The city of Zug (Switzerland) is the administrative center of the canton of Zug, which is located in the central part of the country, only 23 km from Zurich. Zug is famous for its low taxes, which is why the most favorable conditions for the development of international business are created here. However, tourists are not attracted by 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.
Photo: Zug (Switzerland).
general information
The miniature size of the city (only 33.8 square kilometers) does not prevent Zug from remaining the richest settlement in Switzerland for several years. In terms of income, the small town is ahead of Geneva and Zurich. However, Zug’s luxury is not conspicuous, it is restrained. The Swiss are modest; locals are not used to wasting money. However, if you look closely, there are more elite 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, because the sun sets right on Lake Zug. In the public domain there is a zoo located on the promenade, families with children come here to relax. Nearby there are mountains, hiking routes of different difficulty levels are laid to the peaks.
Historical excursion
The first mention of this settlement in Switzerland appeared in 1242. The first name of the settlement is Oppidum (“Small Town”). After a hundred years, 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 in the Old German dialect and means “pull”.
The city of Zug in Switzerland was founded by the Cybourg dynasty. A good geographical location was crucial in the economic development of the village. Quickly enough Zug turned into a large shopping center, merchants and merchants gathered here.
In the first half of the 16th century, the settlement was controlled by the Habsburg dynasty, during this period the settlement was solidly strengthened, a fortress was built, which served as the military headquarters for the army of Leopold I of Habsburg.
Interesting to know! The emblem of Zug depicts a crown resembling a fortress wall, which is a symbol of the rule of the Habsburgs.
The predominant language in Zug is the Swiss dialect of German. It is spoken by almost 80% of the total population of the city. About 5% (foreigners) speak Italian.
Attractions and entertainment
Photo: Zug city (Switzerland).
Familiarity with the richest city in Switzerland is best to start from the promenade. It is better to come here in the evening to admire the beautiful sunset and take a walk along the most beautiful street of Zug. Numerous alleys adjoin the embankment, where colorful, ancient houses have been preserved. Pedestrian streets can be walked endlessly while admiring the sights. The real symbol of the city is the clock tower, the museums of Zug are especially interesting – African, Prehistory, Sykhov, Tile production. There are many art galleries in the city.
Zug Lake is located in three regions – Zug, Schwyz and Lucerne. The landscape and geographic location of the lake are ideal for walking on foot, either by bicycle or on roller skates. Many tourists after an active vacation go on a cruise along the lake.
There is a navigation company on the lake, which 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 right on board.
On a note! You can purchase a thematic tour – on a pirate ship, a wedding cruise, a dance cruise. Children with great pleasure go on a dessert cruise.
During the trip, the ship makes several stops, during which passengers can go ashore and take a walk, there is a stop 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 the winter, from October to April, until 17-30). A day ticket costs 39 Swiss francs.
Children under 6 years old travel for free. Every Saturday, children from 6 to 16 years old travel for free accompanied by adults.
This attraction is considered a landmark in the city of Zug. Representatives of ruling families lived here. When in 1352 the settlement became part of the Confederation in Switzerland, the castle became private property and for several centuries was used as a residence for high-ranking families. For more than a century – from 1979 to 1982 – the palace was reconstructed, after restoration, the attraction was included in the list of historical monuments not only of the city of Zug, but also of Switzerland.
The palace is located in the Old Town, where the fortress wall was previously located. Even today, the attraction looks majestic and menacing.
Interesting fact! Historians have still not reliably established the author of the Zug Castle. Only the construction time is 11th century.
Initially, the palace was the estate of the Cyburg family, then the palace was owned by representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, and since 1352 the castle became a private property. Since 1982, the palace opened after a large-scale restoration in a new quality – today it is the Zug Castle museum. The collection clearly and colorfully demonstrates the history of the development 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 room are told interesting facts about the development and history of the city.
The museum can be visited at: Kirchenstrasse 11. The attraction is open daily except Monday:
- from Tuesday to Saturday – from 14-00 to 17-00;
- Sunday – from 10-00 to 17-00.
The cost of a full ticket is 10 Swiss francs, student and for pensioners – 6 francs. Admission is free for children under 16 years old .
Good to know! On the first Wednesday of every month, admission is free for everyone.
Amazing nature is another attraction of the city of Zug. You can see it in all its glory only in one way – by climbing the funicular to the Zug mountain to a height of almost 900 meters. The rise takes only 8 minutes, and the bus number 11 to the lower station.
