Oberammergau is a small Alpine village in Bavaria, in southern Germany. It is best known for its Passion Play, which local residents have performed every ten years since 1634. For many visitors, the village is worth the trip as much for the play as for the setting itself.
The village and its setting
Traditional Bavarian houses line the streets, many of them decorated with colourful frescoes painted on their outer walls. Mountains rise around the village and give it a striking backdrop in every direction, so a walk through the centre often comes with views of the peaks. The pace is slow and the atmosphere is distinctly Alpine.
Woodcarving and local craft
Oberammergau has a long tradition of woodcarving, and the craft remains part of everyday life here. Carved figures and objects can be seen in the village's shops and workshops, making it a good place to look at the work up close and to consider a piece to take home.
Planning a visit
- The Passion Play is the reason many people come, so it is worth checking whether your visit falls in a performance year.
- Outside the play, the village itself, its painted façades, and the mountain scenery make for an unhurried day or a longer stay.
- Combining the village with a walk in the surrounding mountains suits visitors who want the landscape as well as the town.
Oberammergau suits travellers who value tradition, craft and mountain scenery. It is a village to visit slowly, and the Passion Play gives the trip a focus that few other Alpine towns can offer.
