Enjoy the festive Christmas Eve celebrations in the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, near Salzburg. It was here the now world-famous song was first sung. Drink your fill of the magical atmosphere, among the snow-covered foothills of the Alps.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, German

The experience

Walk along the snow-lined pathways of the Alps
Take part in the Christmas festivities in the Oberndorf Chapel
Hear and sing Silent Night in all languages
Discover the birthplace of Silent Night

Full description

Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas Eve! This 4 hour excursion to Oberndorf, near Salzburg, will make this Christmas one you will never forget: for in Oberndorf stands the Silent Night Chapel, where the famous carol was first performed. According to the legend, it was here that Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber, the lyricist and composer, found themselves faced with the problem of a broken organ. Mohr remembered the poem, Silent Night, which he had written two years previously, and Gruber wrote out a simple tune that he could play on the guitar. And that was how the famous song was born. It is traditional in Salzburg and the regions around it, upper Austria, Bavaria and Tirol, to turn out all the electric lights on Christmas Eve. The church will be lit only by candlelight. There is no more heartwarming place to take part in the Christmas festivities than the Oberndorf Chapel. Of course, the proceedings end with Silent Night , and whatsmore, in several languages. Before visiting the chapel, a knowledgeable guide will accompany you along the Salzach, through the snowy foothills of the Alps.

Includes

Tour guide
Christmas festivities in the Oberndorf Chapel

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
All participants over 12 years old must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 22 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

Mirabellplatz bus station

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Important information

What to bring

Warm clothing

Know before you go

For those traveling in a wheelchair, please note that your wheelchair must be collapsible and you must be able to climb into the bus or minivan independently (1 to 3 steps). If you are traveling in a wheelchair, please indicate this when booking.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 7 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.7/5
Value for money
3.2/5
Safety
3.5/5

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Nice experience on Christmas Eve, shame about the weather though and hard to see as most people have umbrellas.

December 25, 2019

The tour started normally with Panorama. Left in time and first stop was good too. Then as we arrived close to our destination the bus had something wrong but that's ok it is something that can happen. After the silent night was finished we want back as our tour leader told us that another bus is going to come. When we arrived he told us to go in another bus with another tour leader as the bus was a little bit smaller than the previous one. We agreed and went on the other one, NO ONE of our group came with us. Our group left at around 6 pm the time we agreed on with the tour leader, BUT as we were on the other bus, someone from this new bus decided to take a relax stroll and never returned to the bus we left at 6:36 without them it was already late for us as we had a reservation at 7pm. When we arrived in Salzburg the tour leader of this bus decided to stop many times wherever the group want to stop, we were very angry as the original stop was the last time an ended up late for dinner!

December 26, 2017

Awesome experience

December 25, 2017

Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour from Salzburg

Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour from Salzburg

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