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Village · Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Baviera
Oberammergau
Village in the Ammer valley known for the Passion of Christ performed every ten years, for its painted façades and for wood sculptors. It is about 20 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Oberammergau
Oberammergau is in the valley of the Ammer River, among the Ammergauer Alpen mountains, about 20 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The village is known worldwide for the staging of the Passion of Christ, performed by the villagers themselves every ten years, in years ending in zero, fulfilling a 17th-century vow.
Outside Passion years, the theater used for the production, the Passionstheater, usually offers guided tours. The streets of the center display the Lüftlmalerei, the region's typical façade painting. The best-known examples are the Pilatushaus, the Forsthaus and the Mußldoma house.
Another tradition is wood carving, especially of religious statues. Workshops and carvers' shops are scattered around the center. Above the village rises the Kofel, a mountain of 1,342 meters.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to walk around the center and see the façades, longer if you visit the theater.
Best time
During the day, when the workshops are open. In Passion years, between May and October, the village fills up and accommodations book early. It's one of the rainiest areas of Germany: bring an umbrella.
How to get there
There are regional trains from Munich to Oberammergau, with a change in Murnau, and buses from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via Ettal. By car it's about 20 km from Garmisch.
Tip
Combine with Kloster Ettal, 5 km away, and with Schloss Linderhof. Look for façades with scenes from fairy tales and the Bible in the side streets.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oberammergau
When does the Oberammergau Passion Play take place?
Every ten years, in years ending in zero, with performances from May to October. Check the dates and buy tickets well in advance.
What to see in Oberammergau outside the Passion Play years?
The painted facades, such as that of Pilatushaus, the woodcarving workshops, and the Passionstheater, which usually hosts guided tours.
How to get to Oberammergau?
By bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or by regional train from Munique, with a change in Murnau. By car it's about 20 km from Garmisch.