Franz Xaver Gruber Friedensweg

Franz Xaver Gruber Peace Trail " A song goes around the world"
Franz Xaver Gruber, a native of Hochburg, once composed the Christmas carol "Silent Night". Today, this song is sung around the globe. And everyone who hears it is always moved anew by its simple, delicate and poignant beauty. A song with a very special magic and splendour. "Silent Night" is a star that was sent out to shine into people's hearts.

People spend their lives travelling. Especially in this day and age, many people are consciously "setting off". See the Way of St James, Via Nova, St Francis' Way etc. People use the experiences and encounters along the way to give their lives a new direction, to set a new course, to draw strength, to get to know themselves better and to find a connection with people and "all that is".
This was one of the basic ideas that inspired the planned "Franz Xaver Gruber Trail" in Hochburg. This planned path should be an invitation to feel the peaceful connectedness of the world that it symbolises.
A path that combines nature and art in a unique way. On a circular route of about an hour's walk, you will encounter 7 sculptures embedded in the marvellous landscape of Hochburg. Created by the renowned sculptor Hubert J. Flörl.
Each of these sculptures (approx. three metres high) symbolises a continent, which is held by a cast bronze angel's wing. Each of the continents (made of stainless steel) bears a verse of the song "Silent Night". Information about Franz Xaver Gruber and the spread of the song can be found on the backs. Signposts along the way describe important places for the young Franz Xaver Gruber, such as the location of his birthplace, baptismal fountain and the school where he received his first organ lessons.
The trail leads past the lovingly restored Bundwerkstadel to the Gothic parish church with the Franz Xaver Gruber memorial organ. After all the impressions of this themed composition of modernity and tradition, you come to the last impressive sculpture: Gruber and Mohr recite "Silent Night" to Mary and the Child.