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Where will your next hike be?
The fresh air, the beautiful views, the colourful meadows of flowers – what is lovelier than walking over hill and dale? Hiking continues to be very popular in our hectic society, and it is a good leisure-time activity for slowing the pace. According to Sport Study Switzerland 2020, hiking is one of the top 5 sports in Switzerland, regardless of sex. This is hardly surprising when you think of the incredible scenery offered by the Swiss mountains. Whether in winter or summer, you always feel good in the hills.
“The mountains are mute masters who make silent students.”
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
August special: the Wanderlust series
The school holidays began nearly a week ago and the amazing weather is now enticing everyone, young and old, outdoors. Maybe this year you are spending your summer holidays in Switzerland, like so many others. What a wonderful opportunity to take the time to try out new things and explore our country.
So you can have as many exciting outdoor experiences as possible this summer, the Wanderlust series is starting in August under our “News” heading and on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Every week we will introduce you to another favourite hiking route from the Amt für Sport and take you with us on an inspiring journey through Switzerland.
The routes have different levels of difficulty, but there is something there for everyone. As a foretaste, here are some of the hiking and walking trail highlights in Zug Canton.
Hikes around Zug
To Höllgrotten Caves in Lorzentobel gorge
This round hike starts at Baar station. From there, head towards Allmend and Wildenburg Castle, where the ruins of the old castle can still be seen today. Continue in the direction of Allenwinden, then take a left into Lorzentobel gorge. Soon you will spot the entrance to Höllgrotten Caves. After this highlight, you can have a meal in a country restaurant. From here, you only need to follow the Lorzen riverside path, which will take you back towards Baar. The walk will take you around 3½ hours and is 13.6 km. What is more, it has an ascent and descent of 212 m and is classified as easy overall. This makes it suitable for families with children. You can find more details and information about the route here.
Raten Sensory Path
On this walk, you will get the opportunity to activate your sensory impressions at the interactive posts. Whether keeping your balance on a hanging bridge or feeling the temperatures of different materials, you definitely won’t be bored. You start in Oberägeri at the Raten Pass. From there, the circular path takes you to the total of 8 sensory stations. The route is very easy and only takes one hour. Consequently, you don’t need to make big plans in advance, but can spontaneously pull on your shoes and set off. Does this sound appealing? You can find more information about Raten Sensory Path on the Zug Tourism website.
Lake Ägeri
What is more beautiful than walking along the banks of a lake in summer, then jumping into the cool water? This hiking route is perfect! Start at the Morgarten landing stage, which you can reach by boat or bus. From this point, you turn right along the lake towards Neselen Campsite. After the campsite, you enter the forest that stops at Bergmatt. From there, go on to Wilbrunnen and turn right after the campsite to walk along the stream. At the end of the nature trail, you will find Unterägeri Pool, where you can jump into the water. After cooling off in the pool, go to the end of Lidostrasse and find the “Seefekt” bus stop. From there you can catch a regular bus that will take you home from the Ägeri valley. The trail is a total of 8.5 km and you will need approximately 2 hours to complete it. If you take lots of bathing breaks, you will need longer. You can find more information about the route here.
"Nothing gets us on our way better than a break"
(Elisabeth Barrett-Browning)
Up to the highest point – Wildspitz
Our last regional hiking tip is more demanding and requires a certain basic fitness. The trail leads up to Waldspitz, the highest point in Zug Canton. The hike starts at Zugerberg mountain station and goes along the Zugerberg ridge as far as Zuger Alpli. If you arrive here, we advise you to fortify yourself and eat a small snack. Our tip: nuts, or your old friend, trail mix. A handful of nuts makes a healthy snack and will deliver the necessary energy for the upcoming steep climb to Wildspitz. Once arrived at the summit, you will be rewarded with an impressive panorama over the Schwyzer valley basin, Ägeri valley, Lake Zug and the surrounding Alps. You can enjoy this amazing view in the mountain restaurant, then, once fed and rested, you can continue to Sattel via Halsegg. This ascent will take approximately 2 hours. Once arrived in Sattel, you can travel home by train from Sattel station, and review your impressions from your day’s walk as you relax during the journey. This hike will take approximately 6 hours, although in view of its intensity, we advise you to plan on rather more time than that. You will cover a total of 22.5 km. You can find more information about this hike here.
“The point of travelling is to reach your destination, the point of hiking is to be on the way.”
(Theodor Heuss)
We wish you a lovely summer and lots of fun on your hikes!
Do you have your own favourite hiking trail in Zug Canton, and would you like to share it with us? Then send us a message – we will be delighted to hear from you.
