Circular route "Chapels around Ibach"

From cultural land to Saint Apollonia:
From the center of Ibach, you quickly reach the southern edge of the settlement. Between the houses stands the first of four chapels along the circular route. The earliest Erlen chapel was built in 1485 in the village center. At the edge of the settlement, blooming allotment gardens decorate the path and open a wide view of the surrounding cultural landscape. The circular route passes two benches inviting you to pause. At the edge of the field, three decoy posts of the Swiss Farmers' Association provide insight into the diversity of agriculture. Along meadows and pastures, the hiking trail continues on a narrow path to Unterschönenbuch. Orchards adorn the surrounding historical farmhouses. Before the first ascent, the circular route passes the Toothache chapel. It is named after the patron saint against toothache, Saint Apollonia. Prayers at this place are said to relieve tooth pain. The chapel was built in the 17th century on the old path to Unterschönenbuch.

Ascent to Unterschönenbuch:
After this chapel follows a short ascent to Unterschönenbuch, a hamlet with 150 residents. The houses of the hamlet are loosely arranged around the magnificent St. Wendelin chapel. This sacred building was completed at the beginning of the early 18th century and is named after the patron saint of farmers. The route continues along the road to Oberschönenbuch. With some luck, sunbathing wall lizards can be observed. Those who want to imitate them will find another bench at the roadside. Thanks to the gained altitude, enjoy a magnificent view of the Muota plain towards the Urmiberg. Then follows another, but gentle terrain ascent on Unterschönenbuchstrasse with a direct view of the Mythen. Colorful meadows and pastures with occasional hedges and fruit trees, as well as rustic farmhouses, characterize the landscape chamber.

Back to the center via the place of power:
During the descent to Ibach, on the left roadside stands the Maria zum guten Rat wayside chapel. The location of the chapel is called a place of power. It is worth pausing for a moment in the chapel. Anyone who wishes can leave their thoughts in the chapel's guestbook. After this moment of recharging, continue walking towards the Muota. Its rushing sound becomes increasingly audible while the Hintere Muotabrücke, built in 2008, can be seen in the distance. Downriver, you reach back to the center of Ibach.

Flyer for the LEK Circular Route 2023 "Chapels around Ibach"