Joseph Mohr turns 230

It is that time of year again, our valley shines in a glittering white dress, it smells of cinnamon and oranges and gentle "Silent Night, Holy Night" resounds. A walk in the evening is especially beautiful at this time. I admire the beautiful Christmas illuminations every year. You may have noticed that I wrote about the song "Silent Night, Holy Night". Did you know that the lyrics were written by a very important person for us? Yes, exactly! It's about Joseph Mohr. He was born in Salzburg in 1792. The lyrics to this truly world-famous carol were written in 1816, and Franz Xaver Gruber wrote a melody for it so that it could be sung. The following Christmas, the two sang the carol for the very first time in St. Nikola Church in Oberndorf near Salzburg. Since then, it has been part of every Christmas season.

What does this have to do with our Wagrain-Kleinarl Valley? In 1837 Joseph Mohr came to Wagrain and took care of the needy in the parish as parish vicar. Joseph Mohr then died in Wagrain in 1848 and his grave can still be visited today in the cemetery of the Wagrain parish church. Wagrain is also one of the six Silent Night sites in the province of Salzburg. In each of these places there are numerous reminders of Mohr and his great work. In Wagrain you will find the Silent Night Museum in the Pflegerschlössl, the Joseph Mohr School, the aforementioned Joseph Mohr Grave, the "Silent Night" Carol Concert and the annual Joseph Mohr Memorial Concert.

You can also experience this history on the culture walk in Wagrain. You can walk this path on your own, with a guide or with an audio guide. You should allow about 1.5 hours for it. Our online guide "Hearonymus" can be downloaded free of charge in German and English. You can find it directly in your App Store. Then all you have to do is enter the keyword "Wagrain" and your walk will be enhanced with exciting details about Wagrain.

I'm sure some of you have also noticed that Joseph Mohr will be 230 years old this year, on 11 December 2022 to be precise. Isn't it cool that the lyricist of this great Christmas carol was even born during Advent? Some things really do seem preordained. By the way, you can visit the Silent Night Museum during Advent on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. In addition, our Advent market with children's bakery takes place every Advent Saturday from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. So a visit to the Silent Night Museum in the Pflegerschlössl on Saturday is definitely worth it! The one or other mulled wine or punch is already waiting for you.
Book tip: The European Christmas Cookbook was created through our Advent of Cultures. Because CUISINE is really important to us. Together with the pupils from Wagrain-Kleinarl, Taliman Sluga has collected Christmas menus from all over the world. You will find Christmas recipes from over 40 different countries. The cookbook is available at Thalia bookshops and on Amazon and costs € 29,00. You can take a look at one of the recipes here.

What do you actually put on the table at Christmas? Share your pictures with us @bloghuette.Have you always wanted to spend Advent in the mountains? The tranquility, the snow whilst waiting for Santa is especially atmospheric here with us. Book your desired accommodation here now.
photo credits: Wagrain-Kleinarl Tourismus