The symbol for Zug is unmissable as you enter the canton, a cheerful pair of cherries. Indeed there is an abundance of cherry trees and vast farmlands sprawling along the foothills of its house mountain, the Zugerberg. The landscape and climate are picturesque, as is the deep blue lake that sits below the snow-powdered peaks of Rigi, with Pilatus in the distance. Perfect for sunsets.
Although once one of the more humble regions of Switzerland, Zug is now one of the richest. But the city has kept its tranquil nature, cultural traditions and pretty old town safe as the diverse folk appear to live in harmony. However, it has evolved a lot over the years and packs a punch into its small size.
Eating Out in Zug
- Enjoy breakfast at: Treichler on the Bundesplatz. This place feels like a home away from home. It has everything one would expect of an Inner Swiss bakery but also has the very-English loose leaf tea and egg and soldiers. Breakfast has well-put-together proposals and I especially love the sechskorn gipfeli. The atmosphere is continental and alive as you sit amongst a flurry of regulars reading their morning newspapers amongst the sing-song sound of Swiss German!
- Grab a coffee at: Kaffee Frech. My favourite for meeting up with a friend or doing a quick spot of work solo. Coffee in a café with nice lights, nice plants and a modern vibe.
- For authentic Swiss hospitality: go to Brandenberg. Local beers, Cordon Bleu and regionally farmed vegetables. This is the place to enjoy the un-fussed authentic flavours of Switzerland.
- For a hipster vibe: Frierum has an encouraging concept vibe with food stalls offering international flavours, a large central bar and a trampoline park. You can find topical items like Swiss kombucha and sit under festoon lighting with your friends outside in summer. Most people are grateful we have such a place in Zug.
- For something more international: I like international food best when it has been prepared by someone who has a genuine understanding of the dish. Vabi’s Turkish Kebab not far from Metalli has Turkish pocket bread which is both fluffy and crispy. Its generously filled with juicy salad and either a falafel or meat option. The international dish of choice for me for sure!
- Dine with the family at: Krone in Baar, a restaurant my children love. Other than being honest, simple cooking, I am not really sure what they love so much about it but it is our ‘go to’ whenever we want to make them happy.
- For when you need something light: I love the light selection of fun salads and sandwiches at the Shed marketplace near the train station in Zug. The selection of drinks is also sensational from the red wine to the interesting juices and various lattes.
- Vegetarians will feel at home at: Vegetarian food is Indian food for me and we are lucky enough to have a handful of Indian home chefs offering their wares in Zug. A short drive to Luzern lands me in Dosa House where a filled masala dosa or vegetarian thali washed down with a mango lassi will leave your taste buds and bellies in a very satisfied state!
- Try the local speciality: Zunfthaus Kreuz knows how to cook and all of their dishes are homemade down to the smallest details. The homemade Zugerkirche torte is especially dainty and light. The fish is incredible.
- For Date night: Zurich is really not far and we like the change of scenery to go somewhere which is not so practical with kids. Rigiblick along the Zug lake at Oberwil is also pretty special with many of their dishes prepared on a green egg grill.
- For a girls’ night out: Kurioz with its nice Mexican waiter has unique cocktails and I love their cheese plate containing a unique selection of cheese. You can easily spend a few hours here before jumping on a train to Zurich if you wish to stay out later!
- For drinks: My favourite is the Felsenkeller bar with its selection of drinks and a delicious wide offering of bar snacks/ food from neighbouring eateries!
- Grab something Sweet: For me, my sweet of choice is any cake made with fresh cream, E.g a Crèmeschnitte from Swiss institution Sprüngli in the train station.
Where to Shop in Zug
- Visit the farmer’s market: I am a big fan of both the milk and eggs at Iten Letzi Hofladen near Herti. Conveniently they have a 24 hr vending machine containing all this and more which beats Burger King when you arrive back home late on a Sunday.
- Grab a loaf from: the Sourdough Bros. Currently, I buy their loaves from café Plaza in Cham.
- Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss: These days I branch out on chocolate so I hit Bob’s food store in the old town to find chai-flavoured chocolate and other unusual options. On a more mainstream level I have a weakness for Laderach and especially appreciate the beautiful presentations at Christmas and Easter.
- Local specialities can be found at: The Biohof in Zug stocks cheese and yogurts from Chasehütte Rust as well as a variety of locally farmed fresh produce. You can also find loose leaf mountain teas, fresh locally made pasta and useful spice concoctions. The Volg in Oberwil is an unexpected stockist of the same!
