Oberammergau is one of the most important centers of European woodcarving. For centuries, wood carvings from this Passion Play town have been sold, first throughout Europe and later overseas. A far-reaching distribution network was established for this purpose, making woodcarving a significant economic sector for the town, one that continues to shape its character today.
Wood carving in Oberammergau
A centuries-old craft
History and background of wood carving in Oberammergau
Why did Oberammergau develop into a center for woodcarving?
The most important woodcarving centers, such as Val Gardena or the Ore Mountains, have one thing in common: they are all located in mountainous regions. Winters in the mountains are generally harsher and longer, making agriculture impossible for a longer period than in the lowlands. This was also the case in Oberammergau. Another factor in the development of this industry in Oberammergau was its close connection to Ettal Abbey. Ettal was an important abbey from early times and had a high demand for sacred art, which it commissioned in Oberammergau. This laid the foundation for a centuries-long tradition.
What was carved in Oberammergau?
Sacred woodcarving has always been of paramount importance in Oberammergau. Some large workshops produced nothing but figures of Christ on the cross. The woodcarvers of Oberammergau were known far beyond the region, as evidenced by the novel of the same name (1880) and its film adaptation (1952). Even today, a stroll through Oberammergau reveals religious figures of every kind.
In the 19th century, the importance of toy manufacturing grew. Simple animal figures were just as popular as jumping jacks (also known as marionettes).
Around the year 1520, a chronicler from Ettal Abbey mentions an outstanding woodcarver of religious figures in Oberammergau. However, it can be assumed that a certain tradition of woodcarving already existed at that time.
In 1563, the woodcarvers of Oberammergau received their own guild regulations from the abbot of the monastery.
What began as a sideline craft developed into a main occupation for entire families of woodcarvers in the 16th century. Besides other biblical and Christian themes, the main motif for the carvers was the suffering Christ on the cross, sometimes depicted in graphic detail.
At the end of the 18th century, half of Oberammergau's then 900 inhabitants worked in the arts and crafts sector.
The distribution of the carved goods was organized by so-called "publishers." They coordinated the trade and maintained permanent branches in many European cities. The transport and sale of the goods, however, was handled by the "pack carriers." With heavy packs on their backs, they traveled on foot from place to place, bringing the intricate carvings even as far as St. Petersburg.
Today, the "Publisher's House" and the "Publisher's Lane" are reminders of the merchants of that era. Replicas of the former porters can still be found in some shops.
Over time, the range of Christian motifs was primarily supplemented by toys. These ranged from very simple "tire figures," which could be mass-produced with little effort, to string puppets, which are still made in Oberammergau today.
Where can I buy wood carvings in Oberammergau?
And what does the offer include?
Those wishing to discover woodcarvings from Oberammergau will find numerous workshops and shops in the town center offering traditional and modern wood art. A stroll through the shop windows of the carving workshops is particularly worthwhile, as many pieces are crafted on-site. Information about the carvers and their businesses is available from organizations such as the St. Luke's Association and the Ammergau Alps Artisans.
The selection ranges from classic religious figures and crucifixes to artistic nativity scenes, modern wooden sculptures, and unique gift ideas. Whether left natural or painted, many pieces combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary motifs. Furthermore, numerous carvers also create custom pieces according to individual wishes.
Wood carving in Oberammergau today
The close connection between Oberammergau and the art of woodcarving is unmistakable during a stroll through the town center. Numerous woodcarving workshops offer figures of saints and nativity scenes, toys, and other figures of all kinds.
Oberammergau Museum
The Oberammergau Museum was founded in 1910 to exhibit local craftsmanship. Here you have the opportunity to learn even more about the history of these crafts.
Visitors can trace the development of woodcarving in Oberammergau here. Jumping jacks, animal figures, toys, credentials for movable fortress of Scharnitz and exceedingly delicate fine carvings sand can be discovered here.
A year-round nativity scene exhibition invites adults and children alike to marvel at its wonders. Highlights include the historic church nativity scene from Oberammergau and paper nativity scenes by the famous Lüftlmaler Franz Seraph Zwinck.
The “Living Workshop”
gives one to the visitor comprehensive insight into a folk art that can only be found in this region. The artists don't just let themselves be seen there Looking over your shoulder at work, rather also happy to answer questions about the very specific ones Techniques, woodwork or working methods.
Open from May to mid-October and during Advent and Christmas - Dorfstraße 20. Admission is free.
St. Luke's Association
Many wood sculptors and carvers have joined together in the St. Lukas Association. They mark each of their hand-carved pieces on the underside with a stamp reading "Hand-carved Oberammergau". Alternatively, they can be recognized by a blue and white diamond displayed at their shops: the trademark of the "Ammergau Alpine Art Craftsmen," a kind of quality seal.
Oberammergau Wood Sculpture School
The state-run woodcarving school was founded at the end of the 19th century, initially as a drawing school for the woodcarvers of Oberammergau. The students were to learn to grasp and depict the proportions of people, animals, and landscapes. Although the curriculum has broadened considerably today and woodcarving is to be continuously developed at this school, the original concept remains present.
The students regularly exhibit their work in the school's own exhibition pavilion and garden. In 2026, for example, a composition of various large plant sculptures, reminiscent of "The Great Piece of Turf," a famous watercolor by Albrecht Dürer, will be on display in the garden. Everyone is warmly invited to discover and experience this oversized wooden ecosystem.