Upper Austria

Silent Night country: Upper Austria

The Silent Night communities of Hochburg-Ach and Ried im Innkreis are closely linked to the teacher and composer Franz Xaver Gruber.

Hochburg-Ach: In the house in which Franz Xaver Gruber was born, the museum in the Franz Xaver Gruber memorial house (“Grubahäusl”) commemorates the composer. The museum is also the start and finish of the beautiful Franz Xaver Gruber peace trail, which has been decorated with sculptures from the Tyrolean sculptor Hubert J. Flörl. On each third advent weekend in Hochburg-Ach, the well-known and much loved historical play “On the search for the Silent Night” is performed by local amateur actors from the area. Make sure the book your tickets early!

Ried im Innkreis: This is where Franz Xaver Gruber took his teaching-qualification exam in 1806. Today, in the Innviertler Volkskundehaus museum, the original “Silent Night manger” from the St. Nicholas church in Oberndorf is on display.