Located between the Laber and Kolben mountains (at an elevation of 2700 feet), as well as near the 14th century Ettal Benedictine Abbey, Oberammergau is noted for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play; an event the town has put on for nearly 400 years.
During the Middle Ages, Europe was being devastated by the plague. The villagers of Oberammergau asked God to spare them from this disease, vowing to put on the Passion Play if their prayers were answered. First performed in 1634, the villagers have kept this vow, now performing it during years ending in “zero.” Over two thousand of the town’s 5200 inhabitants get involved in the play, which has garnered a world-wide reputation. Obviously, a big deal for the town.
In addition to the tourism generated by the Passion Play performances, Oberammergau is noted for being the home of the Bavarian State Woodcarving school (its creations being on sale throughout the village), as well as the premier NATO training and educational facility.
Our all-too-brief stop in this gorgeous Bavarian Alps village was an extremely pleasant experience.