Today was a day full of music, history, and Christmas magic. From the serene origins of Silent Night to the vibrant streets of Salzburg and the festive charm of Linz, we soaked in the spirit of the holidays at every stop.
Morning in Passau and Crossing into Austria
We woke up as we were almost in Passau and enjoyed a peaceful breakfast in our cabin before departing for our day-long excursion. While our ship sailed down the Danube toward Linz, we headed south into Austria—the second country of our adventure.
Our guide provided fascinating commentary as we traveled along the German-Austrian border, sharing stories about the region’s history and culture. The misty landscape made for a scenic and peaceful drive.
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| Leaving Germany and Entering Austria |
Silent Night: A Story of Peace
Our first stop was Maria im Mösl, a small and beautiful church in Arnsdorf, Austria, and a small schoolhouse, where the music for Silent Night was composed. Inside, we learned about Joseph Mohr, a young priest who wrote the lyrics, and Franz Xaver Gruber, the church organist and schoolteacher who composed the melody in 1818.
The world-famous Christmas carol was born out of necessity. The church’s organ had been damaged, so Mohr and Gruber performed Silent Night for the first time with just a guitar accompaniment during Christmas Eve Mass.
To make the moment unforgettable, two singers performed Silent Night for us in both German and English, just as it would have been sung over 200 years ago. Their voices, accompanied by the soft strumming of a guitar, filled the small church with warmth and serenity.
Outside the church, we explored the small cemetery surrounding the grounds, where graves are sometimes exhumed when space is needed—an old tradition in many European villages.
Next, we traveled nearby to the Stille Nacht Kapelle (Silent Night Chapel) in Oberndorf, Austria. This quaint chapel stands on the site of the original Nikolauskirche, where Silent Night was performed for the first time. The chapel is a beautiful tribute to the carol, its creators, and the enduring message of peace it carries.
Exploring Salzburg: Music and History
After our Silent Night stops, we arrived in Salzburg, a city rich in history and known worldwide for its contributions to music.
Mozart’s Legacy
Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous composers of all time. We visited Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse, where he was born in 1756. The yellow townhouse has been turned into a museum showcasing his early life, family, and musical genius. Nearby, we passed Mozartplatz, where his statue overlooks a winter ice rink bustling with skaters.
Mozart’s compositions—like The Magic Flute, Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Requiem—continue to inspire music lovers worldwide. If you’d like to hear some of his work, check out recordings on platforms like YouTube or Spotify for free!
Sound of Music Highlights
Our guide also shared fun tidbits about The Sound of Music, the iconic 1965 film inspired by the real-life von Trapp family. In Salzburg, we saw:
- Nonnberg Abbey, where the real Maria and Captain von Trapp were married.
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Mozart University Plaza, where Julie Andrews taught the children “Do-Re-Mi” in the movie.
As we walked throughhe plaza, our group couldn’t resist singing a little bit of the famous tune—it was a fun and memorable moment!
While heading to Linz later, we passed Mondsee, the town where the wedding scene in the movie was filmed at Basilika St. Michael.
Christmas Markets and Local Treats
After a guided walking tour, we had free time to explore Salzburg’s Christmas markets. The festive atmosphere was enchanting, with colorful lights, the scent of mulled wine, and cheerful music filling the air.
We indulged in:
- Spaetzle with Cheese: A creamy and comforting dish that warmed us up.
- Warm Drinks in Market Mugs: Perfect souvenirs to take home.
- Stiegl Beer: A refreshing taste of Austria’s brewing heritage.
Salzburg’s markets offered a mix of handcrafted items and traditional treats, making it hard to leave without filling our bags!
Evening in Linz
After a scenic bus ride, we arrived in Linz just as our ship docked. The timing was perfect, and we felt a sense of homecoming as we boarded. After a quick stop in our cabin, we attended the nightly port talk to learn about tomorrow’s stops in Melk and Vienna.
Later, we ventured out with the Kesslers to see the Linz Christmas Market. The glowing lights and cheerful atmosphere were the perfect way to cap off the day. We sipped honey mulled wine, keeping the festive Linz market mugs as souvenirs, and then returned to the ship.
Evening Entertainment and Laughter
The night ended with a lively performance by a trio of sisters reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. They opened with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and continued with a mix of WWII-era hits and Christmas songs.
Midway through, the lead singer added some audience participation by inviting Rob to the stage. She teased him about an old Army cap he supposedly left behind before pulling him into an air band performance. Gary and Dane soon joined him, pretending to play instruments as the sisters performed. The crowd roared with laughter—it was a highlight of the night!
After the show, we returned to our cabin to watch as the ship departed Linz and drifted toward Melk and Vienna. It was the perfect ending to a magical day.
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