By Javier Saavedra 

Some families arrive in Central Switzerland knowing exactly what to expect. Others arrive with questions, curiosity, and a little uncertainty. The great news is that both are welcome.

Luzern and Zug offer two distinct but equally rewarding ways of life. Luzern is known for its vibrant lakeside charm and cultural heartbeat. Zug, with its peaceful lake and large international population, offers quiet streets and a slower rhythm that grows on you. English is widely spoken, and it is easy to connect with others in a similar situation.

What unites them is a shared sense of balance – between nature and city, local traditions and international influence, routine and adventure.

A Walk Through Luzern 

Luzern feels vibrant and full of character throughout the year. Here’s how the seasons flow:

  • Spring brings Fasnacht (Luzern Carnival), with colourful parades, costumes, and a contagious sense of fun. 
  • Summer opens the city up: swimming at Ufschötti or Lido Luzern, paddle-steamers across the lake, mountaintop picnics, fountains, ice cream by the waterfront, and activities like open-air cinemas, food festivals, lakeside yoga, concerts, and fireworks. It’s a time when the city feels alive and open to all. 
  • Autumn introduces a golden, cosy atmosphere. Families enjoy seasonal events like the Lozärner Oktoberfest (September), the lively Lozärner Määs autumn fair (October), and the regional Cheese Festival – a celebration of Central Switzerland’s best producers. The crisp air and colourful foliage make it perfect for forest walks, mountain hikes, and scenic train rides like the Gotthard Panorama Express. It’s also a time for tasting pumpkin dishes, mushroom stews, roasted chestnuts, fresh cider, and enjoying local wine harvests. 
  • Winter keeps the charm alive with ice skating, sledding, and Christmas markets in the historic old town. The city glows with lights, music, and seasonal warmth. 

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Quiet Life in Zug 

Zug is smaller, calm, and deeply community-minded. Many families choose Zug for its peaceful pace and strong family networks. The lakeside path is perfect for evening walks. Parks like Brüggli or Villette invite kids to play and parents to connect.

Zug may feel quieter than Luzern, but it is full of charm. The weekly market, gentle lake sunsets, and easy train links to Zurich make it a perfect place to settle. Zug is also known for its favourable tax structure, which draws many international professionals and families. While rent can be higher and housing harder to find, many consider it worthwhile if they plan to save money or stay long term.

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Nature All Around 

Living in Luzern or Zug means nature is never far. Forest trails, bike paths, and lakeside spots are part of everyday life. Children grow up climbing trees, spotting mountain goats, and learning to care for the world around them.

Our schools reflect this rhythm too. Fresh air breaks and local outings are part of what we do. We believe that nature helps children feel grounded, curious, and confident.

Give Your Child a Bilingual Start in Life 

At Four Forest, we believe language learning is part of how children connect to the world around them. Our weekly bilingual model, with one week in English and the next in German, gives children the space to grow confident in both languages in a natural, immersive way.

We follow the Swiss Curriculum 21, enriched with English components drawn from the British curriculum. This balance helps children build strong academic skills while also developing curiosity, resilience, and empathy.

Our Luzern and Zug campuses share this approach. Each offers a warm, supportive environment that values outdoor exploration, creative expression, and bilingual learning from the early years through primary education. Families often tell us how quickly their children begin to switch languages with ease and enthusiasm.

From science experiments in the forest to music, drama, and sport, learning at Four Forest is engaging and active. We are proud to support international families as they settle in, helping each child feel known, supported, and ready for what comes next.

Everyday Life and Understanding the Local Culture 

Swiss people often value privacy, punctuality, and a calm approach to everyday life. A friendly Grüezi or a respectful greeting in the elevator can go a long way. Small courtesies like being on time, recycling correctly, or keeping quiet during rest hours are not just rules – they are part of the cultural rhythm. Taking time to notice these customs helps build mutual respect and smoother connections.

For a more in-depth and engaging look at daily life in Switzerland, we recommend reading The Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland by Diccon Bewes. Written in English, it offers practical tips, cultural insights, and a bit of humour to help newcomers settle in smoothly.

Here are a few more helpful resources for newcomers to Luzern and Zug:

Daily life in Switzerland runs smoothly. Trains and buses are reliable. The SBB app helps you plan your routes. For families living in Zug, ZVB offers local connections.

Doctors often speak English. You can book appointments through Doctena. Find housing through Homegate and Comparis. For newcomers, this Moving to Switzerland checklist is also a helpful starting point.

Learning German makes daily life smoother. While many people speak English, especially in cities, a few words can open doors. Migros Klubschule offers flexible courses for beginners.

Finding Your Community 

Many parents find support through online communities like Meetup, Hello Switzerland, or the Parentu app which shares multilingual advice on raising children in Switzerland.

In addition, each Four Forest campus hosts seasonal events, parent meetups, and celebrations that bring everyone together. Whether you are new to Switzerland or have lived here for years, you are part of a caring, bilingual community that supports one another.

And when your child comes home excited to share what they learned in two languages, when you know your family is growing with nature and care at its heart, you will feel it…

This is where you belong!