The Ammergau Alps are rich in historical places and buildings that tell history and stories. There is also a great cultural program that ranges from centuries-old traditional events to professional productions in the Passion Theater. Experience the cultural highlights during your vacation in Bavaria and let the different stories take effect on you.
Customs & Tradition
Oberammergau Passion Play
The Passion Play in Oberammergau is based on a vow that, made in times of extreme need, is continually fulfilled every 10 years on the open-air round stage of the Passion Theater. For over 350 years, the people of Oberammergau have been committed and proud to fulfill their promise to perform the play of Christ's suffering and death. After the Oberammergauers in 1633 Passion vows had handed in, they were Oberammergau Passion Play First performed in 1634. Over 40 more seasons followed continuously.
Old craft
Crafts have a long tradition in the Ammergau Alps; a tradition that is still very actively practiced today. From sculptors to stonemasons, numerous trades live and create here. One philosophy: products, individually made by hand and 100% from the Ammergau Alps Nature Park.
King Ludwig's birthday
Oberammergau: The King Ludwig fires are traditional mountain fires that are lit annually on August 24th, the eve of the birthday, on the peaks around Oberammergau. At the A burning royal crown is even erected on the local mountain, Kofel.
Linderhof Castle: On the evening of August 25th, the celebration will take place with music and atmospheric lighting in the fairytale king's favorite castle and in the castle park.
Leonhardi ride
Every year on the last weekend in October, festively decorated steeds parade to the horse blessing during the traditional Leonhardi procession in Unterammergau.
Corpus Christi
Strongly rooted in tradition, Christians in the Ammergau Alps celebrate Corpus Christi with colorful processions
Traditional costume clubs
The traditional costume clubs have made it their mission to preserve the traditional costume in the Ammergau Alps and to revive music and singing
Star tour & star singing
Every year on New Year's Eve, locals and guests, accompanied by singers and musicians, parade through Oberammergau and Ettal with a large illuminated star.
The year ends in an atmospheric and contemplative way with star singing.