Josefskapelle, Mountain chapel in Unterammergau, Germany
Josefskapelle is a small mountain chapel located at about 1293 meters elevation between two alpine huts and stands out for its distinctive copper tent roof with a small bell tower. The structure features a rectangular annex with a copper saddle roof and displays a fresco of Saint Joseph with the Christ Child inside.
The chapel's origins trace back to 1907 when Ludwig Fischer donated a statue of Saint Joseph. The building itself was constructed between 1989 and 1991 according to designs by woodcarver Josef Erhart.
The chapel serves as a place of remembrance for climbers and hikers who died in the mountains. Its interior combines religious devotion with the local tradition of mountaineering.
The chapel is reachable via a hiking trail of about 6 kilometers from Unterammergau that passes through alpine terrain. The hike requires moderate fitness and is easiest to walk during autumn and spring.
The chapel has an unusual octagonal floor plan that sets it apart from typical mountain chapels. This geometric shape gives the structure a distinctive architectural identity at this high elevation.
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