Gepatschhaus und Kapelle Maria Schnee mit angebautem Schlafhaus, Alpine architectural ensemble in Kaunertal, Austria
The Gepatschhaus and Maria Schnee Chapel form a connected building complex located at 1928 meters in the Ötztal Alps. The facility combines mountain shelter accommodation with a religious building attached to the sleeping quarters.
The Gepatschhaus was built in 1873 as the first Alpine Club shelter in Austria and underwent major changes throughout its lifetime. The Maria Schnee Chapel was added later between 1894 and 1895 to serve the spiritual needs of mountain visitors.
The Maria Schnee Chapel reflects how mountain communities maintain spiritual life at high altitudes through regular gatherings. Visitors can sense the connection between faith and the routines of mountain climbing in this remote setting.
The facility operates seasonally and visitors should plan accordingly based on mountain conditions and accessibility. The high elevation demands proper preparation and suitable equipment for anyone planning to visit.
The location sits near the toll-funded Kaunertaler Glacier Road that opened in 1980 to serve alpine tourism. This road provides access to high mountain terrain that would otherwise require technical climbing skills to reach.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
