RSSIn Oberndorf, Austria
Oberndorf is known at this time of year as the home of the Silent Night chapel.
It was here that “Silent Night” was first performed, hastily prepared for Christmas Eve service by a priest and organist in 1818. The original church was torn down after flooding, but a memorial chapel and small museum exist where the church once stood.
Better yet, take a walk to the river behind these grounds to get a more true sense of the time of “Silent Night.”
There is a large bridge leading to Laufen, the commercial center and richer of the two towns. The Napoleonic Wars had ravaged the area, and a re-drawing of the map separated working class Oberndorf from Laufen. The river would overflow, the harvests were poor. Jobs were disappearing. Food was scarce. Darkness had fallen on Oberndorf.
It was these dark times that beget a song of hope, an inspirational to believe that all could be calm, all could be bright.
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Benjamin Thomas
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About the Eurail Blog
Benjamin Thomas from the USA has been using Eurail Passes to explore Europe. On this weblog he shares his (train) travel experiences. Intro
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Thank you for this information. I want to take the train to the chapel also. Is it open year-round, or only at Christmas? Thank you. Jessica
Hello Jessica — The chapel is open year-round, but they have special events during the Christmas season. Have fun, Benjamin.