Zug offers several ways to shape your stay: the medieval Old Town, collections on regional history, and paths along Lake Zug and on Zugerberg. Zug’s Old Town lies right by the lake, has an 800-year history and features a significant number of medieval buildings.
Old Town History and Museums
In the heart of the Old Town, Museum Burg Zug presents the cultural history of the city and canton of Zug from the Middle Ages to modern times across three floors. The permanent exhibition covers topics including medieval rule and warfare, religion, domestic life, arts and crafts, and coinage. The collection includes around 50,000 historical objects relating to the history of the canton; it focuses on objects connected with Zug and helps preserve the city’s local cultural heritage. The museum is accessible by several bus routes; from the Kolinplatz stop, it is a two-minute walk.
Another striking landmark in the Old Town is the Zytturm, Zug’s iconic tower. It once served as a gate and watchtower; its astronomical clock shows the day of the week, month and phase of the moon. Access is available via the eZug app or, without the app, with a registered badge. Check the access information again before your visit. The Powder Tower stood at the southeastern corner of the former city wall and was used to store gunpowder. A public city tour leads through the Old Town and introduces the city’s history; dates may change.
For art, the Kunsthaus Zug is a destination in its own right: its collection comprises around 10,000 works, although the number may change as the collection develops. The museum holds the most significant collection of classical Viennese Modernism in Europe outside Austria. Due to limited space, it does not display its collection permanently, but presents it in thematic temporary exhibitions. The Museum of Prehistory (Museum fĂĽr Urgeschichte(n) Zug) focuses on archaeological finds. Its permanent exhibition spans the Palaeolithic to the Early Middle Ages, with a focus on the pile-dwelling period. It includes finds from three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Late Bronze Age settlement of Zug-Sumpf. Models and stories bring everyday life in past eras to life.
Exploring Lake Zug
The lakeside path along Lake Zug runs from Zug station to Cham station. Along the way, urban quays give way to quieter stretches through woods and fields, with views of the lake. The route is designated as accessible. You can also use the Zugersee-Schifffahrt boats as a means of transport on the water. The boat service runs daily from mid-April to early November; check departure times before travelling. Services include special buffets, Sunday brunches, evening cruises, family offers and music cruises. Individual departures may vary by season.
If you would also like to plan a day of swimming, Strandbad Zug is the city’s largest outdoor swimming pool and has an artificial sandy beach. Facilities include a water-play area for children and various sports equipment. Strandbad Zug is accessible by bus route 4 or S1 light rail to the Schutzengel stop. Since opening arrangements may vary by season, check the latest information before your visit.
Zugerberg and Viewpoints
The Zugerberg funicular takes you up to Zugerberg in eight minutes and is wheelchair-accessible; operating information may change. Near Zug, the Zugerberg raised bog combines nature, tranquillity and varied hiking trails. Around 80 kilometres of signposted paths lead through forests and meadows and across one of Switzerland’s most important moorland landscapes. Zugerberg is also home to the Zugiblubbi adventure trail, where you can search for diamonds with Zugiblubbi and his friends. The Schattwäldli adventure playground is a 15-minute walk from the upper station.
For views over the city and lake, head to the Guggi viewpoint: a short uphill walk leads there from Zug’s Neustadt district. From here, you can look out over Lake Zug and the towers of the Old Town, and, on a clear day, as far as the Bernese Alps. The Hasen-Route on Zugerberg is also near Zug. It is accessible and suitable for families with pushchairs and people with limited mobility. The excursion options offer different experiences: the Old Town and museums focus on history and art, the lakeside path connects Zug and Cham, while Zugerberg and Guggi offer landscapes and viewpoints.
If you are looking for a hotel in Zug, these different highlights can guide your choice: city history, the lakeshore or Zugerberg. Make your selection based on which experiences you would like to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Cham, Oberägeri, Steinhausen, Menzingen, Baar, Neuheim, Risch, Unterägeri
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