With school wrapping up for the summer here in Switzerland, the locals are turning it down a gear. The long warm summer evenings are being savoured by the lake with late afternoon swims, kids running around as the sunsets and the parents not too worried about when it’s time for bed.
So let’s channel that relaxed feeling and head past Zug into the town of Cham to visit today’s new place to swim, Bad Hirsgarden, with French mum of 3, Catherine.
Before heading to the Badi, make sure you’re dressed for Swiss summer weather.
Our Switzerland summer packing guide covers everything you need.
Where is your favourite Badi?:
My favourite place to spend the summer with my friends is the Hirsgarten in Cham.
Opening Hours & Entry price:
The Hirsgarten is always open and it’s always free. We all love the Hirsgarten, but especially the kids, as it means more ice cream for them.
The best way to get there?:
I love to visit this Badi by bike, there is plenty of parking for them.
If you come by Car, park at the Coop in Cham (for a fee) and stroll the 5 minutes down to the lake (pass by the Cham rowing club). The Cham train station (which is connected to both Zug and Luzern) is just a short walk through the Villette Park. Or why not make it a special day out and come by boat from Zug.
What sets your favourite Badi apart from the rest?:
The banks of the Bad Hirsgarten dotted with palm trees will have you in vacation mode in no time. Enjoy the alpine backdrop with your towel down on the wooden deck. P.S.: the sunsets are amazing here.
For families with non-swimmers you will be able to breathe a little easier with the roped off waist deep swimming water. For the more adventurous you can also rent Stand Up Paddle boards.
Anything yummy that we must try on the menu?:
Yes!!! Sometimes we come here just to eat and enjoy the view. Everything is fresh and lovingly made. Try the Focaccia sandwich filled with grilled eggplant, zucchini and buffalo morzarella or come for one of their theme nights, Thursday’s enjoy Paella and Friday’s it is all about the BBQ. They also proudly sell their own brewed beer.
What is one thing you never go to the Badi without?:
My sunglasses!
Tell us a bit about you:
I’m Catherine, French Polynesian mum of 3 who has called Switzerland home for 10 years.
Planning to visit the canton of Zug for longer than just a lake swim? Here is my complete guide to things to do in Zug!
