Discover Baar: Caves, History and Trails along the Lorze

Baar combines a landscape of caves, archaeological history and historic buildings with trails along the Lorze. Its attractions range from the Höllgrotten caves and Baarburg to the industrialisation of the Mühlebach Canal. If you are looking for a hotel in Baar, you can plan your stay around whether you would like to focus primarily on caves, architectural history or local traditions.

Höllgrotten Caves and Trails along the Lorze

The Höllgrotten Baar caves lie in the picturesque, unspoilt river landscape of the Lorzentobel gorge. The cave system is around 6,000 years old and was discovered in 1863, when tufa was quarried to line railway tunnels in the Knonaueramt region. Small lakes and stalactite formations in a range of colours characterise the caves; these formations include stalagmites and stalactites. Allow about 45 minutes for a self-guided visit.

The Höllgrotten walking trail leads from urban Baar along the Lorze to the caves. Another route runs from Schmittli near Neuägeri via the Höllgrotten and Baar to the town of Zug; it is suitable for cycling, hiking and inline skating. The caves can be reached from Baar by car or bicycle. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the caves with a stay that also includes trails along the Lorze.

Baarburg, Churches and Architectural History

Baarburg is Baar’s most prominent landmark, rising as a plateau-like hill northeast of the village. Archaeological investigations have documented at least seven settlement phases on Baarburg, from the Middle Bronze Age, starting in 1550 BC, to the Early Middle Ages around AD 700. This wide span of time makes the site a significant reference point for the early settlement history of the area.

The churches also tell different chapters of the area’s architectural history. The Reformed Church was built in 1866/67 as the first Protestant church building in Central Switzerland. The tower of the Catholic parish church of St Martin dates from around 1360 and is still characterised by its Baroque furnishings. Its roof structure dates from 1557 and remains noteworthy.

In the Lorzentobel gorge stands the oldest Lorzentobel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge built in 1759. The three bridges in the valley symbolise the vital transport link between mountain and valley in the Zug region. Another historic site is Wildenburg Castle: built in the early 13th century as the residence of the Lords of Hünenberg, it was abandoned after about 200 years and carefully restored in 1985. Nearby Allenwinden’s historic village centre includes the parish church of St Wendelin, built in 1749.

Industrial History and Baar Traditions

The Mühlebach Canal reveals the role hydropower played in local industry. The Obermühle mill and Baar spinning mill used the canal’s power to run their machinery. Information panels along the Mühlebach Canal explain its historical significance for Baar’s industrialisation and give the subject a tangible place in the townscape.

The Baarer Räbefasnacht is part of local culture. It was founded on 13 February 1947 at the Zur Waage restaurant; the Räbegäuggel, designed by Eugen Hotz, is its central symbolic figure. Visitors can take part in the Räbevaters enthronement ceremony and the big parade on Carnival Sunday; exact programme details vary from year to year. Baarer Räbemues is served every year at the traditional Räbevatermöhli feast.

Baar Brewery is also part of the town’s history: it was founded in 1862. Brewery tours offer insights into the art of brewing. For those who wish to include local traditions and this craft in their trip, alongside architectural and industrial history, there are further Baar-themed activities to consider when planning a stay.

Getting Here and Planning Your Stay

From Zug railway station, visitors can reach Baar on the Zug light railway or bus route 3. Baar is also served by intercity trains on the Lucerne–Zurich line. Check the current timetable before travelling. When looking for a hotel in Baar, it helps to decide in advance which aspects of your trip matter most: the Höllgrotten caves and trails along the Lorze offer a different focus from churches, bridges or the history of the Mühlebach Canal.

Discover more destinations: Cham, Neuheim, Zug, Risch, Walchwil, Steinhausen, Menzingen, Unterägeri

Back to the main travel overview: Zug.