Art and culture in Oberammergau
Discover Oberammergau’s vibrant art and culture with events, crafts and traditions. Book at Hotel Antonia!
Art and culture in Oberammergau: an experience not to be missed
Oberammergau is an idyllic community in the heart of Bavaria, known for its traditional Bavarian architectures, picturesque Alpine scenery and, of course, its diverse art and culture. A stay at Hotel Antonia Oberammergau gives you the opportunity to experience this cultural heritage first hand.
An introduction to the art and culture of Oberammergau.
Oberammergau’s rich history and tradition have given rise to a fascinating arts and culture scene. The community is famous for its Passion Play, which takes place once a decade and attracts visitors from all over the world. But Oberammergau also has much to offer away from this famous event.
Art and culture in Oberammergau
Passion Theatre
The history of the Passion Theatre - learn more about the world-famous open-air theatre.
Pilatushaus
The Pilatushaus in the heart of Oberammergau is the centre for arts and crafts.
Museum of local history
Experience culture in Oberammergau. Learn exciting, interesting and inspiring things!
St. Peter and Paul
St. Peter and Paul, the Catholic parish church of Oberammergau in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Crucifixion Group
The crucifixion group, a generous gift from the fairytale king to Oberammergau and its inhabitants.
Air painting Lüftlmalereien
The impressive craft of Lüftlmalerei can be found in Oberammergau.
Passion Play: A highlight of Oberammergau events
The Passion Plays are undoubtedly the most famous cultural event in Oberammergau. They were created in 1634 when the villagers vowed to stage a play depicting the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ every ten years if they were spared the plague. Today, the games attract thousands of visitors and are an uplifting and moving highlight of art and culture in Oberammergau.
Cultural events: More than just Passion Plays
In addition to the Passion Plays and the Lüftlmalerei, Oberammergau also offers a range of other cultural events and festivals. These include music festivals, traditional Bavarian festivals, theatre performances and art exhibitions. No matter what time of year you visit Oberammergau, there are always a variety of events to enjoy.
Woodcarving: An old craft lives on
The art of woodcarving has a long tradition in Oberammergau and is still cultivated today. You can watch the craftsmen at work in the numerous workshops and admire their artistic works. From filigree Madonna figures to large-scale nativity scenes – the range and quality of the woodcarvings made in Oberammergau is impressive.
Lüftlmalerei: The art of façade painting
Apart from the Passion Plays, Oberammergau is also famous for its unique form of façade painting, Lüftlmalerei. The houses of the village are decorated with detailed and colourful paintings, often depicting biblical stories, scenes of peasant life and traditional crafts. These paintings are a living testimony to the rich tradition of craftsmanship and painting in the region.
King Ludwig Fire: A Majestic Spectacle
On 24 August each year, Oberammergau hosts a special event dedicated to King Ludwig II. The monarch, who resided in nearby Linderhof Castle, has a deep connection to Oberammergau. In 1870, he was presented with a private performance of the Passion Play. As a sign of his gratitude, King Ludwig had the crucifixion group erected. Even today, the people of Oberammergau honour their beloved king with a fiery tribute. The Kofel, the local mountain, is illuminated with a spectacular crown of fire – an impressive spectacle not to be missed.
Ammergau arts and crafts: quality and creativity
Another highlight of Oberammergau’s art and culture is the Ammergau arts and crafts. Under this name, numerous artists and artisans have come together to present their unique works. They create art from a variety of materials such as wood, clay, metal, precious metal, stone, glass, textiles, wax, beads, canvas, paper and paint. The variety and quality of these handmade works are impressive. A visit to the workshops and galleries is a must for every art lover. And only the artworks of the “Ammergauer Kunsthandwerk” bear the Ammergau Alps seal of quality, which underlines their excellence.
Star Walk: Welcome to the New Year
Another tradition not to be missed is the Sternrundgang, which takes place every year on New Year’s Eve. The residents of Oberammergau parade through the village with the “Great Star”, accompanied by a male choir singing centuries-old songs to welcome the New Year. At each of the twelve stations, the ritual ends with the collective exclamation “A guats neis Jahr”, which means “Happy New Year” in Bavarian. The star walk is a heart-warming event that brings the community together and conveys a sense of belonging and tradition.
At Hotel Antonia Oberammergau, we pride ourselves on introducing our guests to the world of Oberammergau’s art and culture. Whether you want to experience the spectacular King Ludwig Fire, explore the exquisite Ammergau arts and crafts or take part in the traditional Star Tour, you’ve come to the right place.
Book your holiday at Hotel Antonia now, and experience the magic of Oberammergau’s art and culture with your own eyes. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Discover the art and culture of Oberammergau at Hotel Antonia
The Hotel Antonia, centrally located in Oberammergau, offers the ideal starting point to discover all these cultural highlights. Enjoy the comfort of our cosy rooms, indulge in our rich breakfast buffet and start your exploration of Oberammergau from here.
A holiday in Oberammergau is not only a journey to a place, but also a journey back in time, where you can experience the history, tradition and culture of this unique village at first hand.
Book your holiday in Oberammergau at Hotel Antonia and let yourself be enchanted by the diversity and beauty of Oberammergau’s art and culture. We look forward to your visit!