pie created by Heinrich Hene. It was this dessert that made Zug famous all over the world. The best cherry pie is served at the Shpek pastry shop.
- Zug is a densely populated city with just over 29,000 residents, almost 33% of whom are foreigners. The city is home to about 125 nationalities.
- The walls of the powder tower are 2.7 meters thick.
- It is in Zug that the legendary novel “The Night is Tender” by the famous writer Scott Fitzgerald takes place.
- The best way to get around the city is on foot, Zug is compact and easy to walk from one end to the other.
- The best place to buy souvenirs is in the Wunderbox tourist center or in the Zugerland supermarket.
- The Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in Zug, Switzerland, and can be recognized by its blue tile roof. To get inside, just go to the tourist center and take the key.
Zug (Switzerland) – a small and cute town that conquers with its slowness, regularity and refined luxury. Here the spirit of the Middle Ages reigns, which gives the city a special charm and unique atmosphere.
