Oberammergau Attractions
Oberammergau, situated in a wide basin in the Ammer valley, surrounded by the foothills of the Ammergau Alps, is a popular altitude and winter sports resort, famed for its wood carving (with a state school of wood carving) and still more widely known for its Passion Play.
The wood-carving tradition goes back to the 17th century, as does the Passion Play, which was first performed in 1634. The Passion Play was instituted in fulfillllment of a vow made in 1633, when the town was stricken by plague. Since then it has been performed every ten years (next in the year 2010).
The wood-carving tradition goes back to the 17th century, as does the Passion Play, which was first performed in 1634. The Passion Play was instituted in fulfillllment of a vow made in 1633, when the town was stricken by plague. Since then it has been performed every ten years (next in the year 2010).
Laber
A cabin cableway ascends the Laber (1,684m/5,525ft; view) in Oberammergau, from which it is a 15-minute walk to the Ettaler Mandl.
Local Museum
At No. 8 in the main street of Oberammergau is the Heimatmuseum (local wood-carving, stained glass, Nativity groups).
Oberammergau Museum
Dorfstrasse 8
D-82487 Oberammergau
Germany
Dorfstrasse 8
D-82487 Oberammergau
Germany
Hours
March 30 to October 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Parish Church
The sumptuous Roccoco parish church (1736-42) of Oberammergau is one of the finest creations of Josef Schmuzer; good ceiling paintings by Matthäus Günther.
Passion Play Theater
At the north end of Oberammergau is the Passion Play Theater (1930), with seating for 4,800 spectators and an open stage with the natural setting as a backdrop.
The Passion Play depicts the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. The play includes over 2,000 actors, singers and stage technicians.
The Passion Play depicts the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. The play includes over 2,000 actors, singers and stage technicians.
Passion Play Theater
Passionswiese
D-82487 Oberammergau
Germany
Passionswiese
D-82487 Oberammergau
Germany
The Town
Many houses in the town of Oberammergau are decorated externally with frescoes by Franz Zwirk (1748-92) in the technique known as lüftlmalerei, such as the Pilatushaus (1784; now a craft center) and the Geroldhaus (1778).
