The Silent Night chapel in Oberndorf near Salzburg is dedicated as a remembrance to the “Silent Night” song and its originators Joseph Mohr (lyrics) and Franz Xaver Gruber (music). It reminds of the Christmas eve in 1818 where it could be hear for the very first time – then in the old St. Nikolaus church.

This old St. Nikolaus church was endangered over and over again by floods and was heavily damaged in 1899 as well as other parts of the town. With the fear of high costs as well as repeating dangers resulting from the river Salzach it was agreed upon to not renovate the church. In 1906 a new church was built in the centre of the town and therefore the old church got demolished. After 1913 there was only to find a pile of debris at the birthplace of the world-famous song.

On the occasion of the 100-year anniversary in 1918 and the end of World War I, people wanted the peace message of Mohr and Gruber to be put to the fore and finally in 1924 it was decided upon to erect a commemoration chapel. This intention had to overcome depreciation, inflation und political crisis and to implement the project it took until the 15th of August in 1937.
Today, the chapel represents a symbol for the “Silent Night” song and the strongly connected peace message within. Replicas of the chapel can be found at the Corinthian Minimundus (miniature exhibition) in the scale of 1:25, as well as in Michigan/USA, where it was built in original size.

Thousands of visitors come to the church each year, especially around Christmas. On Christmas eve a ceremonious mess takes place, where the song is performed in numerous languages.

Thousands of visitors come to the church each year, especially around Christmas. On Christmas eve a ceremonious mess takes place, where the song is performed in numerous languages.