The best hikes from bus stations around Oberndorf bei Salzburg

Silent Night Chapel

Oberndorfer Au

Oichten tributary of Salzach

The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in the town of Oberndorf near Salzburg, in the Flachgau region, is a significant religious monument deeply rooted in the history and spirituality of the area. Created in 1720 by the talented sculptor Josef Anton Pfaffinger from Laufen an der Salzach, the statue was commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton Harrach. It depicts Saint John of Nepomuk, venerated as the patron saint of penitents and thus a central figure in the religious life of many believers. The construction of the Baroque Calvary Steps, overseen by the Salzburg Court Architects, was an expression of faith and connection with God. Originally, the statue was framed by two side staircases until the construction of the flood control dam in the 1930s, which altered the appearance of the area. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk is located on the pilgrimage route to the Church of the Visitation of Our Lady in Maria.

From there, the water flowed through further wooden pipes across the former bridge, located at the site of today's Europasteg footbridge, directly into the town and up to the castle. In 1889, Laufen received a modern water supply system, which meant the water tower was no longer needed. It was subsequently sold to the municipality of Oberndorf, which continued to use it until the construction of a new water pipeline in 1903. The Oberndorf water tower thus has not only technical but also cultural significance for the region, as it played a crucial role in shaping the development of the water supply system.

The Oberndorf Water Tower, located at Stille-Nacht-Platz 2 in the town of Oberndorf near Salzburg, is one of the most important listed historical monuments in the region. Its history is closely linked to the water supply problems of the nearby town of Laufen on the Salzach River, which suffered from water scarcity for centuries due to its geographical location. While Laufen, enclosed by a bend in the Salzach, had no access to natural water sources, suitable springs were found in the high bank area of the northern shore. To counteract this shortage, a water tower was built in 1540 in the area then known as the "Upper Village." Several springs were tapped, and their water was channeled through wooden pipes into a pump house. Here, an undershot waterwheel powered a pump that transported the spring water into a wooden vat under the roof of the water tower.

The Silent Night Museum in Oberndorf not only illuminates the origins of the famous Christmas carol "Silent Night! Holy Night!" but also the historical circumstances of that era. The museum's rooms tell the story of the song's humble beginnings and its rise to a world-renowned melody that connects people across generations. Currently, the special exhibition "ANOTHER STORY" from the SIMULTAN series opens a fascinating dialogue between museum culture and contemporary art. The artist Karin Fisslthaler explores the reception of the song and its far-reaching cultural influences. At the heart of this exhibition is the life and work of the Austrian author and actress Hertha Pauli. In 1943, while in exile in the USA, she wrote the children's book "Silent Night: The Story of a Song," which reveals the background and significance of the song for subsequent generations. These initiatives allow visitors to rediscover and reflect on the multifaceted history of the song and the associated social movements. A visit to the Silent Night Museum is worthwhile for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of music history.

In a small, peaceful village, where the air smells of pine branches and freshly baked bread, stands the Stille Nacht Chapel. Here, on the spot where the venerable St. Nicholas Church once towered, a new place of faith and contemplation has been created. Thanks to generous donations, this wonderful chapel blossomed after 12 years of hard work in 1937. The chapel's architecture is deliberately kept simple, a sign of humility and inner peace. Every year, visitors from all over the world flock here to give a moment for the soul in this modest sanctuary. The Stille Nacht Chapel, with its warm wood tones and peaceful atmosphere, invites contemplation. It is precisely its simplicity, unpretentious yet so moving, that makes it a lovely place where the Christmas spirit becomes palpable – a touch of magic that touches the heart.