Oberammergau

It’s easier to say than it looks, I promise. Apparently it’s pronounced something along the lines of Obamagow. As for what it looks like, picture a Grimm fairytale. Something with a dark forest, maybe a young woman with a billowing cloak and hood. There may be creatures in the woods, but in town there is safety and warmth to be had. Surrounded by the Bavarian alps and beautifully deep forest, it looks like a scene pulled straight out of a book.

Forest and I stopped there just for an hour on our way to Linderhof Palace. It was a nice little stop, just to use the facilities and maybe pick up a souvenir or two, but I think I would like to go back and stay a bit longer given the chance.

The buildings are wonderfully decorated with murals, and I get the feeling that because of time constraints I didn’t really get to see the full potential of Oberammergau. Later on the bus as we were leaving our guide told us that the town is famous for a play which has been performed every decade since 1634. As the plague ripped through Europe, the inhabitants of Oberammergau promised God that should they be spared they would perform a play every ten years which depicted the Passion of Christ; his crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

They were spared, and so the play goes on! Whether or not that’s exactly how it happened I can’t say, but it does make for an interesting story, and apparently a very competitive audition. We’re told that every boy in town tries out for the part of Jesus, every girl for Mary. It’s apparently the pride of the town, and I have to say that I wouldn’t mind going to see it one day, though apparently this time around it’s been postponed two years because of Covid.

If you’re stopping there during a tour be sure to have your camera ready to capture the scenery and the murals, and have your wallet ready if you want to purchase food, a drink, or something to bring home with you. A Christmas ornament will run you about  €20, a solid seized stein about  €100.

Are there any little towns you guys know of that give off similar fairytale atmospheres? Let me know in the comments!

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader.