Kematen in Tirol

Kematen in Tirol, located about 10 km from Innsbruck, represents the border between the Oberinntal and Unterinntal valleys.

Altitude: 610 m asl

At the junction of the Melach and the Inn rivers, there is the municipality of Kematen in Tirol (see pic). Part of the municipal territory is also the locality of Afling, in which the original constructions have largely stood the test of time. The name of Kematen derives from the Latin term “Caminata”, which means “heated chamber”. According to a legend the name is based on the exclamation of Maximilian I, who was stuck in the Martinswand rock face: “Wenn sie decht nur kematen”, which means “if only they would come”.

Baking ovens and two detached granaries, that were used to keep the tithe safe in the 14th century, are only some of the buildings that are of particular interest in the village. Originally there were nine granaries in Kematen. Worth to be visited is also the parish church dedicated to St. Victor, boasting a particularly interesting element: The recently restored bulbous spire is the only steeple of Tyrol that has got three onion-domes! The church was built in the early Middle Ages in Romanesque construction style and destroyed by a fire in 1400 AD. In the mid 18th century a further fire destroyed the now Gothic building and it was reconstructed in Baroque style. An interesting fact about the village is that no other building is older than about 300 years, except the ancient parish estate, which today is in private hands. In 1703, in the War of Spanish Succession, the Bavarians that were expelled from Innsbruck, raped and burnt the village to the ground.

In summer Kematen in Tirol offers a tennis court, a football and sports field, a beach volley field as well as playgrounds for kids. Moreover it is a popular starting point for hiking tours in the enchanting Sellraintal valley. Also, is the village directly located along the Inn cycle path, which enables you to cycle from Engadine to Passau. As there are hardly any gradients, this cycle path is ideal for a pleasant and not too exhausting day trip. In winter, however, the village is surrounded by several skiing areas: Free bus shuttles take you into the family-friendly Rangger Köpfl skiing area in Oberperfuss, in the Kühtai skiing area as well as in the famous Axamer Lizum. And also Seefeld, the skiing areas of the Oetztal valley and the Stubai Glacier are within easy reach.

Our tip: We warmly recommend you the Way of St. James (Jakobsweg), passing the hamlet Afling at the church and snaking along the forest. There are several benches along this path, ideal for taking a break and enjoying the great view on the Inntal valley and the Martinswand rock face!