Oberammergau, Germany is famous for the colorful frescoes that adorn the exteriors of its homes and businesses. This painting technique is known as Lüftlmalerei.
Luft means ‘air’ in German. It’s believed that the term illustrates how fresco artists must work quickly to apply watercolor paint to the wet plaster before it dries in the open air.
During spring, summer, and autumn, Oberammergau’s colorful façades are enhanced by overflowing boxes of trailing flowers. And during the most grey of winter months, I find that the Lüftlmalerei inject a much-needed cheerful ambience to this chilly Alpine village.
The painting style grew in popularity in the 1700s in southern Germany and in Italy, as it was a way for residents to flaunt their success and wealth.
As I was compiling windows for this collage, I couldn’t resist including a window from my parents’ home.
Can you guess which one it is? :)
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- Oberammergau is located 90 km (55 miles) southwest of Munich. To get there by rail, research the Bayern Ticket (website is in German, but you can use Google Translate). As of 2021, these tickets start at €25 for one passenger, and cost €8 for each additional passenger. You can use the Bayern Ticket for most trains, trams, and city buses, making it a good deal if you’ll be doing a lot of exploring in one day. You can purchase tickets online, via a ticket machine, or in person.
- Are you looking for a guesthouse or hotel in Oberammergau? Here is a round-up of hotels organized by theme.
- The following link contains an index of all my posts from Germany, including visits to Neuschwanstein Castle and Schloss Linderhof. If you’re feeling adventurous while in Oberammergau, also consider climbing up to the top of Mount Kofel. And, art & culture lovers will likely enjoy a stop at the Pilatushaus, where artisans sometimes demonstrate their wares being made.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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