Zug, Swiss cantonal capital on Lake Zug, Switzerland.
Zug is the capital of the canton of the same name in central Switzerland, positioned on the eastern shore of the lake between 425 and 611 meters in elevation. The old town rises from the lakefront promenade upward, with narrow streets and medieval buildings that partly retain their painted facades.
The town joined the Swiss Confederation in 1352, breaking away from Kyburg and Habsburg rule. This incorporation brought political independence and strengthened its role as a regional center in central Switzerland.
Along the lakefront promenade, the harbor square functions as a meeting place for locals and visitors, with cafés and market stalls lining the waterfront. The painted facades on historic houses still display names of old guilds and merchant families that shaped the town over centuries.
The old town is a short walk from the train station, with the path gently descending toward the lake. Boat services on the lake run regularly and offer trips along the shoreline.
The low tax rates have drawn many international companies, shaping the population: around one-third of residents come from abroad. Despite this business focus, the medieval core with its towers and alleys remains well preserved.
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