Cham lies on the northern shore of Lake Zug, 5.5 kilometres northwest of Zug. Here, the Lorze flows into the lake; Kirchbühl and Städtli lie on either side of the river. The railway station is another local landmark. Cham’s distinctive attractions range from the industrialisation along the Lorze to parks, historic buildings and seasonal events.
Industrial History Along the Lorze
The 30-kilometre-long Lorze Industrial Trail tells the story of industrialisation with 70 information panels along the river. Guided tours offering an introduction to Cham last around 90 minutes; participants cover an average of two to five kilometres on foot. The length of the entire trail and the walking distance on a guided tour therefore refer to different measures.
A guided tour of Cham’s industrial history, lasting around 1.5 hours, takes in a selection of places: these include the railway station, the Wild West houses, the Villette, the gardener’s house, the former Schlüssel restaurant, the Nestlé administration building, the Milchsüdi, the gasometer, the Reformed Church, the lowering of the lake and the paper mill. Availability of this tour depends on programme arrangements.
You can also explore the history along the river on foot: walk along the Lorze on the George Ham Page footbridge and learn more about the former Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. The Lorzenweg is a footpath between Cham and Hagendorn that lets you experience the natural surroundings of the river. Nature reserves lie along the path. Please stay on the signposted trails in these areas and respect the local flora and fauna.
Parks and Culture
The 58,000-square-metre Villette Park is known for its mature trees. Theodor Froebel of Zurich laid it out in the English style in 1865. Since 1988, Villa Villette has housed a cultural and community centre. It includes dining, banquet, concert and exhibition rooms and is open to everyone.
The 15,000-square-metre Hirsgarten is also situated by the lake. From spring through autumn, the grounds host events, including football and beach volleyball tournaments; the seasonal programme may change. The traditional Villette Fäscht takes place by the lake every three years. Cham’s associations offer culinary specialities and cultural contributions there. Check the festival dates before your trip.
Historic Sites and Discoveries
St. James’s Church was built between 1783 and 1796. Its 74.74-metre-high tower is considered a landmark of Cham. Frauenthal Abbey was founded in 1231, incorporated into the Cistercian order in 1245 and granted the right of citizenship in Zug in 1386. Pilgrimages to the Chapel of the Cross in Heiligkreuz date back to 1711.
At the monastery and pilgrimage site of Heiligkreuz in Lindencham, more than 100 different medicinal plants grow in an herb garden designed according to the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen. The sisters sell them dried, as tea or in other forms in the monastery’s own shop. Another glimpse into local history awaits at the former Lörch brickworks: from 1873 to 1933, bricks, roof tiles and fired lime were made by hand there in a brick kiln with a chamber furnace.
At the Brickworks Museum, children can discover and explore many things in the museum, the biotope and the gnomes’ workshop. Guided tours or workshops for groups are available on request. If you’d like to fit in some exercise, the Vita Parcours has a 2.4-kilometre route with 15 stations for strength, endurance and flexibility.
Market and Events
From the end of March to the end of October, the Chamer Dorfmärt is held every Saturday in the village square in front of the Lorzensaal. A different local association runs the market café each week. Check the seasonal schedule before your visit. Between the market, cultural offerings and riverside paths, Cham reveals itself in many different ways; which aspect shapes your stay depends on whether you’re more interested in industrial history, parks, nature or local events.
Discover more destinations: Baar, Menzingen, Neuheim, Oberägeri, Steinhausen, Walchwil, Risch, Zug
Go to the main travel overview: Zug.
