Zugerland Verkehrsbetriebe

The history of the Lake Zug ships

It is impressive to see how many ships have already crossed Lake Zug and carried thousands of passengers. What has remained is the attachment to the name "Rigi" and the joy of spending time on the lake.

1852

The first paddle steamer "Rigi" on Lake Zug could carry 180 passengers. It chugged across the lake at a leisurely 18 kilometres per hour.

1876

The saloon steamer Helvetia spent 20 years on Lake Zug. It then moved to Lake Lucerne.

1905

The first Rigi is launched by the Zug Steamship Company (DGZ).

2001

The motor vessel Schwan is christened.

2003

The christening ceremony took place on 2 May 2003 at the railway station jetty in Zug. Today, the third MS Zug still shines as a flagship on Lake Zug.

2011

The renovation of the proud motor vessel Rigi is realised. She is still on course on Lake Zug today.

2023

Sale of the MS Schwyz, which entered the water in 1992, to Lake Walen.

The Rigi

Shipping has been associated with its local mountain, the Rigi, since the very beginning. The first records of passenger transport on Lake Zug can be traced back to the flow of tourists towards the Rigi. This is probably why the name "Rigi" is still a tradition on the boats on Lake Zug today.

in 1852 , the steamboat with the name "Rigi" set sail on Lake Zug.
construction of the Rigi II began on 15 May 1904 .
On 9 September 1904, a society celebrated the inauguration at the Hotel Adler in Arth. It had 200 seats and transported tourists on Lake Zug until 1959 .
in 1960 , the motor ship Rigi II was launched, which was
replaced in 1992 by the current motor vessel Rigi III.
the MS Rigi will be renovated in 2011 and its interior modernised in 2024