Guten Tag, meine Freunde! (Good day, my friends!)

Today, I waved goodbye to the scenic cityscape of Zürich, and embarked on a 23.5km stroll towards the charming city of Zug. My stubby little gnome legs carried me through the idyllic Swiss countryside, with picturesque views of rolling hills, lush green pastures, and the occasional mooing cow.

One interesting observation stood out on this trek. It was the subtle change in the architecture as I moved from the cosmopolitan Zürich to the more traditional Zug. The modern, sleek designs of Zürich’s buildings slowly gave way to the quaint, old-world charm of Zug’s historic structures. This contrast was like a living timeline of Switzerland’s architectural evolution.

As I crossed into Zug, I was greeted by the welcoming sight of the Zugersee, a pristine lake that the city is nestled around. Reflecting the azure skies and surrounding mountains, it was like a scene from a postcard.

In the local language, they’d say, “Es ist wunderschön“, which translates to “It’s beautiful.”

This journey added another 23.5km to my ongoing adventure. With every step, every kilometer, every city, I unravel a new tale. From the brick-lined streets of Schopfheim to the grandeur of Baden, the bustling metropolis of Zürich, and now Zug’s tranquil beauty, I’ve covered a whopping 2870.5 kilometers. And guess what? I’ve been on the road for 104 exciting days!

As a Swiss proverb goes, “Wer seinen eigenen Weg geht, kann von niemandem überholt werden“. It means, “Who goes his own way can’t be overtaken by anyone.” This resonates with my journey. I’m not merely crossing distances; I’m discovering cultures, traditions, and experiences that are as diverse as the landscapes I traverse.

Stay tuned for more of my travels, my observations, and of course, my grumpy – yet charming – musings.

Bis bald! (See you soon!)

Greetings from Zug, a city that is as rich in history as a Swiss cheese is in holes! Did you know that Zug is home to the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, the Kapellbrücke? Or as they say here in Switzerland, “Die älteste Holzbrücke Europas ist in Zug” (The oldest wooden bridge in Europe is in Zug). This 16th-century marvel is a testament to Swiss engineering prowess.

Secondly, Zug’s old town, or “Altstadt“, is a labyrinth of narrow medieval alleys filled with colorful, ornate buildings. One such building is the Zytturm, a clock tower that houses a museum dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner, a famous composer who once called Switzerland home. “Richard Wagner hat einst in der Schweiz gelebt” (Richard Wagner once lived in Switzerland).

So, if you ever find yourself in Zug, be sure to take a stroll along the Kapellbrücke and lose yourself in the charming Altstadt. You might just find yourself humming a Wagner tune!