The Ägerisee is the sort of lake that locals prefer to keep to themselves. It lies at about 724 metres in the canton of Zug, a small oval of clean water surrounded by meadows, forest and low hills, with the villages of Unterägeri at the northern end and Oberägeri on the eastern shore. The Lorze river drains it toward Zug, and in the south the ground rises to the ridge of Morgarten, where in 1315 the Swiss Confederates won their famous victory over a Habsburg army. The landscape is calm now, and it is hard to imagine knights on the narrow shore path.
Swimming is the main reason for the stop, and the lake is good for it. The water is clear and cool, and because the lake sits a bit higher than the plains below, it never gets as warm as the lowland waters. There are public bathing areas with grass and jetties at Unterägeri, and in summer you will find families, paddleboarders and rowers. In winter, the surface sometimes freezes at the edges, though full ice cover is rare. Fishermen work from small boats, and the local restaurants serve lake fish such as whitefish, which is the usual choice.
For riding, the roads around the lake are gentle, with fine views and a feeling of ease. They lead to the Ratenpass and Sattel, and to the climbs of the Zug mountains. Traffic is moderate, and weekends bring cyclists and walkers, so keep your speed under control near the shore. Evenings are the best time, with long light on the water and the hills turning blue and gold.
Fuel and shops are in Unterägeri, about two kilometres from the water, and Zug is a short ride downhill. There are cafés near the lakefront, and in the village you can find bakeries and small restaurants. Parking for motorcycles is easy near the bathing areas, although it can get busy on hot Sundays, so arrive before midday if you can.
Bring a towel, because the air near the lake can be warm while the water is bracing. A quick swim is enough to wake you up, and the walk back to the bike feels like a small reward for a day on the road.