Ettal/Oberammergau Christmas Market - German Christmas Market Tourist Information

This beautiful village surrounded by mountains, full of tradition and only 5000 inhabitants is set amidst the Bavarian Alps. Almost every house here is lovingly painted and a splendid piece of art. Using an age old method all paintings are painstakingly created with traditional Bavarian motifs and décor.

Of course Oberammergau is primarily known throughout the world for its Passion Play, which takes place every ten years. The next play is due between mid-may to October 2010. The first ever Passion Play dates back to 1634 and has since been played 40 times.

What makes this event so unique is that only residents who were born or have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years and children are allowed to participate. During the six months the Pasion Play is held, more than one third of villagers volunteer to take part for little more than a small amount of pocket money. Any profit made by the Passion Play is re-invested straight into local facilities helping to make Oberammergau a great place to live and a fantastic first class holiday resort.

The main industry in Oberammergau is wood carving, mostly hand made sculptures, often depicting local and religious history. Anyone who is game for a challenge might even be tempted by taking part in a wood carving course. Definitely worth visiting is the local woodcarving museum which shows a truly amazing nativity scene, with the weeding feast at Kanaan next to it.

Centrally located, Oberammergau is a perfect base for easy excursions to Munich, the fairytale castles in Füssen, Linderhof Castle, the monastery of Ettal, Murnau on Lake Staffel and Germany’s highest mountain the Zugspitze.

Activities are not in short supply either in Oberammergau, boasting a state of the art fun pool, miles of mountain trails and excellent winter sport facilities, including Europe’s toughest and steepest ski slope. Facilities and activities are available for all levels of fitness from families enjoying a leisurely stroll along the river Ammer or to the British Royal Air Force who regularly train here during the winter months.