Oberammergau Germany

Travelled:83km

Stay:Saulgrub Germany- wild spot in bush next to river N47.6470 E10.9687

Visited:Bad Tolz, Ettal, Oberammergau 

Before leaving Bad Tolz we decided to follow the tourist map and walk around the bath and spa area of the town. Our first impressions was how lovely it was with all the tall shady trees.  We followed the Lugwigstrasse promenade which had evidence of the popularity of the spas with numerous guest houses lining the street. We then reached Kurpark and the Kurhaus assembly rooms built in 1914. 

As we returned to the river we stopped to admire the rose garden at the Franciscan Monastery although the roses are no longer flowering. We had a peak in the church but mass was on so didn’t go in. It was now time to leave and explore some villages in the Ammergau Alps region. Unfortunately the drive took us longer than anticipated as there were road blocks and road works resulting in us missing a couple of villages. We eventually made our escape from the traffic jam and got onto minor roads to Ettal. Lugwig IV of Bavaria founded a Benedictine Monastery here in 1370. The present day domed Abbey Church was completed in 1753 after fire damage. 

The interior was decorated with some amazing Rococo stuccowork and frescoes. 

It is well known for its honey and beer products and I swear I could hear bees in the church! The surrounding street had shops and cafe/ restaurants selling the abbeys products. 

We continued on 4km to the neighbouring town of Oberammergau. Feeling fortified after a doner kebab we went to have a look around. The town has a strong tradition in handicrafts and woodcarving dating back to the late Middle Ages. There were plenty of shops selling lots of their wooden products. 

The town has also many of its buildings decorated with frescoes/ murals depicting day to day life as well as religious subjects.

 We took a look in St.Peter and Paul’s church and we’re again amazed at the altar pieces, decorations and frescoes.

 As the town appeared to be on the tourist route there were plenty of souvenir shops as well as the Kaethe Wohlfahrt Christmas shops of which we couldn’t help ourselves in having another look!  

 It was then time to go in search of a spot for tonight. Luckily there was one in Park4Night not too far away which looked ok and so we stayed, ending another lovely day.