Sights

Oberammergau is a tourist haven, and it's no wonder why. There are so many wonderful places to visit in the charming village and nearby area. Castles, houses with painted facades, the Passionplaytheater, the Oberammergau Museum and the incredible views of the Alps are main reasons for traveling to this Alpine paradise.

Passionplaytheater

Every ten years, the Oberammergau puts on its famous Passion Play. The play tells the story of Jesus Christ from his entrance into Jerusalem to his sacrifice on the cross. About half of the town’s population participate in the play that was first performed in 1634. The cast rehearses for ten months and the final production takes place in a partially outdoor arena. The play, which lasts five hours with a three-hour intermission for dinner, is the center focus for the village the year before it is performed. The village fills with visitors during the Passion Play’s run, and rooms are at a premium. People travel from all over the world to attend it.

Painted Facades

Oberammergau is also well-known for its many buildings with their wonderful tromp l'oeil images that are painted onto their facades. Tromp l’oeil means “fooling the eye,” and that's exactly what these scenes do. They look unusually real to the observer. Most of the images are on official and religious buildings, but some hotels have painted scenes as well. Often religious in nature, a beer garden scene can be spotted here and there too.

The Oberammergau Museum

Situated right in the village, the Oberammergau Museum has fine exhibits of Bavarian art and other historical items. Because religion was so important in the daily lives of the Bavarians, most of the objects are religious in nature, including the fine woodcarvings that extend from the Gothic period to modern day. Besides the intricate wood carvings, there is a large collection of nativity cribs and glass that's produced locally.

Castle Schloss Linderhof

A visit to Oberammergau would not be complete without a day trip to castle Schloss Linderhof. Built by King Ludwig II, this enchanting building speaks to the days of power unparalleled. With the Alps as a backdrop, the building, which was originally just a cottage, transforms the visitor back to the time when Ludwig, who was known to be quite eccentric, received guests and entertained. The castle is reachable by car or by a public bus from Oberammergau for those who don't want to drive.