Lorzentobel – Zugerberg – Zug: beautifully refreshing hike

I had planned a hike over the Zugerberg for a long time – from Zurich, this is a perfect short trip that can be done well in almost all seasons. But as is the case with things that are practically on your doorstep, something else always comes in between and it remains a matter of “you could do that too”. Luckily! After all, 2020 is the year to implement all these postponed excursions in the surrounding area. And so, on a sunny early summer weekend, we once again got up early to start the weekend with a wonderfully refreshing hiking tour.

Hike via Höllgrotten through the refreshing Lorzentobel

Instead of heading directly for the Zugerberg – which would in principle be easily accessible from Schönegg by funicular – we start our hike at Baar train station. From here, the hiking trail signage leads us purposefully across the town centre to the western edge of the settlement, where we are greeted by the cheerful splashing of the Lorze. Despite cloudless skies and the best weather forecasts, a thin layer of fog still lies over the river at this early hour and creates a wonderfully mystical atmosphere, which unfortunately cannot really be captured with the camera when hiking past quickly.

At this point we leave the built-up part of Baar behind us and immerse ourselves in the dense green of the Lorzentobel. The Lorze has its source about 17 kilometres further upstream at Lake Ägeri and winds its way from there through a deeply cut and largely natural ravine landscape. Among other things, the Lorzentobel is known as a starting point for visiting the Höllgrotten, which we pass after about an hour’s walk.

We are too early to visit the stalactite caves. If you want to do this, it’s best to coordinate your hiking times with the opening hours of the Höllgrotten (which are usually open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April to October). On hot summer days, the Höllgrotten offer the longed-for cooling with a constant temperature of around 10° Celsius – but even without a detour to the cave system, it is pleasantly fresh in the Lorzentobel.

Continue along the Alpine Panorama Trail via Zugerberg to Zug

We follow the ravine path further upstream, past the three imposing Lorzentobel bridges not far from the Wildberg castle ruins to Neuägeri. Here we leave the Tobelweg (the most beautiful part is now behind us anyway) and climb up towards Zugerberg. After just under a kilometre on a rather unattractive tarred road, the Brunegg alpine farm appears in front of us. From here we continue on the Alpine Panorama Trail over the Zugerberg directly to the old town of Zug.

We pass the highest point of the tour at “Ober Brunegg” at a modest 851 metres above sea level. A detour of just under thirty minutes leads from here to the Hochwacht viewpoint (988 m above sea level). But we save this part of the Zugerberg for another time and follow the Alpine Panorama Trail in the direction of Rosenberg. On the way we pass the Urihof, which has a small “farm shop” right by the wayside, where you can stock up on sweet cider, various syrups and seasonal fruits.

However, we will have to wait a little longer for the panoramic view of Lake Zug – this only unfolds us shortly before we dive into the Chämistal. From here it is only a stone’s throw to the old town of Zug. Passing the Verena Chapel and pretty orchards, we reach the striking Powder Tower of the city of Zug after almost four hours of walking.

And afterwards: a stroll through the old town or a swim?

Here you have the opportunity to stroll through the pretty old town streets of Zug, visit the Museum Burg Zug or go in search of the key to the Zytturm (apart from Sunday, you shouldn’t miss this tip – unfortunately I didn’t research until after our hike whether the tower is accessible or not – well).

Alternatively, you can follow in our footsteps, cross the old town, walk along the beautiful waterfront, examine Roman Signer’s “lake view” and spend the rest of the day at the Zug lido.

Practical tips for your hike through the Lorzentobel and over the Zugerberg

The route of our hike through the Lorzentobel and over the Zugerberg to Zug can be found on the following map. The path leads past the Höllgrotten (the entrance fee for the visit to the stalactite caves is CHF 12 for adults) and the Alpwirtschaft Brunegg, which is suitable for a stopover. However, we hiked the 16 kilometers to Zug without a break. Half of the 470 metres in altitude are along the Lorzentobel (continuous, slight incline) and on the ascent from Neuägeri to Ober Brunegg. It took us a little less than four hours to complete the tour without breaks.

From Monday to Saturday, you can pick up the key to visit the Zytturm in the “Wunderbox” (souvenir shop/info point of the city of Zug) – a top tip for anyone who wants to take a look at the landmark of the city of Zug.

You can find another hiking tip in the Zug region here: From Walchwil to Arth-Goldau

Lorzentobel – Zugerberg – Zug: Key data of the tour

Starting point	Baar Railway Station
Length	16.3 kilometres
Elevation gain	↗ 471 m 493 m ↘
Duration	4:00 p.m.
Destination	Zug Railway Station