Kapfing: History in the Vorderes Zillertal

Kapfing Between Landscape and History

Kapfing lies in the Vorderes Zillertal on the alluvial fans of the Finsingbach and Rischbach streams. The two stream names give the village a specific landscape setting. At the same time, its historical evidence spans from prehistory to the 19th century: the urnfield, the Chapel of Our Lady and the stories of Karl Mauracher touch on different subjects. If you are planning a culturally focused stay, Kapfing can therefore be understood in terms of both its landscape and its various historical periods.

Kapfing was first mentioned in a document in 1299 under the name “Chaephing”. The Kapfing urnfield dates to the 12th century BC; 50 urn burials were recovered from an area of 740 square metres. The urnfield is significant because it provides the first documentation of prehistoric settlement in the Zillertal.

The two pieces of evidence differ in both their age and their geographical scope: the document records the first written mention of Kapfing, while the much older urnfield documents prehistoric settlement throughout the Zillertal. Local place-name history and a find of significance for the entire valley thus sit side by side.

These topics can therefore be considered separately for a cultural-history focus: the urnfield represents early archaeology, the Chapel of Our Lady the history of its construction and furnishings, and Mauracher the story of “Silent Night” in the Zillertal.

The Chapel and Mauracher

The Kapfing Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady, was built in 1746. It was endowed by Hans Geisler, owner of the “Alweiner” farm. The altar features the so-called “Prague Infant Jesus” in a gilded, glass-fronted shrine. The chapel’s construction date, endowment and furnishings offer different insights: into when it was built, who endowed it and a specific detail of the altar.

Karl Mauracher is also associated with Kapfing. In 1819, he learned the Christmas carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” in Oberndorf and brought a copy of it to the Zillertal. A commemorative plaque on the house at Kapfing 13, where Mauracher lived, recalls his role in bringing “Silent Night!” to the Zillertal. He built the Orgelerhaus in 1829. A bronze plaque beside the door of the Orgelerhaus commemorates Karl Mauracher.

The dates refer to different events: 1819 marks Mauracher’s encounter with the carol in Oberndorf and the passing on of a copy; 1829 dates the construction of the Orgelerhaus. Together, these details tell a story of the carol’s transmission and building history, though they are not the same chapter in his legacy.

On Foot and by Train

The Fügener Cultural Hiking Trail reaches the Kapfing Chapel. At the junction by the fire station, turn left; a short, gently downhill path then leads to the chapel. This gives you the turn-off and the direction of the final stretch for planning your walk. Check local conditions before setting out.

Kapfing has a Zillertalbahn stop at kilometre 11.693 of the line. If you are considering taking the train, check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Gagering

Back to the main travel overview: Fügen.