A Kookaburra in Zug

Zug is a quaint little town in Switzerland that sits on the edge of a lake and snow capped mountains.  It’s not far from Zurich and quite easy to reach via train direct from the airport train station. 

We’re here this week because my husband has work commitments. I’m the lucky one though; not only do I get to spend the evenings with my husband, but I also get the days to do the tourist thing and go exploring.

So let me tell you a bit about my first day in Zug.

After the 6:00 am alarm, for the benefit of my husband, I find myself curling up and going back to sleep for another hour. Unfortunately that’s as long as I can sleep in, as I’m excited to get outside in the emerging sunshine and go exploring.

The Hotel Lowen : Where we stayed

Our hotel is located in the Landsgemeindeplatz within the old town of Zug. It’s only when I pull open the curtains, I realise how nice a spot we are in. Our room up on the 3rd floor has a little balcony from where I can see a cobblestone square surrounded by little cafes and restaurants. On the other side I can see Lake Zug with views of the mountains in the distance. It’s beautiful.

Someone lost their cheese!

A few steps from the entrance of our hotel and past the rather large piece of cheese sticking out a pastry shop window (yes a little bit odd), I find a bird aviary. At first I’m captivated by a really large white owl who just sits there blinking his rather big eyes at me every now and then, probably wandering what the hell I’m looking at. It’s then that I see my favourite ... the Aussie Kookaburra. 

Two in fact. Both looking a little well fed and most obviously used to sitting in the spot they’re in. It’s almost cruel to see them cooped up here unable to have the freedom they’re brothers and sisters have back home, but for me it’s a rather nice sight to see something from home all the way over here in a small little town called Zug.

Next it’s the cobblestone paths and shuttered windows that call me to explore the old part of town. Starting along the Fischmarkt I wander along taking in the most beautiful old buildings such as The Clock Tower (Zytturm) and The Town Hall (Rathaus) and just getting lost.

 

 

 

 

It’s during my exploration of the old town that I have another Aussie experience. Out of the corner of my eye I see what I think is Aboriginal art. Not completely sure, I wander into the art gallery and sure enough it is! I get chatting to the exhibitor who proceeds to tell me that she and her daughter travel to Australia regularly and visit the artists some of who include paintings by Dorothy Napangardi and Betty Mbitjana. Beautiful paintings.

Lake Zug

Lake Zug

Then following a walk along Lake Zug, I head to the Zug Bahnhof and catch the Number 11 bus to Schonegg. From there I take the funicular up Mount Zugerberg.  Unfortunately the hiking brochure isn’t in English, so I just pick a path and walk.  2 hours of utter bliss. Endless green fields, hills scattered with daisies, woods, wildflowers, views over the valleys and lakes, a random hiker here and there, outdoor bbqs scattered along the way and ultimately just pure pure peace and tranquillity.  Writing this now I wish I was back there.

View of Zug from Mount Zugerberg

Animals carved in wood along the trail

One of the views on the walk

The hills are alive....

On the way back, I get off just after the Casino Theatre stop as it’s the closest one to the hotel. Wandering back through the old town roads, I find a nice quiet spot along the lake and enjoy a well deserved sandwich and cappuccino.

I thoroughly recommend Zug as a place to visit if you’re ever in Switzerland.