Oberammergau: The Bavarian Gem of Tradition and Art

• HelloGriaß di
  [Gree-ass dee]
• GoodbyePfiat di
  [Pfee-aht dee]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNaa
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bee-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [Vee gate ess deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpre-khen zee Eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Eekh fair-shteh-eh neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [Eekh mer-khe-teh bee-teh dee Shpy-suh-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Eekh ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [Eekh mer-khe-teh bee-teh beh-tzah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen zee dee Poh-lee-tsye]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen zee ine-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Eekh hah-buh meekh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Eekh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [Eekh mer-khe-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Eekh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [Vee feel koh-stet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en zee dehn prees zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpate ist ess]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Ess ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [Hahlb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mawr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahkh-mee-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mawr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [I-ns]
• 2Zwei
  [Tzv-eye]
• 3Drei
  [Dry]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Fewn-f]
• 6Sechs
  [Zex]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Ahkht]
• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Voh ist i-ne/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vahs ist dee Ah-drehs-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kern-en zee meer dahs tsay-gen (ouf dehr Kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt dehr nay-khste (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [I-ne Fah-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

The roots of Oberammergau trace back to the early Middle Ages, with the first documented mention dating to 1330. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the village was primarily a settlement of farmers and woodcarvers. Its picturesque location and the surrounding natural beauty played a significant role in shaping the community’s culture and traditions.

In 1633, Oberammergau was struck by a devastating plague. In their desperation, the villagers made a solemn vow that if God spared them from the plague, they would perform a Passion Play every ten years. Miraculously, the plague receded, and the villagers honored their vow. This marked the beginning of the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play, first performed in 1634.

Since the vow in 1633, the Oberammergau Passion Play has been performed every decade, with few exceptions. The play, which depicts the life and death of Jesus Christ, involves nearly half of the village's population and attracts visitors from around the globe. It has become a significant cultural and religious event, deeply embedded in the identity of Oberammergau.

Oberammergau is famed for its long-standing tradition of woodcarving. This craft dates back to at least the 16th century and has been passed down through generations. The village is home to numerous woodcarving shops and the renowned Oberammergau School of Woodcarving, where artisans create intricate religious figures, nativity scenes, and various other artworks.

A distinctive feature of Oberammergau is its Lüftlmalerei, or fresco painting, which adorns many of the village’s buildings. This art form, which flourished in the 18th century, involves painting colorful, often religious or pastoral scenes directly onto the exteriors of houses. These vibrant murals add to the village’s charm and reflect its cultural heritage.

During the Nazi era, Oberammergau was not immune to the influences of the time. The Passion Play script was altered to align with Nazi ideology, and some villagers suffered persecution. During World War II, the region saw the establishment of a military training center and a POW camp. Post-war, Oberammergau returned to its cultural roots and continued its traditions.

Today, Oberammergau is a blend of rich history and modern tourism. Its reputation for the Passion Play and woodcarving continues to draw visitors. The village has embraced its role as a cultural beacon, offering a unique glimpse into Bavarian traditions and history. The local economy thrives on tourism, with events, museums, and artistic endeavors celebrating Oberammergau’s heritage.

Oberammergau is located in the Bavarian Alps in Germany. The nearest international airports are Munich Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away, and Innsbruck Airport in Austria, about 80 kilometers away. From Munich, you can take a train to Oberammergau, which involves a transfer at Murnau or Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The total journey takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, enjoying the scenic Bavarian countryside.

Oberammergau is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses connect to nearby towns and villages. Taxis are available but may need to be booked in advance. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option, especially during the warmer months. If you have a car, parking is generally available but may be limited during peak tourist seasons.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Oberammergau. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available in the town for withdrawing cash.

Oberammergau is generally a very safe destination for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded places. Always lock your car and hotel room.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Oberammergau. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. When visiting religious sites or attending the Passion Play, opt for modest clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs and traditions, especially if you visit churches or attend the Passion Play. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Don't forget to validate your ticket before boarding. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and make eye contact. Using 'Guten Tag' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Bavarian specialties such as pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel. Don't forget to say 'Prost!' (Cheers) when clinking glasses.

To experience Oberammergau like a local, visit the local bakeries and try freshly baked goods. Engage with locals and ask about the town's history, especially the Passion Play, which has been a tradition since 1634. Don't miss visiting the Linderhof Palace, a short drive away, and the beautifully painted Lüftlmalerei houses in the town. For a unique experience, take a hike to the nearby Ettal Abbey or explore the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views.