Cham on Lake Zug: Traces of Industrial Heritage

Cham lies on the northern shore of Lake Zug, where the Lorze flows into the lake, 5.5 kilometres northwest of Zug. Kirchbühl and Städtli lie on either side of the river; there is also a railway station.

Industrial heritage along the Lorze

The 30-kilometre Lorze Industrial Trail tells the story of industrialisation with the help of 70 information panels along the river. Along the river, 70 information panels explain the history of industrialisation. The section in Cham is characterised by parkland, manor houses, historic businesses and industrial facilities. From 1873 to 1933, bricks, roof tiles and burnt lime were made by hand in the chamber kiln at the Ziegelhütte, part of the former Lörch brickworks.

In Cham, the Industrial Trail offers guided tours lasting around 90 minutes, covering an average of 2 to 5 kilometres on foot. Another tour of Cham’s industrial history lasts around 1.5 hours and showcases a selection of specific sites: the railway station, Wild West houses, the Villette, the gardener’s house and the former Schlüssel restaurant are among them, as are the Nestlé administration building, the Milchsüdi, the gasometer, the Reformed church, the lowering of the lake and the paper mill. Whether this tour is available on your chosen date depends on the programme arrangements. This lets you choose between a walk as part of the Industrial Trail and a tour featuring a selection of historic places and facilities.

Pedestrians can stroll along the Lorze on the George Ham Page footbridge and discover the history of the former Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. The Lorzenweg is a footpath between Cham and Hagendorn that offers a close-up experience of the natural environment along the Lorze. There are nature conservation zones along the Lorzenweg: stay on the signposted paths in these areas and respect the local wildlife and plant life.

Parks and paths by the lake

The 58,000-square-metre Villette Park is distinguished by its impressive collection of mature trees. Theodor Froebel from Zurich laid it out in the English style in 1865. Since 1988, Villa Villette has been open to everyone as a cultural and community centre. The villa has dining, banquet, concert and exhibition rooms.

The 15,000-square-metre Hirsgarten is also by the lake. From spring to autumn, it is used as an event venue, including for football and beach volleyball tournaments. The event programme is seasonal and may change, so check the dates for the period of your visit.

Buildings, monastic history and Heiligkreuz

St. James’ Church was built between 1783 and 1796. Its 74.74-metre-high church tower is considered a landmark of Cham. The history of Frauenthal Abbey can be traced through several dates: it was founded in 1231, incorporated into the Cistercian order of nuns in 1245, and granted the citizenship rights of Zug in 1386.

Pilgrimages to the Chapel of the Cross at Heiligkreuz date back to 1711. At the monastery and pilgrimage site of Heiligkreuz in Lindencham, more than 100 different medicinal plants grow in an herb garden designed according to the principles of Hildegard of Bingen. The sisters sell them dried, as tea or in other forms in their own monastery shop.

Market, festival and other activities

The traditional Villette Fäscht takes place by the lake every three years. Cham’s clubs and societies offer culinary delights and cultural treats there. The Chamer Dorfmärt is held on Saturdays from the end of March to the end of October in the village square in front of the Lorzensaal. A different club or society runs the market café each Saturday. Check the dates of the Villette Fäscht before travelling; you should also check the seasonal Saturday schedule for the Dorfmärt again before your visit.

The brickworks museum offers guided tours or workshops for groups on request. There is plenty for children to discover and experience in the museum, at the biotope and in the playground. The range of activities also includes a 2.4-kilometre Vita Parcours with 15 stations for strength, endurance and flexibility. The options therefore range from historical topics and guided insights to paths, events and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Steinhausen, Oberägeri, Menzingen, Baar, Risch, Zug, Neuheim, Walchwil.

Return to the main travel overview: Zug.