Illgau lies on a peaceful, sheltered sunny terrace around 200 metres above the Muotathal. The mountain village is in the Central Swiss Pre-Alps between Muotathal and Ibergeregg; much of the terrain faces south and southwest. When choosing where to stay, it is worth considering what you would like to focus on: viewpoints, hikes, a shorter route or a cultural event each shape your visit in different ways.

Views and elevation profile

Hikes and walks in Illgau lead to viewpoints offering different perspectives of the Mythen peaks and the Muotathal. The landscape towards the Muotathal includes mountain ridges and the Bettbach and Mettelbach streams. The difference in elevation between the municipality’s lowest and highest points is almost 1,000 metres. Together with the predominantly south- and southwest-facing terrain, this creates a varied landscape.

Short route and longer trails

An easy 3-kilometre route is the Chäferli Trail. It starts at the mountain station of the Illgau–St. Karl aerial cableway; the route is listed as taking 50 minutes and descending 365 metres. The St. Karl forest playground and the Balmli adventure and barbecue area are along the Chäferli Trail. The playground includes, among other things, a pinecone racing track, a small cableway, a large construction crane, a witch’s house, a witch’s trail and a witch’s kitchen. At Balmli, there are swings, hanging ropes and a rope bridge leading up to an eagle’s nest. Individual play facilities may change. Also check the cableway’s operating information when planning your outing.

Another option is the Illgau–Muotathal Valley & Summit Tour. It leads from Illgau down to Muotathal along the restored old Chiläwäg and past a waterfall. As trail conditions may change, check the route before setting off. The Illgau–Vorderoberberg aerial cableway takes you to starting points for hiking, sledging and skiing.

Public transport and cave exploration

The Illgau–Ried aerial cableway connects the mountain village to the public transport network and is part of the cantonal public transport system. Lauiloch is near the road leading up to Illgau. The 6-kilometre-long cave has a vertical extent of 180 metres; 2 to 3 hours are allowed for exploring it. Its described features include elliptical passage profiles, short underground lakes to wade through and steep shafts climbed using iron ladders and wire ropes. Guided tours of Lauiloch are offered by, among others, Erlebniswelt Muotathal; confirm availability in advance. In terms of time required, the 50-minute Chäferli Trail contrasts with a 2- to 3-hour cave exploration.

Culture and regular events

The Illgau Sennenkilbi takes place every year on Carnival Monday. It dates back to 1903, when the Schwyz Sennenkilbi inspired villagers to create an Illgau edition. The Muotathal weather forecasters also meet regularly in Illgau. If you are planning your stay around a specific event, check the dates for that year’s edition.

Illgau’s folk music is well known and popular. Alongside traditional ensembles, bands also perform modern rock and pop music. The 135-year-old Herz-Jesu Chapel stands on Zingelberg, high above Illgau.

Discover more destinations: Schwyz, Seewen, Stoos, Lauerz, Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Arth, Rothenthurm, Oberiberg.

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