Arth lies at the southern end of Lake Zug, at the foot of the Rigi. Walking and hiking trails run along the lake and climb up the mountain. In addition to the lake, the municipality’s landscape includes hills and wooded areas; it also encompasses Oberarth and Goldau, among other places. Those planning a stay in Arth will find a range of starting points for excursions—from lakeside paths to historic sites within the municipality.
Cherry Orchards, Lakeside Trails and Mini Golf
One specific hiking option is the trail through the Arther Kirschgarten cherry orchard. The walking time alone is about 1½ hours; check trail conditions before setting out. The hike is especially appealing during cherry blossom season, from mid-April to early May, and during the cherry harvest, from early July to early August. Blossom and harvest times may vary from year to year. The route also includes the Alte Pilgerweg, also known as the Way of St. James. This hike combines the seasonal sights of the cherry orchard with a section of historic trail.
For a different kind of leisure activity, Arth has an 18-hole mini golf course. Operating conditions may vary depending on the weather, which you can take into account when planning your day. Walking and hiking trails along Lake Zug and up towards the Rigi also offer further opportunities to explore the area on foot. The stated walking time for the cherry orchard trail should not be taken as the walking time for other trails.
Fruit Spirits and Experiences Available on Request
The local processing of fruit is also part of the area’s character. At the on-site distillery in Gerzelen, a variety of spirits are made from fruit grown there. You can ask for a tasting; if you would like to include this in your plans, it is best to enquire in advance.
Farm tours at Gantlihof are available on request. For groups, coffee and homemade cherry cream tart are served if requested in advance. The two offerings therefore have different conditions: a tour requires an enquiry, while coffee and tart are available to groups upon advance request. Confirm your preferred arrangements before your visit.
Churches and History in Arth
The churches offer a glimpse into different periods of local history. St. George’s Chapel has Carolingian origins. Inside is a painting depicting the village fire of 1719. The present-day Baroque parish church was built in 1696. The monastery church was once the parish church of Arth’s free valley residents; it was probably built in the second half of the 9th century. Since 1996, the monastery has been the spiritual centre of the Syrian Orthodox Christians in Switzerland. If its current role is important to your visit, check this in advance.
Another testament to local history is the Letzimauer. It is considered the best-preserved Letzimauer in the entire Central Swiss region and is classified as a cultural property of national significance. Arth’s documented history dates back to the 11th century. Fishing, agriculture and shipping have historically shaped the village. These themes add further facets of development on Lake Zug to the story told by the older church buildings.
Plan Excursions and Your Journey
The excursion package “From Zug to the Rigi – Queen of the Mountains” includes a boat trip from the landing stage by Zug railway station to Arth am See. The bus journey included in the package then runs from Arth am See to Arth-Goldau railway station. Timetables and ticket conditions are subject to change; check them before planning your trip. Elsewhere in the municipality, historic buildings and the wildlife park grounds in Goldau offer further insights. Arth can thus be planned as a destination offering a look at the lake, local history and other places within the municipality, without treating these different destinations as a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Kulm, Seewen, Illgau, Steinen, Sattel, Goldau, Unteriberg, Alpthal.
Back to the regional travel overview: Schwyz.
