Oberammergau | Bavaria, Germany

Oberammergau stands as a captivating destination where traditional Bavarian culture thrives amidst stunning alpine scenery. The town's historic Passion Play tradition, dating back to 1634, continues every 10 years as a testament to a remarkable plague-time promise. Visitors are drawn to the town's exquisite painted murals adorning buildings, its reputation as a center for traditional woodcarving crafts, and the Schleifmühlklamm (Whetstone Gorge), once the source of Europe's finest whetstones. The area serves as an ideal base for exploration, with excellent transit connections to Munich (just 90 minutes away), numerous hiking and biking trails connecting charming villages like Unterammergau, and local treasures such as the Max Bräu craft brewery. The pedestrian-friendly town center, coupled with four Christmas ornament stores and authentic Bavarian shopping, creates a perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure opportunities in the Bavarian Alps.