Zug City Guide
Tranquil, yet not boring, and affluent but in no way ostentatious, the picturesque town of Zug is one of Switzerland's best kept secrets. This little haven of peace is a commercial hub that is home to many leading businesses. An...
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Zug City Guide
Tranquil, yet not boring, and affluent but in no way ostentatious, the picturesque town of Zug is one of Switzerland's best kept secrets. This little haven of peace is a commercial hub that is home to many leading businesses. And it's also a perfect spot for unwinding and relaxing.
Founded in the 13th century by a noble family, the town hasn't changed much over the centuries. The old-time architecture and the blue lake surrounded by sloping mountains make Zug the typical, picture-postcard Swiss destination, and it has a laid-back, serene atmosphere to go with that beautiful image.
The heart of Zug is the Old Town, a quarter filled with quaint medieval townhouses and period sites. Make sure to stop by the most popular landmark – the venerable Zyt Tower (Zytturm in German). As old as the town itself, the tower has two clocks on its façade – one that tells the time and another, 16th-century piece that shows astronomical information. The two historic watchtowers, the Huwiler and the Capuchin, are also worth a visit, if only to make you feel like a time-traveller.
Scenic Lake Zug is the most appealing part of the town. Book yourself a boat cruise, stroll down the lakeside promenade or simply sit down and watch the sunset tint the lake waters red. You can also take a seat at one of the many street-side cafes and enjoy the view of the lake while cradling a cup.
For helpful information or a bit of shopping head to the Wunderbox – this is the official tourism office in Zug and a speciality shop selling numerous local products, gifts and souvenirs. The Old Town boasts many cosy retail outlets and is easy to navigate if you fancy a relaxing shopping spree. Rösselet is something of an institution specialising in two of the nation's signature products – watches and jewellery. Just as in any other major Swiss town, you can also find irresistible chocolate retailers. The popular brand Sprüngli has a shop in the Old Town, and so do the family-run Aeschbach Chocolatier.
Museums, culture & entertainment
Zug might be compact and sleepy, but it has exciting cultural attractions. A bright ethnographic collection gathered from around the African continent awaits visitors at the Africa Museum, while the Museum of Prehistory is solely dedicated to the rich history of Canton Zug itself. The numerous archaeological finds on display here can tell you a lot about life in this region over a stunning time frame of 20 000 years – starting with palaeolithic hunters, going through medieval knights and ending in more recent times.
For the fans of fine art, the Kunsthaus holds far greater allure than any other museum in Zug. Contemporary works by Swiss and international artists are the main focus at this attractive gallery, which also boasts one of the largest collections of Viennese modern art. The fans of Klimt, Kokoschka and Schiele, will be delighted.
There's a good choice of laid-back restaurants and bars around town, and if you fancy some DJ music, you can pop into FABRIC Club after dinner. On two nights in late August musicians flock to the Old Town to perform at the Zug Jazz Night (the event is held over two nights).
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