The Silent Night Nativity Scene

The big church nativity scene was made around 1800 in Oberndorf on the Salzach river. The majority of the clothed figures have heads made of wax; later additions were carved from wood. Their bodies are made of wood and are held together with wire. This enables them to be bent into different positions. The figures were modelled on similar ones in Italy and South Tyrol. Of the original structure, only the ruined stable (without side extensions) and four reliefs with topographical details of Oberndorf and Laufen remain. The original components have been integrated into the renovated nativity scene. 

 

It was in front of this nativity scene that the famous Christmas carol Silent Night was sung for the first time on 24 December 1818.