Oberau: Nativity Scene Art, Natural Lake and Local History

Nativity Scene Exhibition and Local History

The Oberau Nativity Scene Exhibition displays nativity scenes from Alpine, southern Italian and Oriental cultural traditions across more than 100 m². This range brings different traditions together and gives the exhibition a broader theme than a collection devoted exclusively to Alpine nativity scenes. For directions, there is a specific route from Oberau station: go through the underpass and turn right onto Schmiedeweg. After about 150 m, the nativity scene exhibition is on the left. This is an approximate distance, not a walking time.

Themed trail “Das goldene Au” (The Golden Au) presents the diverse history of the municipality of Oberau. Its focus is clearly different from that of the nativity scene exhibition: the trail is about local history, while the exhibition features nativity scenes from three cultural traditions. This can help you decide whether you are more interested in the municipality’s history or in different nativity scene traditions.

Nature at the Alpine Swimming Pool

The Oberau Alpine Swimming Pool has a large natural lake fed by a spring. This describes a specific natural feature of the pool, but does not specify a bathing season. If you are planning a day of swimming, check the current opening hours.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a broader travel destination

The wider travel destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers further opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Visitors can walk through Partnach Gorge and experience its massive rock walls and the water rushing below. The gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors in 1912. For a different view of the mountain landscape, there is the 1,780-metre-high Wank, Partenkirchen’s local mountain, which is suitable for leisurely mountain walks with far-reaching views. The Wank cable car takes visitors directly from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the summit; access by cable car depends on operating conditions.

The hiking trails also differ in their described character. The Kramerplateauweg runs along the foot of the Kramer and is a panoramic trail with well-maintained paths and gentle gradients. At 1,237 metres, the Eckbauer is lower than the Wank, can be hiked in both summer and winter, and is known as a versatile hiking area. It is accessible by cable car. When planning to use either cable car, take the respective operating conditions into account.

Culture lovers will find a range of places to visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Werdenfels Museum was established in 1895 from a private collection and is now one of the most important museums of its kind in Bavaria. The original 150-kilogram Zugspitze summit cross is on display in its Zugspitze room. The Richard Strauss Institute is located in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen’s spa gardens. It houses a permanent exhibition about Strauss’s life and work.

Public art and events add further cultural highlights. Visitors can discover Lüftlmalerei, traditional fresco paintings on house façades, while strolling through Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Richard Strauss Festival takes place in Garmisch every June and includes performances of his works; the programme may change from year to year. For a specific visit, it is therefore worth checking the dates for the year in question. At the Garden of the Senses in Michael Ende Spa Park, the focus is on experiences for the senses of smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing.

Discover more destinations: Oberammergau, Ohlstadt, Murnau Am Staffelsee, Saulgrub, Mittenwald, Grainau, Wallgau, Krün.

Go to the broader travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen District.