- Pick up a souvenir at: Coop City. This is no ordinary coop and it stocks the very useful. When leaving the grocery tills I am always distracted by the souvenirs but in all fairness, they are also all useful. Currently, I am eyeing up the folk scene müesli bowl. The kids love anything cute featuring Swiss dogs and I would travel with the wooden spoons which have a cross cut out in the centre!
- The best cheese can be found: Käse Dubach has the best cheese from fresh fondue mixes to mature Bergkäse. If you’re a confident driver, a cheese-appreciating trip to Chäs-Hütte Rust Walchwil will not disappoint, nor will the lofty views.
- Find something for the home at: Scherbengraben which is run by two gentlemen who scour the earth for beautiful dishes, heavenly scented candles and picturesque napkins!
- Buy the kids something at: Hawk Electronics, an eclectic shop with toys and gadgets from the very classic Swiss wooden animals to the ginormous hot wheels garage!
- Hire Skis from: We hire skis at the destination resort.
- A great second-hand shop: go to ‘Love on a Hanger’ in Baar not only lovely things but also lovely cake and lovely folk! Also, look out for the seasonal Börse. I am thrilled with my bicycle bought from the Velobörse!
- My favourite clothing store: While I like fashion clothing from the U.K or Scandanavia, I do love the sporty clothing offered in Zug. The Odlo Outlet in Hünenberg is a particular favourite as well as ‘Doodah’ in the city centre with its comfy and stylish North Face and Patagonia wares.
- Grab a nice bottle at: The Shed in Zug which has knowledgeable staff and an extensive selection of wonderful wines.
Acitivites In and Around Zug
- Hop on a bike and cycle: I grab my bike and cycle into town whenever I am running late. I love to rip through the cobbled streets of the old town and then continue along the lake through the heart of Zug.
- Families love to visit: Freiruum can be a Friday night out for the whole family with its trampoline park, soft play area and numerous international food stalls and bar.
- Take a dip: we love to all hop on our family paddleboard and float from Oberwil to Casino where we typically bump into friends and support the kiosk!
- Pull in your hiking boots and: head to Mt. Rigi– with themed events, interesting routes and amazing views, simply the best hiking in the vicinity!
- If it is raining: I love extremes of temperatures and especially love feeling cosy when it’s cold and wet outside. The Migros Fitness Park has fab saunas, steam rooms and infrared seats. I also love warming my body and my spirit in Kolkotta Hot Yoga classes.
- If it rains: I will cook something toasty at home, raclette is always good!
- A great Playground: Zug is still trusting and innocent enough that you can typically use the playgrounds belonging to local schools at weekends. We love the Oberwil playground where the local school has basketball hoops and lots of car-free space to make the most of.
- Don’t miss a visit to: the Zugerberg and enjoy the views, nature and offerings. From the candle-lit path in winter to sizzling a sausage by the forest playground.
- An easy day trip: I adore close-by Weggis in Summer for its crystal clear Badi’s.
- Locals ski at: Hochstuckli Sattel.
- For the best views: it is worth the 30 min drive to nearby Rigi and taking the gondola or train up. The views over the lakes will make everyone stop in their tracks!
- When guests Visit: they love to experience nearby Zurich as they know I will march them around rural Zug during the entire rest of their stay!
All the Locals of Zug Know
- Locals eat at: Restaurant Braueri in Baar– Enjoy Baarer Beer and Poulet in Chörbli (Chicken in a Basket)
- The best time of year to visit is: Well Autumn is my favourite season and this season spent in Zug is especially magical. Enjoy strolling through orange, gold and red-tinted forests with a cinnamon turmeric latte in your flask. Enjoy buying pretty chestnut-shaped chocolate from Strickler!
- Don’t get caught out at: on public holidays. As Zug is a catholic canton there are many random bank holidays. Don’t be the mother dropping your kid off at (a closed) school with no food shopping in the house as I did in the first months after my arrival!
- Best Place to watch the sunset: is the Zugersee Lido restaurant in Walchwill. Good food, a terrace hovering above the lake and pink fluffy clouds above the mountains.
Getting Around Zug
- Best to get around on: I love to walk but appreciate the excellent bus and train service. Parking is also no problem for drivers.
- Closest airport / train station: Zug has a well-connected train station with super friendly staff. It is also possible to get a direct train to Zurich airport.
- Traffic tips: Getting to know back roads can enable you to save a lot of time during rush hours.
- Rent bikes/ scooters from: Cycle Lounge or Welcome Cycles both popular and in the town centre.
- A place to rest your head and not break the bank: Try the Kloster Kappel in the out-of-town village of Kappel am Albis.
- A place to rest your head when you want to splurge: La Colombe Boutique Hotel. Alternatively, stay somewhere cheaper but attend the delicious Restaurant Taube in La Colombe hotel.
