Zug has a reputation as one of the wealthiest places in Switzerland, a small canton of low taxes, glass office blocks and companies registered by the hundred. But beneath the surface, quite literally, lies a much older story. Along the shores of Lake Zug, archaeologists have found the remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age villages built on piles in the shallow water and marshy ground, and Riedmatt, near the border between Steinhausen, Cham and Zug, is one of the sites included in the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps World Heritage listing. As with most such sites, there is nothing visible on the surface; the remains are preserved in the waterlogged ground.
The old town of Zug, on the lakeshore, is charming, with narrow lanes, painted houses and the Zytturm, a clock tower with a colourful tiled roof. The lakefront promenade is famous for its sunsets, when the sky turns orange over the water and the mountains. The town is also known for its Kirschtorte, a cake soaked in cherry brandy, and for the cherry orchards on the surrounding hills.
Above the town rises the Zugerberg, reached by a funicular or a winding road, with views over the lake to the Rigi and Pilatus. To the east lies the Ägerisee, a smaller lake in a quiet valley, and beyond it the road climbs towards the Raten pass and the Sattel, with good bends and views of the mountains.
The riding around Zug is mixed. The roads near the towns are busy, with traffic, roundabouts and speed cameras. Away from the towns, the roads into the hills are quieter and more interesting, with curves, climbs and views. To the north, the Albis pass, near Zurich, is a popular road with riders. Swiss speed limits are strict and fines are heavy, so stay alert.
Cham, Zug and Steinhausen all have fuel, shops and restaurants. Try a slice of Kirschtorte with coffee, or a plate of lake fish, such as perch or whitefish. The weather can change quickly, with rain likely at any time of year, and foehn winds can bring sudden warmth and clear skies. Spring, with the cherry blossom, and autumn are the best seasons. Take a walk along the lakeshore at sunset.