Wheelchair user Debbie North visits Oberammergau Germany to discover a very accessible town and region.
Some places make an impression quietly. Others announce themselves with colour, history and mountains in the background. Oberammergau manages to do all three at once.
Most people know the village for the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, staged once every ten years, drawing visitors from across the globe. But Oberammergau is far more than a theatrical destination. It is a living gallery of painted houses, skilled woodcarvers and traditions passed down through generations—all wrapped in genuine Bavarian warmth.
Arriving in the Alps
My journey began in Munich, where I boarded a regional train heading south into the Alps, from Munich. The journey itself felt like part of the holiday: cities giving way to forests, then meadows and finally dramatic mountain backdrops. Step-free access and helpful staff made the trip smooth and stress-free.
By the time we rolled into Oberammergau, it already felt like I’d stepped into a postcard.
A Comfortable Base: Alpenflair
I stayed at Alpenflair Ferienwohnungen, a modern apartment complex that proved both comfortable and accessible. Wide entrances, step-free access and well-designed bathrooms made settling in easy. After a day of exploring, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge. The location was perfect – opposite the train station, yet very close to the centre of the village.
Oberammergau Houses That Tell Stories
What strikes you first in Oberammergau is its famous Lüftlmalerei — traditional fresco paintings decorating the exterior walls of houses. These aren’t faded relics. They’re bright, bold and beautifully maintained.
Fairy tales sit alongside religious scenes. Red Riding Hood peers from one wall. Hansel and Gretel appear on another. Saints and biblical stories unfold across balconies and windows. Against white stucco walls, blues, reds, yellows and greens glow in the Alpine light.
My favourite was Pilatus House, dating from the 18th century. Painted by Franz Seraph Zwink, its perspective frescoes are so detailed they almost feel three dimensional. It’s probably the most photographed house in the village — and deservedly so.
Finding these painted homes becomes a gentle treasure hunt. Along Ettaler Street and nearby lanes, every corner reveals a new scene. A simple stroll can easily turn into half an hour of smiling, stopping and photographing.
Oberammergau Museum
To understand Oberammergau properly, a visit to the Oberammergau Museum is essential.
Woodcarving has been part of village life for over 500 years, and the museum’s collection reflects this heritage beautifully. From 17th-century religious figures to modern sculptures, the craftsmanship is extraordinary. Interactive displays let you explore wood as a material, while films and archives tell the story of the Passion Play and local artists.
In the entrance hall of the Passion Play Theatre, another exhibition traces the history of this remarkable tradition — how faith, community and theatre became inseparable here.
A Royal Detour: Linderhof Palace
One day, I took the bus to Linderhof Palace, nestled in the surrounding mountains.
Built by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century, Linderhof is his smallest but most intimate palace. Inspired by Versailles, it’s a fantasy of mirrors, fountains and gilded detail. Inside, every room reflects Ludwig’s love of grandeur. Outside, formal gardens and mountain views create a striking contrast.
Accessible routes and staff support made the visit manageable. It felt like stepping briefly into another, far more extravagant world.
Touching the Sky: Zugspitze
No visit to this region feels complete without seeing Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.
I travelled by train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then continued by cable car. The whole system is impressively accessible, with step-free boarding and spacious cabins.
At the top, the views are simply breathtaking; peaks stretching into Austria, clouds drifting below your feet, and a real sense of standing on the roof of Germany. It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Gentle Adventures
Back in Oberammergau, I discovered it’s only about a ten-minute walk to the valley station of the Kolben chairlift. From here, you can reach walking trails and even an alpine coaster. While I didn’t try the coaster this time, watching others zoom down the mountainside was entertainment enough.
The village strikes a lovely balance; enough activity to keep you interested, but never so much that it feels overwhelming.
Oberammergau : a Place Deserving More Time
A walking tour carried us past the Red Riding Hood House, the Hansel and Gretel House, and Pilatus House, but I wished I had longer to explore on foot. A slow, unhurried walk through the streets reveals far more than any drive-by ever could.
Every façade has a story. Every carving reflects generations of skill. Every café seems ready to welcome you in.
I simply ran out of time.
Final Thoughts
Oberammergau is not just a village you visit. It’s a place you experience.
It blends faith, folklore, art and landscape into something quietly special. Add good transport links, thoughtful accessibility and genuine hospitality, and you have a destination that works on every level.
I arrived expecting pretty houses and a famous play.
I left with memories of painted walls, mountain air, royal palaces and the feeling I’d only just begun to scratch the surface.
Next time, I’ll stay longer.
Accessible Travel around Oberammergau Bavaria
For more information about accessible travel on the Zugspitze, on Mount Wank and in the Garmisch-Classic area visit: https://zugspitze.de/en/Service-information/Plan-your-trip/Accessible-travel