Tag Archives: Bavaria

Autumn in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, Near Oberammergau, Germany

The autumn leaves near Oberammergau, Germany have reached their peak, so the surrounding hillsides are dressed in shades of copper, saffron, and a bit of green. One of my favorite places to ride my bike is to the nearby Ettaler Weidmoos, a tranquil nature preserve that’s part of the Ammergau Alps Nature Park (Naturpark AmmergauerContinue reading “Autumn in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, Near Oberammergau, Germany”

A Peek at Germany’s Ettal Monastery

When I saw the elaborate dome of the Ettal Monastery (Kloster Ettal) for the first time, I was surprised to see such ornate architecture dramatically rising out of the countryside, juxtaposed with the area’s modest Bavarian homes. The monastery, located in the village of Ettal, is not far from the town of Oberammergau, which is well-known for itsContinue reading “A Peek at Germany’s Ettal Monastery”

Slap Happy: Dancing the Schuhplattler in Bavaria

One of the joys of exploring Germany’s Bavaria region is seeing the people’s penchant for preserving tradition. In the village of Oberammergau, where we’ve spent much time visiting my parents, it’s not uncommon to spot an older gentleman wearing a loden green, woolen hat, with feather, during a grocery-shopping trip. On holidays, ladies often don vibrant Dirndls (dresses withContinue reading “Slap Happy: Dancing the Schuhplattler in Bavaria”

A Bavarian Horse-Blessing Ceremony

As we walked from the town of Oberammergau to the village of Unterammergau, Germany, numerous horses trotted past us. The animals’ beautifully decorated manes and tails blew in the late autumn breeze. Not to be outdone by the animals’ distinguished appearances, the horse owners also sported fine Bavarian attire. Men wore grey woolen jackets finishedContinue reading “A Bavarian Horse-Blessing Ceremony”