Summer in Mariapfarr
In this holiday resort in the Lungau region, scenic mountain tours await – with the perfect option for every level and every taste. In Salzburg’s Lungau, nature reveals itself at its very best. How about a hike from one alpine lake to the next? During the Lungau Alpine Summer, mountain hut hosts are ready to welcome you with delicious regional specialties.
Winter in Mariapfarr
Once Mother Hulda has shaken out her feather beds over the Lungau, skiers and snowboarders are truly spoilt for choice. Several top ski areas await with perfectly groomed slopes:
There’s also plenty to enjoy beyond the pistes in wintry Mariapfarr: cross-country trails through snow-covered landscapes, guided ski tours and snowshoe hikes on the surrounding slopes, as well as fun-filled toboggan runs. Cross-country enthusiasts will appreciate the snowmaking-equipped, snow-reliable high-altitude trail in the Lignitz Valley in Mariapfarr. Visitors can also try laser biathlon at the Lignitz Cross-Country Centre.
Pilgrimage Site and “Silent Night” Community of Mariapfarr
The so-called “Mother Church” of Mariapfarr was first documented as early as 923. Over the centuries, the church was repeatedly expanded in different architectural styles. Beginning in 2014, the interior underwent extensive restoration and redesign: a new people’s altar was installed, the Neo-Gothic high altar was returned to its pre-1947 renovation state, and the wrought-iron grille dating from 1731 was moved several metres back. On 5 April 2018, Pope Francis elevated the pilgrimage church to the rank of Basilica minor by decree.
The historic rooms of the former parish house are home to the Parish, Pilgrimage and Silent Night Museum.
Did you know that Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics to the world-famous Christmas carol “Silent Night! Holy Night!” in Mariapfarr in 1816? It was here, at his first official post as a young priest, that he penned the text—serving in this important pilgrimage town, which was also the birthplace of his father. The melody was later composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber.
The newly redesigned museum explores the theme of pilgrimage and its connection to “Silent Night” in many different facets. It presents the idea of “the journey” in various ways—from Joseph Mohr’s life story and the challenging social conditions of the time, to the inner and personal journey of each individual, and to the treasures that have found their way into the museum. Among them are valuable pieces from the parish church of Mariapfarr dating back to the flourishing period of pilgrimage. Pilgrimage itself is closely linked to setting out, letting go, seeking direction, embarking on a path and finally arriving.
Even though more than 200 years have passed, the magic of what is probably the most famous Christmas carol in the world can still be felt every year on 24 December.
First verse:
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Lyrics: Joseph Mohr, 1816
Melody (composition): Franz Xaver Gruber, 1818
Autograph VII (Hallein, c. 1860)
Source: Denkmäler der Musik in Salzburg, Vol. 4, p. 17 (Copyright: Comes Verlag)
Details on the Parish, Pilgrimage and Silent Night Museum
