The national anthem of Austria is called: « Land der Berge, Land am Strome ».
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇨🇿 Czechia
– 🇩🇪 Germany
– 🇭🇺 Hungary
– 🇮🇹 Italy
– 🇸🇰 Slovakia
– 🇸🇮 Slovenia
– 🇨🇭Switzerland
History of « Land der Berge, Land am Strome »
« Land der Berge, Land am Strome » (Land of Mountains, Land by the River) is the national anthem of Austria. The anthem reflects the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, celebrating its landscapes and the spirit of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1946: The lyrics of « Land der Berge, Land am Strome » were written by Paula von Preradović, an Austrian poet and novelist. The music was composed by Johann Holzer, based on a theme attributed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- 1947: The anthem was officially adopted by the Austrian government, replacing the previous anthem « Sei gesegnet ohne Ende. »
Anecdotes
- Mozart Connection: The melody of the anthem is often attributed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of Austria’s most famous composers. However, the exact origins of the melody are debated, and it is more likely that Johann Holzer adapted it from a theme by Mozart.
- Post-War Symbolism: The adoption of a new national anthem in 1947 was part of Austria’s efforts to re-establish its national identity and distance itself from the legacy of World War II and the Nazi era. The anthem’s lyrics emphasize peace, freedom, and the natural beauty of Austria.
- Cultural Significance: « Land der Berge, Land am Strome » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Austrian people and celebrating their heritage.
Lyrics Excerpt
In German
Land der Berge, Land am Strome,
Land der Äcker, Land der Dome,
Land der Hämmer, zukunftsreich!
Heimat großer Töchter und Söhne,
Volk, begnadet für das Schöne,
Vielgerühmtes Österreich,
Vielgerühmtes Österreich!
Heiß umfehdet, wild umstritten,
Liegst dem Erdteil du inmitten
Einem starken Herzen gleich.
Hast seit frühen Ahnentagen
Hoher Sendung Last getragen,
Vielgeprüftes Österreich,
Vielgeprüftes Österreich!
Mutig in die neuen Zeiten,
Frei und gläubig sieh uns schreiten,
Arbeitsfroh und hoffnungsreich.
Einig lass in Brüderchören,
Vaterland, dir Treue schwören,
Vielgeliebtes Österreich,
Vielgeliebtes Österreich!In English (translation)
Land of mountains, land by the river,
Land of fields, land of cathedrals,
Land of hammers, with a promising future!
Home to great daughters and sons,
A nation blessed with beauty,
Much-praised Austria,
Much-praised Austria!
Strongly contested, fiercely fought over,
You lie in the center of the continent
Like a strong heart.
Since the early days of our ancestors
You have borne the burden of a high mission,
Much-tested Austria,
Much-tested Austria!
Bravely into the new times,
Free and faithful, see us stride,
Industrious and full of hope.
Unified in brotherly choirs,
Fatherland, we swear allegiance to you,
Much-beloved Austria,
Much-beloved Austria!Sources: