Risch stretches from the shores of Lake Zug into gentle hills and includes a mix of natural areas, settlements and agricultural land. The town is in the canton of Zug and comprises the districts of Risch, Rotkreuz, Buonas and Holzhäusern. This gives you a range of options for your stay: walks by the lake, architectural history or a visit tied to a specific event date.
Churches, the Castle and Binzmühle
The Church of St. Verena in Risch was built between 1680 and 1684 and consecrated on 22 October 1684. On the Buonas peninsula, the Knights of Buonas built the first castle on the peninsula around 1020. The main structure of today’s Buonas Castle was rebuilt between 1494 and 1498 after the fire of 1478; further alterations were made by 1700.
Some of the buildings in the Binzmühle complex date back to the 16th century. The Binzi-Treff at Binzmühle is a community space for local residents; it can be used for small gatherings, cultural events and courses. Risch and its named districts thus offer both ecclesiastical architectural history and historic buildings put to a community purpose.
Local Traditions and Visits to Buonas
The Risch Chilbi is a fair for children and families. Its character and atmosphere have been preserved since it first opened in 1979. The recurring event includes food stalls as well as game and merchandise stalls.
The Buonas peninsula is open to the public three times a year; the exact dates are announced in the local events calendar. The traditional spring walk takes place there in May. Visitors can see flowering rhododendrons, a water lily pond, the castle and its courtyard. The dates vary from year to year. If you would like to plan a visit, therefore, check the relevant events calendar rather than relying on May alone.
Swimming and a Playground in Buonas
Buonas swimming area is located at St. Germanstrasse 1 in Buonas. See Playground is right by the lake next to the boat landing. It has a large, fenced play area with a play tower, swing and slide. If you are planning a playground visit, you can use these specific features as a guide.
Nature Conservation and Trails Around Binzmühle Pond
Binzmühle Pond is a nationally important amphibian breeding site and a cantonal nature reserve. On 20 May 2026, the Canton of Zug announced the completion of an ecological enhancement project. A report published the same day lists common toads, grass frogs, water frogs and alpine newts in the pond.
The paths around the pond have been renovated and made more attractive. Benches and improved barbecue areas with firewood available add to the facilities for visitors. Binzmühle can be reached on foot or by bike. Nature watching, an outdoor walk and a stop at the barbecue areas described here are therefore different options to consider for a visit.
Hiking and Golf
Walking and hiking trails in Risch and the surrounding area run along Lake Zug and through the landscape between the lake and the hills. One named route is the “Risch–Cham–Zug” hiking trail. It was successfully remarked in October 2025 as part of a pilot project; the Canton of Zug documented the route’s status in May 2026.
The golf courses in Holzhäusern are considered suitable for all skill levels. The practice areas at the Migros golf facilities are a separate matter: operating regulations dated 1 January 2024 provide for all interested visitors to be admitted there, including at the practice areas in Holzhäusern. Check the current conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Zug, Menzingen, Steinhausen, Baar, Neuheim, Cham, Walchwil, Oberägeri.
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Zug.
