Zug, Switzerland

   The city of Zug, well-known for its VERY LOW taxes and as such, is the home of numerous International corporations.  The Zyt Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the old town district, Zug Mountain and Lake Zug, are the city's most prominent landmarks.

   The Counts of Kyburg are said to have founded the city at the beginning of the 13th century. The 170 foot-high Zyt Tower dates back to the same era. It was first built as a simple wall entrance to what is now known as the old town and in the course of the centuries it was built higher and received additional structures, until it finally reached its present form, complete with bay windows and a  hipped roof.  In 1574 the large clock was added, which gives the tower its name.  Below this main clock there is an astronomical clock with four hands, which indicate the week, the phase of the moon, the month and the leap year.

   The Gothic town hall, built in 1505, and the church of St. Oswald, which belongs to the same error, are located in the old town itself.

   Thanks to free bike hire from May to October, it�s easy to explore the town and the surrounding area on two wheels. There is an extensive network of footpaths, with several walks along the shore of the lake and over the Zugerberg or the gently rolling moraine landscape of the region.  As an alternative to hiking, try the paths for cycling or skating along the side of the lake.  A popular biking route goes over the Zugerberg to Lake Aegeri and through the Lorzentobel valley back to Zug. On a hot summer�s day, the shady, romantic gorge of the Lorze is an attractive way to hike to the caves.

   Thanks to its central location between Zurich and Lucerne, low taxes and good infrastructure, Zug is an excellent place to base yourself or as a starting point for exploring.