Silent Night Chapel -- Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria

Destination: The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf, Austria, on the map, but it’s the chapel memorializing the beloved carol that is the town’s main attraction.

Best seen blanketed in snow, the small octagonal-shaped chapel, just 13 miles from Salzburg, is a tourist destination any time of year.

Photo: The Silent Night Chapel is best seen blanketed in snow. (CNS photo/courtesy www.stillenacht.com)

Why to go: With a storied past, the song plays a key role in a small Alpine town, a brief ceasefire during World War I and a beloved local debut.

The poem of “Silent Night” was written in 1816 by Father Joseph Mohr while living in Mariapfarr, Austria. The song, with music written by Francis Xavier Gruber, made its debut Dec. 24, 1818, at St. Nikola Church. The church’s organ was broken, so Father Mohr played guitar while he and the parish organist Gruber sang. 

The Silent Night Chapel marks the site where St. Nikola Church stood before floods in the 1890s. Construction on the memorial chapel began in 1924 and it was completed  Aug. 15, 1937, the feast of the Assumption.

On Christmas Eve in 1914, during World War I, the song prompted a cease-fire as French and British troops faced off against German troops in Flanders, Belgium. “Silent Night” was the only carol they all knew. The soldiers met briefly to sing, play games and trade goods.

The town is very walkable; check out the Salzach River, the Silent Night Post Office and more. Depending on when you visit, you can go to the Christmas Market starting in mid-November.

You can also take in the sights and sounds of the Silent Night Chapel without stepping on a plane. Hear “Silent Night” being sung in the chapel at bit.ly/3WpnvTV and view a 360-degree panorama for “Stille Nacht Kapelle Oberndorf” at https://www.salzburgerland.com/de/stille-nacht-kirchen-360-panorama/

When to go: If you’re planning a Christmas visit (and are ready to brave crowds), make sure to get to the chapel by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Since 1953, the chapel has commemorated the song with an annual performance. 

Admission: There is no admission fee, though the Silent Night Museum nearby has a gift shop with Christmas ornaments, books and postcards. 

Accessibility: The chapel is reached by steps and sits on a slight (non-fenced) hill. With another person’s help, those using wheelchairs or strollers may be able to visit.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! You may want to check with the museum beforehand if your little ones want to sing inside, though. 

Info: Address — Stille Nacht-Platz 1, 5110 Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria  

Phone — +43 6272 4422 

Website — https://www.stillenacht.com/

— By Ann Augherton, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org