Zug is the capital of the canton with the same name in central Switzerland and extends along the Northern banks of Zugersee Lake, approx. 20 km to the South of Zurich. Zugerberg Mountain rises up in the South of the city and is more than 1,000 metres high, with its peak Hünggigütsch. Zug was first mentioned in records in the year 1242. Approximately at the same time, the 52 metre high Zytturm Clock Tower, the landmark of the city, was erected on Kolinplatz plaza in the old town. A special attraction during a city trip to Zug is the astronomical clock of the tower. It shows the week, the month, the phase of the moon and the leap year.
The pretty, four-storied guildhall was constructed between the fish market and the lower old town until 1509. At that time, the market was located on the ground floor while court and council held meetings in the upper stories. In the Gothic hall on the fourth floor, the former council hall, many exhibitions and cultural events attract city travellers to Zug. During the 16th century, the formerly one-galley Church St. Oswald from 1483 was transformed into today’s most impressive three-galley basilica. The significant building in the old town of Zug, one of the largest late Gothic city churches in Switzerland, impresses visitors with its awe-inspiring quire arch from 1445 which is adorned by a painting from 1866 about “Last Judgement” as well as numerous elaborate altars, statues and epitaphs. One masterpiece is the carved choir stalls.
A short trip or a mini-break in Zug will lead visitors to discover the interesting museum scene of the city. The famous Kunsthaus Zug presents classical works as well as from the Wiener Moderne and contemporary works. The Wiener Moderne collection includes paintings by famous painter, such as Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele und Gustav Klimt. In 1999, the canton museum for prehistory was awarded the title of “European Museum of the Year”. The exhibitions document the history of the canton Zug from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages with archaeological findings, precise reconstructions and models.
What would a trip to Zugersee Lake be without taking a refreshing dip in to the water? For children, the gradually descending beach in the lido of Zug to the West of the city centre is perfect. Water sports enthusiasts will find great areas for surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking and diving. In the bank areas, paragliders and skaters are active. Numerous campgrounds with the impressive backdrop of the Alpine mountains are also available.
