On the trail of spring

The canton of Zug is fruit country. And of all the fruit that grows and ripens here, cherries are the stars. No other fruit has shaped the cultural identity of the Zug region more than the "Chriesi". This is reflected not only in the range of regional products - think of the Zug cherry tart or Zug cherry sausage - but also in folk customs such as the Chriesigloggä, the Chriesisturm and the Chriesimärt. These customs are cultivated in Zug almost as lovingly as the cherry trees themselves. However, our interest here is entirely focused on the latter, i.e. the cherry trees.

Depending on the weather conditions, they are at their most beautiful between mid-April and mid-May. Combined with the magnificent landscape and mountain views, hikers are presented with a scene that could not be painted more gracefully. During the season, you can find out exactly when and where the trees are in bloom by calling the Zug Chriesitelefon (+41 41 511 75 00).
 

In the higher altitudes (Menzingen, Zugerberg, Ägerital), the blossom rush begins around ten days later than in the valley. This prolongs the cherry blossom in the canton as a whole and therefore increases the chances of a beautiful blossom hike. Nevertheless, you shouldn't miss a good opportunity for a cherry blossom hike, because the cherry blossom in Zug is as beautiful as it is fleeting.

If you set off on a cherry blossom hike in the canton of Zug, you are spoiled for choice. There are blossom hikes throughout the canton and for all hiking needs. If you prefer a leisurely stroll, it is best to opt for a walk that starts at Zug railroad station and ends in Oberwil. Opposite the Zug library, where the executioner once lived, the route follows Hofstrasse straight on to Oberwil, past the Zurlaubenhof with its magnificent historic gardens and the Biohof Zug, which is always worth a visit, and not just because of its pretty bistro in a prime location. The view of the lake and the mountains from near and far couldn't be more beautiful.

Those who have now acquired a taste for it will hike on. Always parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Zug, for 20 kilometers if you like, past Walchwil to Arth-Goldau in the canton of Schwyz. The same destination can also be reached one level higher on the Walchwiler Berg. Those who don't shy away from the metres in altitude and take the sometimes bumpy path through the forest up to Lienisberg-Höhe will be richly rewarded: the Zuger Chriesiland is also a feast for the eyes when viewed from above. But today we head towards Menzingen, a tour that requires some fitness but can be divided into two stages if necessary. We leave Zug railroad station in the direction of the lake, the old town and St. Michael. Our first stopover, the Blasenberg inn, soon beckons high up on the slope. After a good hour and 320 meters of ascent, we arrive and enjoy the panoramic view over the town and countryside.

On panoramic paths past the Bilgerihof and Urihof farms and, of course, countless cherry trees, we reach the highest point for the time being at 850 meters above sea level. After passing the Brunegg alpine farm, which is open from March to December, we soon reach the Schmittli, where, if we were tired, we could take the bus back to Zug or the Aegeri valley. But we carry on walking up the Gubel because we don't want to miss out on this view. Menzingen is now just a stone's throw away. And now that we've admired so many cherry blossoms during the four-hour hike - partly on hard surfaces - we've really earned a slice of Zug cherry cake at the legendary Menzinger Konditorei Schlüssel!