The hike from Zug to Walchwil leads through deciduous and fir forests and offers views of Rigi and Pilatus. Allow about 2 hours and 45 minutes for the walk. Blossoming cherry trees line the route; you can also cool off in the lake along the way.
Hiking trails, winter and lakeside activities
Another route runs for up to 20 kilometres parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Zug, through Walchwil and on to Arth-Goldau in the canton of Schwyz. Another hiking option leads over Walchwiler Berg through the forest to the heights of Lienisberg. From above, this higher route offers a view of the Zuger Chriesiland. You can therefore choose between a path along the lakeshore and a forest route with scenic views.
In winter, you can go cross-country skiing on the trails that are part of Zuger-Walchwilerberg. For exercise away from the hiking trails, the Vita Parcours near Ausseregg offers a fitness trail that can be used according to your personal needs.
Walchwil lido lies at the village’s southern end. You can swim there and relax on the lawn. The Usseregg playground has an extra-wide slide, space for ball games and climbing, and a creative area with a water pump and sluices. As details of the facilities may change during renovations, it is worth checking for current information before planning a visit.
Churches, pilgrimage history and culture
The Catholic parish church is in the centre of the village. The present church replaced a place of worship built between 1663 and 1666 in 1838. The Chapel of St Anthony of Padua also tells the story of local church history: construction began in 1684, and it was consecrated in 1693. Its altarpiece was painted by Einsiedeln Father Rudolf Blättler in 1884. It shows Mary appearing to Saint Anthony of Padua and offering him the infant Jesus to embrace. The chapel replaced an older wayside shrine dedicated to Anthony of Einsiedeln.
The Reformed church is situated at one of the municipality’s finest viewpoints. Buschenchappeli is a protected historic monument; it is thought to date from the second half of the 17th century. A historic pilgrimage route led from the Chapel of St Adrian on Lake Zug, between Walchwil and Arth, either to Gubel Monastery and the miraculous image “Maria Hilf” or to Maria Einsiedeln, passing by Buschenchappeli.
Traditional local industries included fishing, fruit growing and viticulture. Walchwil’s development was boosted from 1852 by steamship services on Lake Zug and later by the opening of the Gotthard Railway on 30 May 1897. The annual Freie Bühne on Walchwil village square offers another way to experience culture. Its programme ranges from traditional and classical works to original and daring performances; the specific selection may vary from year to year.
Getting around Walchwil
The Walchwil local bus runs on a circular route: from Walchwil railway station via Hinterbergstrasse to Aesch, then along Forchwaldstrasse to Oberdorf. If you are planning a specific journey, please check the timetable.
Discover more destinations: Menzingen, Steinhausen, Oberägeri, Neuheim, Risch, Cham, Unterägeri, Baar.
Back to the main travel overview: Zug.
