Bavarians building church out of snow

Leaders in the village of Mitterfirmiansreut near the German-Czech border originally wanted to open their so-called “Snow Church” in mid December. 

But an unusual lack of the white stuff this winter meant that they only began building it a few weeks ago and won’t be able to open it until Wednesday.

“People are on the work site through the day and night,” said Julia Herzig, a spokeswoman for the church, which will be able to seat 200 parishioners and has a 17-metre tall tower made out of packed snow and ice.

The church is likely to attract curious tourists from throughout Germany before it melts at the end of winter.

But project leaders said it’s not so much a commercial venture, but a commemoration of a protest by villagers some 100 years ago.

In 1911, local people became upset that they had to make an arduous 90 minute hike to the town of Mauth in order to go to services, despite long begging for a church of their own.

So, over the Christmas season the villagers built a church entirely out of snow and ice.

The modern version of the Snow Church has run into a few challenges. Catholic leaders have expressed scepticism and the local Bishop has refused to officially consecrate the structure.

Also, it’s still unclear whether the project will make money. It’s being bankrolled by local people excited about the idea, but costs have already reached the six figures.

“We are still looking for sponsors,” Herzig said.