How often does a humble chapel become a testament to a passionate vision? Right here before us stands the Hubertuskapelle. It is a sanctuary born from a deep-seated desire. Let’s uncover the story of this special place.
The Hubertuskapelle in Ulnötz is dedicated to Saint Hubertus. He is the patron saint of hunters. Its story began with Josef Bogensperger sen. He was a Ulnbauer in Althofen and a passionate hunter. He dreamed of building a chapel in Ulnötz.
First plans emerged in the late 1970s. David Bogensperger who lived in Salzburg loved the idea. He believed a chapel would fit perfectly into Ulnötz. His son Otto was a technical draftsman. In 1978 he created designs for the Hubertuskapelle.
In 1992 a site visit with Pfarrer Matzinger took place. They decided to build the chapel on a small hill. It was a place already inviting rest with a bench and a table. The local hunting association pledged its support. This happened at the Hegeringschießen in 1992. Soon after the groundbreaking ceremony took place.
Construction took place in 1992 and 1993. The Hubertuskapelle was consecrated on October 3rd, 1993. Anton Sagmeister oversaw planning and construction. Sepp Hötzer crafted the wooden altar and window frames. The glass windows were made in Kramsach Tirol. Mr. Gartler donated them. Hans Schreilechner created the grille and candle holders. Peter Gruber painted the Hubertus legend.
Volunteers contributed significantly to the chapel’s construction. They put in 80 shifts of manual labor. They also used tractors and machines for 39 hours. Numerous consultations and discussions took place. Donations reached 62,077 Schilling. The total cost was 135,000 Schilling.
The Hubertuskapelle is located at the end of Schuldirektor Noggler-Weg in Mariapfarr. It stands on a small hill. The chapel is a stately building for its kind. The chapel room is almost square. Its rear wall is curved. Two circular windows light the chapel from the sides.
The steep roof is covered with larch shingles. A column supports the front of the roof. This creates a covered entrance area. Two turned wooden columns stand on low natural stone walls. They frame the entrance. Two steps lead to the tall gated opening.
Above the curved arch it is written: “Hl. Hubertus bitte für uns” meaning “Saint Hubertus pray for us”. The grille features a capercaillie and a stag’s head in round medallions. It is designed like a tree of life. Inside there is a simple altar table. Behind it a painting covers the entire rear wall. It depicts the most famous moment of the Hubertus legend. Hubertus sees a stag with a cross between its antlers. Another set of antlers is on the roof structure outside.
The Hubertuskapelle stands as a testament to faith and community. It reflects one man’s dream brought to life. It is a place of peace. The chapel invites all who pass by to reflect and find solace.