Oberammergau's Passion Play is held at the beginning of each decade. In German it is called, "Passionsspiele." The play dates to 1632 when the plague struck the city. In desperation, the townspeople pledged to forever stage a performance of the Passion of Jesus if they would be rid of the illness, according to The Rough Guide. The tradition continues to the current century, and has become so popular that tourists wishing to view the play can only stay in town for two nights, so that as many people as possible have a chance to see it.
The play is held at the Passionstheater every 10 years. The next Passion Play will be in 2020. The theater offers tours and summertime operas for visitors during off-years. Several tour companies, such as Atlas (passionplaytours.com), arrange bus tours to Oberammergau and tickets to the play.
Lüftmalerei are elaborate and colorful paintings on the faces of Oberammergau houses. They stem from the Catholic art tradition, and many scenes are biblical in nature, while others depict fun-filled beer-hall scenes or fairy tale motifs. Lonely Planet recommends viewing a scene from "Little Red Riding Hood" at the house at 48 Ettaler Strasse or from "Hansel and Gretel" at 41 Ettaler Strasse. The Pilatushaus at 10 Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse has painted columns in an illusionist style that appear to pop out in 3D. The Rough Guide recommends viewing the frescoes on Pfarrkirche, a church on Pfarrplatz.
Oberammergau is also known for its woodcarving and craftsmanship. Visitors can witness examples of this skill and tradition at the Oberammergau Museum at 8 Dorfstrasse. Craftsmen carve nativity scenes or life-size saints, according to Lonely Planet. The Rough Guide recommends viewing the museum's notable collection of cribs. Woodcarvings are also found in town at numerous workshops and tourist outlets. Visitors can view examples at the cemetery at Pfarrkirche, a church located on Pfarrplatz. See craftsmen at work at the Pilatushaus on Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse.
Get the best views of Oberammergau atop Laber Mountain and reach it by the Laber cable car at the eastern edge of town. On a clear day Munich is visible from atop the mountain, which is surrounded by the Ester-Gebirge mountain range, Wetterstein mountain range and the Ammergau Alps. Sightseers can eat at Laber's mountain restaurant. Several hiking trails await those looking for outdoor activity. During winter Laber welcomes skiers.
Outdoor recreation is abundant in Oberammergau's warmer months. A meditation trail from the Pilgrimage Church of Wies near Steingaden extends 53 miles to Linderhof Palace near the town of Ettal. Stelas along the pathway tell place history. The WellenBerg swimming pool offers a mountain-water pool and lap lanes for fitness, a water slide, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a sunbathing area with mountain views.
