Travels with Tricia

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The Last Days of Summer – Oberammergau, Germany

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Tricia A. Mitchell

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“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

Henry James

As we welcome autumn to Oberammergau – with its bounty of festivals and harvests – here’s a peek at the scenes we glimpsed during our end-of-summer strolls.

Here’s to beautiful fall foliage, and Bavaria’s winter wonderland vistas that await us just around the corner.

I hope they’ll arrive fashionably late, though.

Oberammergau scenes 3

Flowers in Bavaria 2

Flowers in Bavaria

Kofel in Oberammergau

Oberammergau scenes 2

Where in the World?

Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.

Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

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58 responses to “The Last Days of Summer – Oberammergau, Germany”

  1. Victor Ho Avatar
    Victor Ho

    Tricia
    Great shots

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Nice to hear from you, Victor – thanks for the compliment. I’m lucky that my parents call this picturesque part of the world home. As much of a wonderland as it is in winter, though, I love summer trekking here even more.

      Wish you a great weekend – on which side of the Atlantic are you now?

      Reply
  2. Laura Heath Avatar
    Laura Heath

    LOVING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY. It oddly reminds me of some of the kind of photography I do… except you are in Germany! How cool would it be if I could be taking pictures with you in Deutschland? I love you girl! Have a great first day of autumn! Love, Laura xoxox

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      So nice to be in touch again, Laura! I’m flattered by your comment, especially coming from such a creative and talented photographer like you.

      One of these days, you and Bryan must hop to this side of the pond so that we can have one of those photo sessions. Did you know that Oktoberfest kicked off today? A perfect excuse for you to don a Dirndl and come visit. Hugs from us.

      Reply
  3. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Stunning photos. Happy to share. Can’t help wishing I was there right now.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Darlene, before you get too tempted by this beautiful Alpine scenery, I must let you in a little secret: it’s often grey and rainy here. Of course, so much rain lends itself to lush, stunning greenery like you see here.

      Thanks so much for your kind comment and for sharing the link on Twitter. Will you be spending some time outdoors this weekend too? We’re hoping to make it out on a hike in the next two days, weather permitting of course.

      Reply
      1. Darlene Avatar
        Darlene

        Was out and about yesterday but it is a rainy yukky day today so a good excuse to stay in and write. Yes, the rain makes for beautiful scenery, as we know here on the westcoast of Canada.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        Darlene, I also appreciate that rainy days make me feel less guilty about staying indoors and working. Are you doing a follow-up to one of your books? In which part of Canada’s west coast do you live?

  4. Gerard Avatar
    Gerard

    Your pictures are beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Merci, Gerard, though I must give Mother Nature most of the credit. I must also confess that here in the mountains sunny days like this can be a bit rare. Today was the first time we’ve had the sun all day in over a week. Such scarcity does make the sunny days even more special though.

      Are the leaves starting to turn in NY yet? We made a few autumn trips to the Hudson Valley this time of year and the colors were stunning.

      Reply
      1. Gerard Avatar
        Gerard

        Hi Tricia. The leaves are starting to change colors and it’s getting cooler. I love the change of seasons.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        I also love experiencing all four seasons. Sometimes I just wish winter was a tad shorter though. :)

        Do you have any favorite spots in the area that you like to go to usher in autumn?

  5. Patty Nguyen Avatar
    Patty Nguyen

    Oh my goodness, your work is gorgeous, Tricia. Your photos transported me right to Germany. Breathtaking!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Many thanks, Patty. This scenery is pretty spectacular. Not far from this spot we take our Bailey-lookalike, Gigi, for walks. Have you visited Germany?

      Reply
      1. Patty Nguyen Avatar
        Patty Nguyen

        I have not, but your photos are making me want to visit asap.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        Germany is very dog friendly, so even your little guy would love it over here. (Dogs are allowed on buses, in restaurants and in shops.) :)

      3. Patty Nguyen Avatar
        Patty Nguyen

        That’s wonderful. There are some cities here in California that are more dog friendly than others. It’s difficult to travel with Bailey due to the restrictions. No dogs are allowed in any restaurants in the state. Poor Baybay, but lucky Gigi!

  6. travelerlynne Avatar
    travelerlynne

    These pictures are amazing. They just draw me right in and put a smile on my face.Being the warm-bloodied creature that I am I would like to pass on winter. But winters can provide some of the best photos of nature in all her velvety white glory as well as an array of delicious soups. :)

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      That’s kind of you to say, Lynne. “Velvety white glory” – a beautiful way to describe winter. It sounds as though we’re compatible weather-wise. I like traveling to the snow. :)

      We’ve already entered soup weather – I’m eager to whip up some pumpkin soup, something that German restaurants do extremely well.

