On the Trail of Spring

The canton of Zug is a fruit-growing region. And of all the fruits that grow and ripen here, cherries are the stars. No other fruit has shaped the cultural identity of the Zug region more strongly than the “Chriesi.” This is reflected not only in the range of regional products—think of the Zug cherry cake or the Zug Chriesiwurst—but also in folk customs such as the Chriesigloggä, the Chriesisturm, and the Zuger Chriesimärt. These traditions are cherished in Zug almost as much as the cherry trees themselves. Here, however, our focus is entirely on the latter—the cherry trees.

Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, they show off their most beautiful blossoms between mid-April and mid-May. Combined with the magnificent landscape and the mountain views, hikers are treated to a scene that could not be painted more gracefully. To find out exactly when and where the trees are in bloom during the season, call the Zug Cherry Blossom Hotline (+41 41 511 75 00).
 

At higher elevations (Menzingen, Zugerberg, Ägerital), the cherry blossoms begin to bloom about ten days later than in the valley. This extends the cherry blossom season in the canton as a whole and thus increases the chances of enjoying a beautiful cherry blossom hike. That said, you definitely shouldn’t miss a good opportunity for a cherry blossom hike, because the blossoms in Zug are as beautiful as they are fleeting.

Anyone setting out on a cherry blossom hike in the canton of Zug is first and foremost spoiled for choice. Cherry blossom hikes are available throughout the canton and cater to all hiking preferences. Those who prefer a leisurely pace are best off choosing a walk that begins at the Zug train station and ends in Oberwil. Across from the Zug Library, —right where the executioner once lived—the route follows Hofstrasse straight ahead to Oberwil, past the Zurlaubenhof with its magnificent historic gardens and the Biohof Zug, which is always worth a visit, not just for its charming bistro in a prime location. The view of the lake and the mountains, both near and far, couldn’t be more beautiful.

Anyone who’s gotten a taste for it will want to keep hiking. The trail runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Zug—for a full 20 kilometers, if you’re up for it—past Walchwil all the way to Arth-Goldau in the canton of Schwyz. You can also aim for the same destination one level higher on the Walchwiler Berg. Those who aren’t afraid of the elevation gain and tackle the sometimes steep path through the forest up to the Lienisberg summit will be richly rewarded: even when viewed from above, Zug’s cherry-blossom country is a feast for the eyes. But today we’re heading to Menzingen—a tour that requires some stamina but can be split into two stages if needed. We leave the Zug train station heading toward the lake, the Old Town, and St. Michael. Soon, high up on the hillside, our first stop beckons: the Gasthof Blasenberg. After a good hour and a 320-meter climb, we arrive and enjoy the sweeping view of the city and countryside.

Following scenic trails past the Bilgerihof and the Urihof—and, of course, countless cherry trees—we reach the highest point so far at 850 meters above sea level. After passing the Brunegg alpine inn—which is open from March through December—we soon reach the Schmittli, where, if we were tired, we could take the bus back to Zug or into the Ägeri Valley. But we keep hiking, up the Gubel, because we don’t want to miss out on this view. From here, it’s just a short hop to Menzingen. And after spending a good four hours hiking—partly on paved surfaces—and admiring so many cherry blossoms, we’ve truly earned a slice of Zug cherry cake at the legendary Schlüssel pastry shop in Menzingen!