Nativity scenes at the Salzburg Mountain Advent
Nativity scene trail, nativity scene exhibition, village nativity scene
Nativity scenes are biblical representations of the birth of Jesus. They usually depict typical scenes in the stable in Bethlehem with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Often, an ox and a donkey can also be seen in the stable, with shepherds and their sheep in the background. Nativity scenes are used to depict and illustrate scenes from the Christmas story. The styles range from oriental to modern to Alpine nativity scenes.
In the Grossarl Valley, nativity scenes are often depicted as small alpine huts in the alpine mountain landscape. You can see many different and unique nativity scenes on the Nativity scene trail and in the nativity scene exhibition at the Salzburg Bergavent.
The Nativity scene trail leads from the market square to the parish church. Stroll along Kirchgasse and discover the impressive nativity scenes in the display cases. These have been lovingly crafted by hand, with particular attention paid to small details. The first nativity scene, for example, is modelled on the ‘Alte Wacht’ at the entrance to Grossarltal.
A special tip for Salzburg's Mountain Advent is a visit to the nativity scene exhibition. It is located at the end of the Nativity scene trail in the small wooden stable next to the parish centre. Inside, you can warm up and admire the many different nativity scenes created by the Nativity scene association.
In the centre of Grossarl, at the Advent market, you can marvel at the Grossarl village nativity scene. Here you will see detailed, life-size, hand-carved nativity figures. The nativity scene is particularly impressive in the glow of torches and lights.
‘A handmade nativity scene in every house in Grossarltal’ – that is the ambitious goal of the Nativity scene building association. Since its founding in 2002, 20 to 30 locals have been building their own nativity scenes under the expert guidance of the Nativity scene building association.