Loving couples come here in the evening to meet the sunset in a romantic atmosphere.
Good to know! The funicular route to the top of the mountain is included in the Swiss Pass coverage area.
At the top of the Zug mountain laid tourist routes with a length of 80 km. On the way there are cozy restaurants. If you wish, you can buy a tour and take a walk in the surroundings with a guide who will tell you many interesting facts about the city and its history. From the top offers an amazing view of the lake. Tourists who have been here, say that the surface of the lake when viewed from the mountain, as if attracted.
Strolling the streets of the city, be sure to visit the church of St. Oswald. This is a unique architectural structure built in the Gothic style. The construction of the church began in the second half of the 15th century. Inside the temple is richly decorated, the central place is an organ decorated in the Baroque style. In the evenings, you can visit an organ music concert.
The list of modern attractions of 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 highlighted in bright colors.
Another attraction is Holgrot Caves, inside there are beautiful underground lakes. Numerous stalactites and stalagmites are highlighted, creating a sense of magic and fairy tales in the caves.
Annual entertainments in Zug
Every year in late February or early March, a festival is held in the city. One of the character’s name is Gret Schell – this is a local resident who became famous for taking her drunk husband home in a basket.
In the summer, a lake festival takes place in Zug – a fun holiday with rich treats, orchestra performances and colorful fireworks.
In December, a fabulous Sunday happens in the city. On this day, locals tell fascinating stories to children on all squares.
The Christmas market is a fabulous event. At this time, the scent of cinnamon, needles and mulled wine is floating over the city, funny music sounds and you can buy handmade souvenirs.
Prices for food and accommodation
Zug is known for several delicious delicacies. Be sure to try in local restaurants trout caught in Lake Zug. Grilled fish and served with vegetables and white sauce.
On a note! The peak of the catch is in November.
Zug’s regional product is cherry. A variety of dishes and drinks are prepared from it, and the cultivation of cherry trees in the city of Switzerland was included in the list of traditions of mankind 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-range restaurant will cost from 80 to 130 CHF.
Also in Zug there are no problems with fast food restaurants and eateries. A meal in a fast food restaurant (like McDonald’s) costs between 12 and 18 francs.
Beer in the restaurant costs from 5 to 8 CHF, coffee – from 4-6 CHF, and a bottle of water – from 3 to 5 CHF.
It offers travelers about three dozen hotels, inns and apartments. Accommodation prices in Zug can not be called low-cost, for a simple hotel room you will have to pay a minimum of 100 euros (118 CHF), for a 3 * hotel room – from 140 euros (165 CHF).
How to get to Zug from Zurich
The easiest way to get to Zug from Zurich is by train. The journey takes 25 to 45 minutes. Ticket price – from 14 to 20 francs, depending on the class of car.
Trains leave every 15 minutes. Flights with the letter S are of suburban importance, they stop at each station, respectively, travel longer. The fastest train is 46-Y.
Trains going to Zugo, Lugano, Locarno and Italy follow Zug. You need to exit at the Zug station.
Taxis are a comfortable but expensive way. You can order a transfer, in this case you will be met at the airport or will arrive at the hotel. The cost of the trip is about 140 euros.
Another affordable way to travel is by renting a car. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and gasoline will cost from 3 to 6 euros.
Interesting facts about Zug
- Do you like sweets? Then a very special reason to visit Zug – its sweet attraction is the cherry pie created by Heinrich Hene. It was this dessert that Zug glorified throughout the world. The best cherry pie is served at the Speck Patisserie.
- Zug is a densely populated city with a little more than 29 thousand people, almost 33% of them are foreigners. In the city there are about 125 nationalities.
- The wall thickness of the powder tower is 2.7 meters.
- It is in Zug that the action of the legendary novel “The Night is Tender” by the famous writer Scott Fitzgerald takes place.
- The best way to move around the city is on foot, the Zug is compact and easy to walk from one edge to another.
- Buying souvenirs is best in the tourist center Wunderboks or in the supermarket Zugerland.
- The clock tower is a bright landmark of Zug in Switzerland, it can be recognized by the blue roof of the tiles. To go inside, just go to the tourist center and take the key.
Zug (Switzerland) is a small and sweet town that conquers with its leisurely, measured and sophisticated luxury. Here, the spirit of the Middle Ages reigns, which gives the city a special charm and unique atmosphere.
