Zug Old Town

Zug's old town runs along the lake below the Zytturm, a clock tower whose stepped roof is tiled in the blue and white of the canton and which carries an astronomical clock showing the day, month, moon phase and leap year. Below it the Kolinplatz and the lanes hold painted houses and the Burg, a moated residence now the city museum. Part of the medieval shoreline has a specific history: in 1435 and again in 1887 sections of the lakefront slid into the water when the unstable subsoil gave way, taking buildings and lives, and a memorial marks the later collapse. The Fischmarkt and the lake promenade are the pleasant part, and Zug cherry cake is sold everywhere in the centre.

What you actually see

• The Zytturm - cantonal colours on the roof and an astronomical clock face.
• The Burg - a moated medieval residence, now the city museum.
• A shoreline that collapsed twice - the slides of 1435 and 1887, marked.
• Zug cherry cake - the local kirsch-soaked speciality, sold throughout.

When to go

All year. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The old town is small - an hour or two covers it. Zug is an expensive corporate city and prices reflect that. The tower has limited opening. Museums close on Mondays.

Nearby

Lake Zug is on the doorstep; the Agerisee is east.