Things to do

There are so many things to do in Oberammergau that it is hard to decide which ones to highlight. To some degree, what a visitor does depends upon the time of year that a trip is planned. In general though, there are certain things that every visitor should do and that includes taking a hike in the Alps and viewing the vistas of the valleys below. This is probably best done when there isn’t snow on the ground, or if there is, it would be a good idea to have either skis or snow shoes on.

Passion Play

One thing that many people want to do is to visit Oberammergau during the time it presents its internationally-known Passion Play. The play, which tells the story of Jesus Christ from his entrance into Jerusalem to his sacrifice on the cross, is only produced every 10 years, so you need to plan ahead for this one. It is performed from early May to early October and runs 5 hours in length. Luckily there is a dinner break of 3 hours in the middle of the play. This is an extremely popular event, so make travel and hotel reservations early, as well as purchasing tickets as early as you can.

The Church of Oberammergau

A visit to the wonderful Rococo Oberammergau should be on any visitor’s list of things to do. Built in the years of 1736 through 1742, it is one of the finest works of Josef Schmuzer. Inside the building the visitor is amazed by the exquisite alter featuring the figures of St. Peter and St. Paul, with Joseph holding the divine child--all carved by sculptor Franz Xaver Schmaedl. Visitors will also see the dramatic painting on the vaulted ceiling by Matthäus Günther that features the triumph of the saints in heaven. Outside the building is a cemetery that includes victims of the Great Plague.

Painted Facades

Another wonderful thing to do in Oberammergau is to tour the many buildings that have wonderful tromp l'oeil (meaning “fool the eye”) painted images on their facades. Most of the images are on official and religious buildings, but some hotels and residences have painted scenes as well. The scenes are usually religious in nature, but some are folk-themed. A favorite is the Pilatushaus, painted in 1784 by Franz Zwink, that shows Christ's condemnation by Pilate.