Frescoed Houses, Oberammergau
Frescoes on the birth house of Ludwig Thoma. Photo © Galen Frysinger.
The Pilatushaus, painted by Zwick. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Photo © Galen Frysinger.
Photo © Galen Frysinger.
Photo © Galen Frysinger.
Location map and aerial view of Frescoed Houses. For a larger interactive view, see our Oberammergau Map.
Depicting both religious and secular scenes, frescoed houses are a charming characteristic of the Bavarian Alps (Oberbayern). One of the best places to admire them is in Obergammergau, the village famed for its passion play.
The frescoes of this region are known as Lüftlmalerei, or "Lüftl frescoes." The name is believed to derive from the house of the most renowned facade painter in Oberammergau, Franz Seraph Zwinck (1748-1792), which is called Zum Lüftl.
The finest painting contributed by Zwinck is the "Pilatushaus" on Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse, which depicts Christ before Pilate. Today the Pilatushaus is home to the village's respected woodcarvers, painters, potters and sculptors. The house is open to the public and visitors can watch the artists at work.
Other Oberammergau houses depict scenes from the Crucifixion and other biblical scenes, as well as fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Frescoed Houses; Lüftlmalerei |
| Location: | Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Architecture: | Baroque |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 47.598173° N, 11.063125° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Pilatushaus: Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse, Oberammergau |
| Phone: | Pilatushaus: 08822/949511 |
| Hours: | Pilatushaus: Jun-Oct: M-F 1-6pm; Sat 10am to 12:30pm |
Travel Resources
- Oberammergau Map - our detailed interactive map of Oberammergau, plus hand-picked links to more
- Getting to Oberammergau - directions by train, car and bus, plus location map and links
- Oberammergau Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Oberammergau Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Oberammergau tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Oberammergau Attractions - Frommers.com
- Oberammergau - German Wikipedia
