Hochburg-Ach

Welcome to the birthplace of Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of "Silent Night, Holy Night", the world´s best-loved Christmas carol.

The idyllic community of Hochburg-Ach is surrounded by 9000-ha large Weilharts Forest on three sides. To the north-west the River Salzach forms a border between Austria and Bavaria, with the magnificent town of Burghausen across the river. Burghausen boasts Europe’s longest fortification (approx. 1km) and is beautifully set on the sunny slopes of Salzachhang.

Being located on the River Salzach, Hochburg-Ach offers great strolls and cycling tours. The beautiful Rose Garden at Wanghausen Palace is a popular place to while away the afternoon and let minutes slip quietly into hours of relaxed enjoyment.

Hochburg-Ach also makes a great base for cycling tours to Passau and Salzburg along the Rivers Salzach and Inn, and to Weilharts Forest. Epecially popular is the Tauern cycleway which leads through one of the most pristine stretches of Salzachtal.

Two long-distance hiking trails run through Hochburg-Ach: the European pilgrimage trail VIA NOVA, which starts in Metten (Bavaria) and ends in St. Wolfgang, and "Helmbrechtspfad", which starts in neighboring Burghausen and ends in Gilgenberg.

Hochburg-Ach is a paradise for nature lovers and offers that special atmosphere so essential to a relaxing holiday.