Christmas in Salzburg
On the trail of the world-famous song "Silent Night! Holy Night!"
Come to the SalzburgerLand, discover the life and works of the two men behind the Christmas song “Silent Night!”
The year was 1818. On Christmas Eve, inside St. Nicholas’ Church in Oberndorf, a song rang out whose simple beauty found a permanent place in the hearts of worshippers. At that time, no one had the slightest idea that “Silent Night!” would still be played centuries later at Christmas time –around the world.
The song from Salzburg that touches people around the world
"Silent Night" is actually the work of two friends, who created a simple composition without any aspirations towards fame, glory or even a penny in payment. Joseph Mohr, who later lived in Wagrain, wrote a poem which was subsequently set to music by Franz Xaver Gruber. The fact that this song is known at all today is mainly due to the organ of Oberndorf church having been broken at the time. Out of pure necessity, Mohr and Gruber were compelled to perform a song with simple guitar accompaniment – and “Silent Night! Holy Night!” was born.
Silent Night Land Salzburg - locations:
- Wagrain – Your holiday village in the SalzburgerLand
- Oberndorf
- Arnsdorf
- Salzburg
- Hallein
- Mariapfarr
The rest, of course, is history. "Silent Night!" spread around the world, was translated into 300 languages and is today sung and heard by billions of people at Christmas time. The SalzburgerLand’s various many locations associated with the life and works of Joseph Mohr and F.X. Gruber captivate you with their magical special events, museums and memorial sites dedicated to a time long past, yet one in which the deep emotions of “Silent Night!” were as powerful as they are today.
Additional Information – Silent Night Land Salzburg:
Naturally enough, Advent is the most beautiful time to visit Silent Night Land Salzburg. Awaiting you in Wagrain is a magical Advent programme with a very special relationship to the song “Silent Night!”. Send us a no-obligation enquiry to find out more about Advent packages for your holiday in Austria!
