There is a wealth of things to do and places to visit in the quaint Alpine village of Oberramergau, but some of the options are more impressive than others. We have picked out the top 5 must-dos when visiting this Bavarian retreat.

Visit the Oberammergau Passionsspielhaus

Since the famous Passion Play is only performed every 10 years, you may not be able to see it on your trip to this historic village, but you can visit the theater where it is performed. Visitors are able to see the scenery and costumes that are used and view the huge outdoor venue, which has overhead cover so the show can go on even when it rains.

Tour St. Peter and St. Paul Church

A visit to this unique rococo Oberammergau Church is a definite must-do. Every detail of this dramatic church spells out the care that was taken in the painting and statues that decorate it. Built in the years of 1736 through 1742 by Josef Schmuzer, it features an altar with figures carved by sculptor Franz Xavier Schmaedl of St. Peter and St. Paul, with Joseph holding the divine child  and the impressive painting on the vaulted ceiling by Matthäus Günther that depicts the triumph of saints in heaven.

Visit the Pilatushaus

Pilatushaus, named for the fresco over the front door of Christ before Pilate, has some of the most beautiful frescoes in a town filled with homes with painted, mainly religious, images on them. The frescoes in Pilatushaus were painted and completed in 1775 by artist Franz Seraph Zwinck.

Visit Ettal Abbey

This historic Benedictine Abbey has a magnificent basilica with rococo details. The Ettal Madonna, given to the monastic group by a Roman emperor in 1328, is the focus of the abbey. Located in a corner of the Alps, the monks live a self-sustaining life, growing their own food, running a hotel and a boarding school as well as making beer in their large brewery.

Hike the Kofel

At 4403 feet, this craggy Bavarian Alp isn’t the highest of the peaks near Oberammergau, but it is a tradition to climb the mountain that is known as “the Matterhorn of Oberammergau” because of how similar its shape is to that landmark. The hike will probably take only 3 to 4 hours to complete, but will render wonderful views of the village below.