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 blend of down-to-earth local ties and cosmopolitan hospitality.
Oberammergau’s passion for culture
There is certainly no shortage of cultural experiences in Oberammergau. One of the highlights is a visit to the “Royal Villa” Linderhof Castle of the Bavarian King Ludwig II in the Upper Bavarian municipality of Ettal. It was built in several stages from 1870 to 1886 in the neo-Rococo style.
Opened in 1910, the Oberammergau Museum is one of Bavaria’s oldest, most important and most beautiful museums of cultural history, and many parts of it have been authentically preserved.
Every second house a work of art. In Oberammergau, the craft of Lüftlmalerei has been a tradition since the 18th century. Colourful paintings on numerous facades tell the stories and traditions of the Zugspitz region.
Oberammergau is also famous for woodcarving: 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 done so for almost 400 years since the Thirty Years’ War. In the years between the Passion Plays, international ensembles of distinction perform 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 are literally sitting at the source in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park.
From its sources, the stream meanders through Ober- and Unterammergau, past Saulgrub and Bad Bayersoien. To the left and right stretches a network of hiking trails some 500 kilometres long, leading up to the surrounding mountains or into the expanses of the wild Ammergebirge. With the Maximiliansweg, 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 neighbouring regions.
A hike through the Graswangtal 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 year. Plant, bird and amphibian lovers and, of course, nature photographers will find their paradise here. An absolute hotspot for biological diversity!
In addition to its cultural diversity, Oberammergau also offers wonderful opportunities for extensive sporting activities in the natural landscape. In winter, in addition to varied ski touring routes and cleared winter hiking trails, excellently prepared cross-country ski trails invite you to take up a sporting challenge. In summer, well-signposted hiking and cycling trails are a convincing choice for an entertaining stay outdoors. Numerous themed trails provide information on flora and fauna.
Overview of attractions in Oberammergau
- Cultural experiences such as museums or the famous Passion Plays
- Traditional Lüftl painting
- Historical woodcarving
- Mountainous hiking trails such as the “Spitzenwanderweg” hiking trail
- E-car sharing
- Wellenberg adventure pool
Another travel tip for the Zugspitze region is Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The editorial team has put together some interesting tips for you.
