A Town Shaped by Half-Timbered Charm and a Thousand Years of History
The municipality of Kaufungen, comprising the three districts of Niederkaufungen, Oberkaufungen, and Papierfabrik, is located just outside Kassel on the western edge of the Frau Holle GeoNature Park. Below the historic collegiate church complex, the old centre of Oberkaufungen is lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. Picturesque corners, unexpected viewpoints, and narrow historic streets invite visitors to explore this charming village at their own pace.
Kaufungen for Fairy Tale Enthusiasts
Kaufungen was first mentioned in historical records in 1011 under the name Coufunga as a royal estate. In 1017, Emperor Henry II and his wife Empress Kunigunde founded a Benedictine convent here. Following the Emperor's death, Kunigunde entered the convent herself and lived there until her death in 1033.
Today, the impressive collegiate church, together with the historic tithe barn, manor house, former administrative building, and the ancient lime tree, forms one of the most remarkable medieval architectural ensembles in northern Hesse. The entire complex is protected as a historic monument and is carefully preserved.
Numerous legends have grown up around Saint Kunigunde, who was canonised after her death. The best known is the Miracle of the Ploughshares, which tells of Emperor Henry II's public act of penance. This legend was also included by the Brothers Grimm in their collection German Legends (No. 482) under the title Saint Kunigunde.
Kaufungen for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors
A stroll through the historic centres of Niederkaufungen and Oberkaufungen is rewarding in every season. Charming half-timbered buildings define the traditional village streets, while the small late Gothic church in Niederkaufungen forms the centrepiece of the old village. Many historically significant buildings feature information panels explaining their original purpose, and the municipality offers both themed walking tours and regular guided visits.
The atmospheric collegiate church complex serves as a venue for an outstanding cultural programme featuring internationally acclaimed artists.
The municipal Old School Regional Museum, housed in the former Oberkaufungen school building dating from 1842, offers fascinating insights into everyday life and working traditions in Kaufungen through exhibitions spread across several floors.
Visitors can also discover more than 400 years of mining history at the Rossgang Mining Museum. The reconstructed horse-powered winding house and mine shaft building are impressive examples of 19th-century industrial heritage.
Brickmaking shaped Kaufungen for more than a century. Between 1870 and 1981, bricks and roof tiles were produced here. Today, the former brickworks—complete with its distinctive architecture, kilns, and machinery—has been preserved as the Hessian Brickworks Museum, where guided tours explain every stage of traditional brick production.
For hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers, Kaufungen is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside. Well-marked trails include the Fairy Tale Trail (Märchenlandweg), the GrimmSteig, the KasselSteig, the Herkules–Wartburg Cycle Route, the Losse Valley Cycle Route, long-distance hiking paths, circular walks, and premium trails through the Meißner–Kaufungen Forest Nature Park. The Kaufungen Tourist Information Centre provides a wide selection of route maps and walking recommendations for visitors of all abilities.
