Austrian hunters restore a historic chapel in drautal

Hunters in the Drautal region of Austria preserved a historic chapel near Schloss Kreuzen by forming a dedicated association and performing manual repairs.

The community celebrates the feast of Saint Hubertus on 3 November. This day honors a legend where a hunter encountered a deer with a glowing cross in its antlers, an event that serves as a symbol for hunting ethics, respect for nature, and communal unity.

The chapel in question was built around 1705 to mark the end of the plague. By the late 20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair with broken windows, weathered walls, and a tree resting on the roof. In 1985, local hunters formed an association to save the structure. They worked alongside the Foscari family to perform the necessary renovations. Erika Schumi and her daughter Manuela continue to maintain the building today.

The chapel now serves as a meeting point for Hubertus celebrations. The project demonstrates how the local hunting community takes responsibility for their regional heritage and traditions alongside their roles in wildlife management.