Zug is a small city with a big lake and a reputation for money. The lake, the Zugersee, lies in a bowl of low hills at the northern edge of the Alps, a calm, blue sheet of water with the Rigi rising across on the south side and the Pilatus further off. The old town sits on the northeastern shore, with a medieval clock tower, pastel houses and a promenade where boats bob in the harbour.
The canton has long been known for low taxes, which has drawn companies and residents from around the world, but the city has kept a personal scale. There are narrow lanes with small shops, cafes with views of the water, and a lake path that is busy with runners and families. The local speciality is Zuger Kirschtorte, a cake made of layers of almond meringue and sponge, flavoured with cherry brandy, and it is on the menu in nearly every pastry shop. The cherries behind the brandy come from the orchards on the slopes around the lake, which bloom in April.
The riding here is gentle, and it works well as a return leg at the end of a day. The roads along the lake are smooth and flat, and the traffic can be heavy, especially at commuting hours. If you want something more lively, the road toward the Zugerberg climbs through woods to a ridge with views over the city and the lake. Parking is easy near the harbour, and the lakeside is a pleasant place for a last coffee before the final run home.
Zug has more than twenty thousand people, along with Baar next door and a ring of suburbs, so fuel and food are everywhere. The weather here is mild by Swiss standards, with fog common in autumn and winter when the lake traps cold air, and the sun comes out late in the morning. In summer, the lake is warm enough for swimming, and the public baths fill with locals, which is a good sign.