• Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle

Zug Castle


Zug, ZG
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
  • Zug Castle
show Website

MUSEUM CASTLE ZUG - HISTORY IS FUN!

The winding castle on the edge of Zug's old town is the oldest surviving secular building in the town of Zug and one of its landmarks. Once the seat of medieval lords and later the representative residence of important Zug families, Zug's historical museum has been housed in the castle since 1983.

Zug Castle - past and present

The origins of the castle date back to the 12th century, and the first traces of settlement are even older. Based on archaeological findings, 26 different construction phases from the 8th to the 20th century have been reconstructed. It is not known who built it. Around 1300, it belonged to the Habsburgs, who temporarily pledged it to the Knights of Hünenberg. After Zug was forced to join the Swiss Confederation in 1352, Peter V von Hünenberg was the first private owner of the castle. In the centuries that followed, it served as a prestigious residence for important Zug families. The building was extensively restored between 1979 and 1982 and opened as a historical museum in 1983. As such, it collects, documents and communicates Zug's history from the High Middle Ages to the present day. 

Tour of the permanent exhibition

In the permanent exhibition, which was redesigned in 2014, each room offers its own thematically self-contained exhibition. The result is a charming mosaic that encourages visitors to return and discover new aspects or delve deeper. History is authentically experienced in the historical rooms: in the Landtwing Cabinet you can feel the influence of French culture, which Zug mercenaries brought back home from foreign service in the 18th century. The Hediger Room shows the history of the castle's ownership and gives an impression of upper middle-class living around 1900. The atmospheric displays in the themed rooms highlight different facets of Zug's cultural history: Rule and warfare in the Middle Ages, religion and the Baroque world of experience, domestic culture, arts and crafts and coinage. You can create your own wallpaper pattern in the blue wallpapered parlour. The wallpaper on the walls is a new print based on a historical model from the 18th century. The popular town model compares Zug around 1750 with the town of today. Complete historical-commercial installations can be seen in a shoemaker's workshop from the 1930s or in the Luthiger chemist's shop. In special exhibitions, the museum regularly presents an in-depth look at current topics.

Castle for Children and families

With its winding rooms and corridors, Zug Castle invites the whole family to playful exploration. Be it with Lili, the comic girl, the castle bag for the little ones or an exciting actionbound with the smartphone for the grown-ups - the museum's children's programme has something to suit all ages.

Adventurous families who want to experience history come to the museum every last Sunday of the month (except July and December) on the adventure tour for families where the former inhabitants of the town and castle tell their stories. For those family members who need a break from all the hustle and bustle, our playroom is at your disposal. Creative explorers can also retreat to the craft studio and enjoy the view over the beautiful old town of Zug. 

In relation with the theme of our special exhibition, there are age-appropriate activities for children, which they can do independently or accompanied. Further information on the current special exhibition can be found at www.burgzug.ch

opening hours

Tue-Fri 2-5pm
Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
Mon: closed.

Schools and groups also outside opening hours on request.

Opening hours museum holidays: The museum is open on all national and cantonal (Zug) holidays as well as Berchtoldstag (2 January), Easter Monday, Whit Monday and St Stephen's Day (26 December) from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Museum Burg Zug is closed on Good Friday, 24 and 25 December and New Year's Day.

Prices

Individual visitors

  • Adults: CHF 10
  • Reduced: CHF 6

Groups

  • Of 10 or over: CHF 8

Admission free

  • Children and young people up to age 16
  • Friends of Zug Castle
  • ICOM/VMS
  • Swiss Museum Pass
  • Raiffeisen Member card

Admission free on the first Wednesday of the month

Guided tours

Guided tours: CHF 160 plus admission. Bookings can be made during opening hours by calling 041 728 29 70 or e-mailing info.mbz@zg.ch

visitor information

Picnic facilities in the castle courtyard

Dogs are not permitted in the building

The exhibitions are partially wheelchair-accessible. For information see www.zugangsmonitor.ch

Gastronomy

Self-service café in the castle with a small range of drinks and snacks. Seating available in the castle courtyard in summer.

Numerous restaurants and cafés within walking distance.

Arrival

By train: Train to Zug, then bus to Kolinplatz (2-min. walk, bus nr. 3/5/11/14) or Burgbach (2-min walk, bus nr. 1/2/13

By car: Car parking in the immediate vicinity (Altstadt-Casino and Frauensteinmatt)

Tips

There are numerous sights and shops in the nearby old town. The old town market, offering fresh regional products, takes place every Saturday morning on the Landsgemeindeplatz by the lakeside promenade, while the seasonal Chriesimärt (Cherry Market) is held in summer.

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