The village of Oberammergau in southern Bavaria is not called the "Jewel of the Alps" for nothing. As beautiful as all of Bavaria, as original, colourful and bright as a picture on an Easter card, Oberammergau welcomes every traveller. The first time you come here, adults and children alike are left speechless, it's just so interesting.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of Oberammergau, or if you're lucky enough to be travelling with a tour operator, don't miss it. The village is beautiful all year round. In summer it is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the many attractions, and in winter you can enjoy all the local delights or go skiing. Winter in the Alps is always a holiday.
It is worth noting that the village of Oberammergau is quite old. It still bears the memory of the Celts who were the first to exploit this fertile and beautiful land. The area has prospered for centuries and its inhabitants are still very much alive today.
So why do we recommend that you and your children visit this lovely town and what makes it different from most other towns in southern Bavaria?
The first thing that sets it apart is an old German tradition of staging a play about the Passion of Christ every 10 years. The first performance took place in the 17th century when the Black Death — the plague — came to the area.
People were dying by the dozen every day and no one knew how to stop the terrible disaster. All that remained was to mourn the dead and to devote scenes to the theme of the worst hours in the life of the Son of God. It is difficult to say what effect this had on the epidemic, but after a play about Christ, the plague receded. Since then, the locals have regularly staged religious performances in which they themselves play a lively and direct part.
But that's not all Oberammergau is known for. It is a place to see in detail and with care. You could say that every house here is a local landmark in its own way. It's all about the "Luftlmalerei", the stucco paintings that adorn every building in the village. The themes of the paintings on the local buildings vary. They include fairy tale characters, biblical scenes, portraits of saints and fantastic patterns. The most unique thing is that none of the paintings are repeated.
The local craftsmen are masters of all trades. Almost every adult in the village has mastered the unique craft of woodcarving. Thanks to their talent, tourists never leave Oberammergau empty-handed, taking home unique wooden souvenirs, utensils and toys. The most beautifully crafted items are on display in the Pilatushaus, a woodcarving museum.
Every visitor to the village should know that the main shopping street is open just for them and thousands of other visitors. Here you can not only admire the beautifully painted facades of the houses, but also enjoy a pleasant shopping experience. Highlights of Oberammergau include the fountain in the main square, with pictures of local history, and the baroque Wieskirche, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an architectural masterpiece of world culture.
