Discover Oberndorf bei Salzburg through its Silent Night story and the paths along the Salzach. The chapel stands on the site of the former St. Nikola Church; the Silent Night Museum is right next door. There are also walking paths and a cycling route that explore Oberndorf, Laufen and the river landscape from different directions.

The Chapel, Museum and Oberndorf’s History

The Silent Night Chapel was consecrated in 1937 after twelve years of construction. Its location points to St. Nikola Church, which previously stood on this site. The trail through Oberndorf’s history thus begins at a specific place and with a clearly dated chapter.

The Silent Night Museum occupies two floors of the former sexton’s house next to the chapel. Joseph Mohr lived there during his time as an assistant priest in Oberndorf. The chapel and museum side by side bring together two aspects of the place: the site of the former church and the house where Mohr lived at the time.

The museum also explores Joseph Mohr’s connection with Oberndorf’s boatmen, the lives of boatmen’s families and the historical importance of shipping on the Salzach. These themes lead from a well-known figure to the history of the people who lived by the river. Those interested in Oberndorf’s cultural heritage will find more than a single memorial site: shipping and the families connected with it are also part of local history.

Walking Along the Salzach and Between Two Towns

The Schiffer.Stadt.Laufen&Oberndorf augmented reality trail runs through Laufen and Oberndorf along the Salzach. It offers views of the town on the opposite bank and can be walked at any time on a stroll around the Salzach loop. The course of the river, views of the towns and the digital themed-trail format shape this walk.

The Two-Town Circular Trail starts at Silent Night Square and follows the Salzach to the Nepomuk Monument. Cross the Europasteg bridge to Laufen, then return to Oberndorf via the border bridge. The starting point, the route to the monument and the two crossings define the circular route between the towns.

The Pilgrims’ Way also starts at the Europasteg bridge and leads to the Nepomuk Monument at the foot of the Bühelstiege steps. The route is clearly signposted for a walk to this destination. Another option is the path to the Salzach dam, built in 1920: from there, you can enjoy views of the neighboring Bavarian town of Laufen and the Salzburg Pre-Alps.

A Cycling Route with Its Own Course

Those who prefer to travel by bicycle can take the Silent Night Route, which offers a different kind of journey. It starts in Oberndorf and runs as a cycling route via Göming and Lamprechtshausen to the Bürmoos Moor. The return journey goes via St. Georgen back to Oberndorf. The route differs from the walking paths along the Salzach both in its mode of transport and in the sequence of places it passes and its destination.

There are therefore different options to choose from: the walking paths follow the Salzach and include Laufen, while the Silent Night Route is described as a cycling route passing through other towns on its way to the Bürmoos Moor.

Discover more destinations: Plainfeld, Wals-Siezenheim, Obertrum Am See, Viehhausen, Salzburg, Muntigl, Anif, Ellmau

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