Last but not least, it is the extraordinary people who have made Oberammergau what it is: a colourful palette of art, culture and tradition, a successful mixture of down-to-earth attachment to the homeland and cosmopolitan hospitality.
OBERAMMERGAU’S PASSION FOR CULTURE
There is certainly no shortage of cultural experiences in Oberammergau. One of the highlights is the visit to the “Royal Villa” Linderhof Palace of the Bavarian King Ludwig II in the Upper Bavarian municipality of Ettal. It was built in several phases from 1870 to 1886 in the Neo-Rococo style.
Opened in 1910 and largely authentically preserved, the Oberammergau Museum is one of the oldest, most important and most beautiful cultural history museums in Bavaria.
Every second house is a work of art. In Oberammergau, the arts and crafts of Lüftl painting have had a long tradition since the 18th century. Numerous façades are adorned with colourful paintings that tell the stories and traditions of the Zugspitz region.
Oberammergau is also known for the art of wood carving: since the 16th century, the “Herrgottsschnitzer” have been making sacred motifs out of wood in their workshops.
One of Bavaria’s most famous cultural events is the Oberammergau Passion Play, which has taken place every ten years since 1634 – and has been since the Thirty Years’ War almost 400 years ago. In the years between the Passion Plays, international ensembles of distinction meet at plays or musical events in the Passion Play Theatre.
OBERAMMERGAU’S PASSION FOR NATURE
AMMERGAU ALPS NATURE PARK IS THE LARGEST CONTIGUOUS NATURE RESERVE IN BAVARIA
If you want to discover alpine nature in its purest form, you can literally sit at the source in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park.
From the springs, the river meanders through Upper and Lower Ammergau, past Saulgrub and Bad Bayersoien. To the left and right, there is a network of hiking trails of around 500 kilometres in length, which leads to the surrounding mountains or into the vastness of the wild Ammer Mountains. With the Maximilian Trail, which connects Lake Constance in the west and the Berchtesgadener Land in the east, one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in Europe also offers connections to the neighbouring regions.
A hike through the Graswang Valley in the Ammergau Alps near Ettal offers a rarity for nature lovers: The Ettaler Weidmoos, a nature reserve in the headwaters of the Ammer, offers special nature experiences at any time of the year. Plant, bird and amphibian lovers and, of course, nature photographers will find their paradise here. An absolute hotspot for biodiversity!
In addition to its cultural diversity, Oberammergau also offers beautiful opportunities for extensive sports activities in the natural landscape. In winter, in addition to varied ski tour routes and cleared winter hiking trails, excellently groomed cross-country ski trails invite you to a sporting challenge. In summer, well-signposted hiking and biking trails invite you to spend a short time outdoors. Numerous themed trails provide information about flora and fauna.
ATTRACTIONS IN OBERAMMERGAU AT A GLANCE
- Cultural experiences such as museums or the famous Passion Play
- Traditional Lüftl painting
- Historical wood carving
- Mountains of hiking trails such as the lace hiking trail
- E-car sharing
- Wellenberg Adventure Pool
Another travel tip for the Zugspitze region is Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The editors have put together some interesting tips for you.
