Wagrain

Both, the Austrian author Karl Heinrich Waggerl and the famous writer of the most well-known Christmas Carol "Silent Night! Holy Night!", Joseph Mohr, lived in Wagrain. Mohr was born on the 11th Dezember 1792 in Salzburg and was ordained to priesthood in Salzburg's Cathedral on the 21st August 1815. He came to Wagrain in 1837 as an independent parish vicar after having been active as an assistant priest in various archbishopric parishes. He was loved and honoured by his parisheners as his beneficent activities blossomed. His first and greatest work was the building of the first elementary school in Wagrain, which still carries his name today. He gave most of his care and love to the poor. As he grew up in bitter poverty himself, he saw to it that laws for the poor were altered to give each of them a small room, food and clothing. As singer and musician who could play many instruments, he supported a large church choir, fostered German hymns and was an active composer. He died on 4th December 1848 and was buried in the Wagrain cemetery.

One can hear more about Joseph Mohr and  Wagrain on the culture walk (1.5 hrs) through the town. It is no wonder that Karl Heinrich Waggerl wrote the following over Wagrain: „A secret charm must lie over this village. People from far and wide suddenly leave everything behind to come here and live – not as religious hermits, but simply because life here is a business for which one needs time."