Illgau: Mountain Trails, Views and Culture

Illgau is located in the Central Swiss Pre-Alps between Muotathal and Ibergeregg. Much of its terrain faces south and southwest. The mountain village lies on a peaceful, sheltered sunny terrace around 200 metres above Muotathal. The municipality’s landscape includes mountain ridges towards the valley and the Bettbach and Mettelbach streams. There is almost 1,000 metres of elevation between the municipality’s lowest and highest points. These differences shape the setting for walks, hikes and views of the surrounding mountains.

Trails and excursions around Illgau

The Illgau–Ried cable car connects the mountain village to the public transport network and is part of the cantonal public transport system. Another connection, the Illgau–Vorderoberberg cable car, takes you to starting points for hiking, sledging and skiing. Check the cable car’s operating hours before your visit.

The Illgau–Muotathal Valley & Summit Tour leads downhill from Illgau to Muotathal via the restored old Chiläwäg trail. The route passes a waterfall along the way. Trail conditions may change; check their current status before setting out. Other walks and hikes lead to viewpoints from which you can see the Mythen and Muotathal from different perspectives. This gives you a choice between a named tour with Muotathal as its destination and shorter routes to viewpoints.

The Chäferliweg and its adventure stops

The Chäferliweg starts at the mountain station of the Illgau–St. Karl cable car. The easy route is 3 km long, takes 50 minutes and descends 365 metres. The St. Karl forest playground is along the way. Its attractions include a pinecone racetrack, a small ropeway, a large construction crane, a witch’s house, a witch’s trail and a witch’s kitchen. The individual play features may change.

The Balmli adventure and barbecue area is also on the Chäferliweg. It has swings, hanging ropes and a rope bridge leading up to an eagle’s nest. The details on distance, duration and elevation gain give you a concrete guide for planning your time; check the cable car’s operating arrangements separately.

Cave and local culture

Lauiloch is near the road leading up to Illgau. The cave is 6 km long; exploring it takes 2 to 3 hours, and its vertical extent is 180 metres. Its described features include elliptical passage profiles, short cave lakes to wade through and steep shafts climbed using iron ladders and wire ropes. Guided tours of Lauiloch are offered, among others, by Erlebniswelt Muotathal. Confirm dates and availability before your trip.

Illgau folk music is particularly well known and popular. Alongside traditional ensembles, bands also perform modern rock and pop music. The origins of the Illgau Sennenkilbi date back to 1903: the Schwyz Sennenkilbi inspired villagers to establish an event for Illgau. Today, the Sennenkilbi takes place every year on Shrove Monday; the Muotathal weather prophets also meet there regularly. If you have a specific travel date in mind, it is worth checking the event programme for that year.

High above Illgau, on Zingelberg, stands the 135-year-old Herz-Jesu Chapel. Together with the local music and recurring events, it adds a cultural dimension to the village’s trails and viewpoints.

Discover more destinations: Oberiberg, Seewen, Goldau, Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Steinen, Stoos, Brunnen, Rothenthurm.

For the overview of the wider region: Schwyz.