      Reply
  7. bits and pieces on photo Avatar
    bits and pieces on photo

    Such a beautiful place and you have captured some amazing shots. I can feel summer through your photos! :)

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Thank you, Mekala. We’ve been lucky to have spent the summer months in such a picturesque place. You must be excited that summer’s coming back your way soon. I just read the news of your marriage, too – hearty congratulations!

      Reply
  8. Nessy San Avatar
    Nessy San

    A lovely place to visit! :D

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Indeed, Nessy. We’re lucky to do so often since my parents live here. Have you visited Bavaria?

      Reply
  9. alessandro ciapanna Avatar
    alessandro ciapanna

    Dreamy landscapes, soon to be frosted over… Lovely.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Alessandro, please no mention of the s-word. :) We’re not ready for winter quite yet.

      Reply
  10. solveig2013 Avatar
    solveig2013

    Such lovely photos, just as lush and green as an alpine meadow! It brings back happy memories from years ago when I went with three friends to see the Passion play. We were only 19, were driving through Austria, Checkoslovakia and Germany- the most glorious summer. In Oberammergau we stayed in the home of a sweet old lady, and just loved it. 35 years later I still have wax angels from Oberammergau on my christmas tree!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Solveig, what a lovely memory you’ve shared; thank you. It’s incredible that the wax angels have survived all of these years, still able to grace your family’s Christmas tree.

      We have never been in Oberammergau during the Passion Play, but I’d certainly be curious to see how the village transforms itself. People we’ve met here said that the men grow out their hair and beards, and that Oberammergau is just bustling with activity. Have you ever thought about returning with your family? The next one is in 7 years. :)

      Reply
      1. solveig2013 Avatar
        solveig2013

        Going back with the family is a great idea,perhaps we will! And then perhaps we will see you there! Solveig

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        That would be fun, Solveig. :)

  11. ngok2013 Avatar
    ngok2013

    Loved the photos. Especially the daisies, sooo nice.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Thank you, and many thanks for stopping by, Ngok2013.

      Reply
  12. restlessjo Avatar
    restlessjo

    Gorgeous! :)

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Beautiful countryside, isn’t it, Jo? It’s even more picturesque when you see the Alpine cows grazing, the gentle clanking of their bells in the background…

      Reply
  13. belocchio Avatar
    belocchio

    Today is the first day of fall. After a glorious summer and into September today is rained, and rained and rained. Your gorgeous photographs brought more than just a little bit of sunshine into this gray day. I was singing sons from the Sound of Music, Tricia. XXOo Virginia

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      It’s fun to hear that these images impacted your personal soundtrack, Virginia. Today, we’re again experiencing rain, but we’ve enjoyed three splendid sunshine-filled days up until now. Yesterday, we went hiking in the Ammergauer Alps, and I had a Sound of Music tune flashback of my own when we saw a family of mountain goats. Instantly, ‘the Lonely Goatherd’ came to mind. That’s something I used to play on the piano with my dear teacher.

      What types of delightful treats are you harvesting this fall?

      Reply
      1. belocchio Avatar
        belocchio

        Apples. I walked down to Home Farm the other day and picked ever so many different kinds of apples. Of course an apple pie was called for. V.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        I’ve been wanting to go apple picking, Virginia, but just haven’t tracked down an apple farm in this area yet. I’ll have to check your culinary site for the apple pie recipe and see if I can find some gluten-free flours for my own version of it. :)

  14. corneliaweberphotography Avatar
    corneliaweberphotography

    Beautiful Tricia, as I know this country side since my childhood, I even more love your pictures, I really can smell the flair of Autum there…..wishing to be there!!!!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Cornelia, it’s another beautiful day here in Bavaria, and we’re thrilled since we’ve just had a long week of rain. We’re contemplating going back to Linderhof or climbing the Laber. Can you recommend any of your favorite autumn rituals from when you lived in this area? Do you think you’ll be back for a visit this winter or next summer?

      Reply
  15. Liana Avatar
    Liana

    gorgeous images of two enchanting words

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Thank you, Liana. “Enchanting” is a fitting way to describe this landscape.

      Reply
  16. drawandshoot Avatar
    drawandshoot

    Those intense greens are wonderful! Beautiful photography.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Many thanks, Karen. Such stunning foliage makes the plentiful amount of rain more tolerable. :) We’re lucky to be spending several months here.

