Lake Zug

Lake Zug is a medium-sized lake in Central Switzerland positioned between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich. It extends north–south between Arth at its southern end and the Bay of Zug and Cham to the north. The Lorze River, the principal feeder, enters the lake at its northern extremity before exiting again further west to continue towards the Reuss. As the lake receives limited inflow, particularly from the secondary Rigiaa at its southern end, it is highly sensitive to pollution and ecological disruption. Much of the deep-water fauna has already been lost, underscoring the importance of environmental protection and careful water-quality management.

Geographical Setting

Most of Lake Zug lies within the Canton of Zug. Portions of its southern shoreline belong to the Canton of Schwyz, while the Canton of Lucerne administers a small area north of Küssnacht. The surrounding landscape is varied: the southwest shore is dominated by the steep descent of the Rigi massif, whereas the eastern shore features a narrow tract of level ground at the base of the Rossberg and the Zugerberg. The highest point in the lake’s drainage basin is the summit of the Rigi, which forms an imposing natural landmark.
At the northern end, the shores flatten considerably, creating gentler contours and supporting more extensive settlement. On the western lakeshore, the wooded promontory of Buonas juts into the water, distinguished by historic and modern castles. The town of Zug is the principal urban centre on the lake, serving as both an administrative hub and a gateway to the surrounding region.
Three railway routes encircle or approach the lake. One connects Zurich to Arth-Goldau and the Saint Gotthard Massif via Zug, another links Lucerne to Arth-Goldau and onwards to the alpine passes, and a third line connects Zurich and Lucerne by way of Zug. This network integrates the lake with major national transport corridors.
Lake Zug is noted for its fisheries. Pike, carp, and other species of considerable size are regularly caught, and the lake has long been recognised for an endemic variety of trout, Salvelinus umbla, locally referred to as the Rolheli.

Historical Development

Steam navigation on Lake Zug began in the mid-nineteenth century, with the first steamboat launched in 1852. Over subsequent decades, improvements in transport infrastructure reinforced the lake’s role as a regional transit corridor.
In the early twentieth century, a railway—formerly part of the Gotthard Pass main line—ran along the lake’s eastern shore past Walchwil to Arth at the southern end. Arth was initially connected to Arth-Goldau by a steam tramway before the full rail link was completed. The Gotthard line then proceeded along the western lake shore to Immensee, where it veered southwest towards Lucerne. Another railway from Immensee led westwards towards Cham, slightly removed from the water’s edge. These transport developments facilitated the movement of people and goods, strengthened local economies, and contributed to the integration of the surrounding cantons.

Settlements Around the Lake

A number of small settlements surround the lake, reflecting a mixture of agricultural, residential, and recreational uses. Notable localities include:

• Gängigen
• Buonas
• Chamleten
• Lorzen
• Oberwil

These communities contribute to the cultural landscape of the region and maintain close links with the administrative and commercial centre of Zug.

Public Transportation

Modern public transport on Lake Zug is operated primarily by the Zugersee Schifffahrt (Schifffahrtsgesellschaft für den Zugersee AG, SGZ). Passenger vessels provide regular services connecting lakeside communities and integrating with railway and bus networks. These services support tourism, local mobility, and the broader transport infrastructure of Central Switzerland.