      Reply
  17. rigmover Avatar
    rigmover

    Great shot and stunning colours Tricia, and yes it does feel like the end of summer here to.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Thank you, Mark. Temperature wise, fall has certainly arrived here, yet we’re still awaiting the turning of the foliage to autumn hues.

      Reply
  18. ruthincolorado Avatar
    ruthincolorado

    Lovely, Tricia!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Many thanks, Ruth. When were you last in this part of Germany?

      Reply
      1. ruthincolorado Avatar
        ruthincolorado

        Hi Tricia, I was in Munich about about 3 weeks ago, but it’s been about 3 years since I ventured into the beautiful countryside around Oberammergau.

  19. Beauty Along the Road Avatar
    Beauty Along the Road

    I’ve always loved the windows and balconies decorated so abundantly with flowers. In the Black Forest, they used to have yearly competitions between villages and towns where the most “flowerful” town won. Usually, every house and every yard was immaculate and decorated with flowers….

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      When I was living in Heidelberg, I loved voyaging to the Black Forest for weekend day trips. I do recall seeing the ‘Villes Fleuris’ signs in France too. I wonder if they have/had similar competitions?

      Here in Oberammergau, we’re enjoying the last weeks seeing the balconies adorned with such an array of flowers. Soon they’ll give way to evergreen boughs.

      Wish you a wonderful weekend, Annette!

      Reply
      1. Beauty Along the Road Avatar
        Beauty Along the Road

        Enjoy this glorious fall while it lasts. I, too, remember very dreary, grey months towards the end of the year. On the East coast in the US we are having an extended warm, sunny fall. Just the thing th chase winter blahs a bit further into the future :-)

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        Lovely that you’re having an extended summer of sorts. Today we’re having one of those grey days. Here’s hoping we’ll get some hiking in later in the week.

  20. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    Some stunning shots here, Tricia. And with a header by the great Henry James, what could be more perfect!?!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Many thanks, Rachael. A great compliment coming from a talented photographer and writer such as yourself. :)

      Reply
  21. Susan Melander Avatar
    Susan Melander

    Thank you for the wonderful pictures from Oberammergau. I lived there in the early 1950’s as a child and have returned several times since. Attended the Passion Play in 1950, 1970, and 2000. Oberammergau has a very special place in my heart.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Susan, how lovely to hear about your connection to Oberammergau! I’d be fascinated to hear your stories, and what changes you noticed during your most recent visit? My parents retired to O-gau a few summers ago, and we’ve been lucky enough to have spent a few months there. I haven’t yet attended a Passion Play, but looking forward to possibly doing so in 2020.

      Did you ever climb the Kofel, or any of the neighboring peaks? I’m guessing you might have taken the cable car to the top of the Laber? In what part of the village did you live? Last summer we really enjoyed the König-Ludwig-Feuer event, when hikers carried torches up the Kofel to commemorate King Ludwig’s birthday. It’s such a picturesque part of the world, and so I can see why it is very special to you.

      Reply
      1. Susan Melander Avatar
        Susan Melander

        My dad was in the US Army and was stationed in Oberammergau (US Army Military Police School and US Army Intelligence School) from 1949 to 1952. I was in 1st through 3rd grade and attended the US Dependent School in Garmisch. A “school bus” took us down and back every day. My most recent visit was this past September—a very quick trip of only one hour. To me the village hasn’t really changed—I can still find my way around. But, of course, it has changed—more commercial, more people, more traffic, more touristy (even in non-Passion Play years). I, however, could see myself retiring there; I am jealous of your parents. (However, my husband would never leave where we now live.)
        I never did climb the Kofel and the Laber did not have a chair lift when I lived there. I do remember the torches on the mountain for the King’s birthday—it was magical.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        Susan, thank you for sharing your memories of Oberammergau. What an idyllic place in which to have spent part of your childhood (and to have gone to elementary school in Garmisch)! :)

        Perhaps when you next return, you can ride up to the Laber, and if your visit coincides with Unterammergau’s horse-blessing ceremony, I highly recommend it. Though we’re not always in O-gau, I know that my parents would enjoy meeting you. Please keep in touch if it looks as though you’ll be in town.

        If you’re looking for more trips down memory lane, here are some of my O-gau favorite posts:

        The Lüftlmalerei-Adorned Windows of Oberammergau, Germany

        Hiking to the Kofel, Oberammergau’s Signature Mountain

        A Bavarian Horse-Blessing Ceremony