During most of my travel overseas, I stay at hotels operated by US chains, generally the Marriott. The accommodations are predictable, albeit a bit generic, no matter where I am in the world.
This week in Oberammergau, Germany, I am staying in the Alte Post Hotel, which is almost the antithesis of a hotel chain. It is old, unique, and charming.
According to information in the hotel, it was initially known as the Lion Inn and was first mentioned in chronicles in 1612. Merchants frequently stopped in as early as the 17th century. In 1851, the first postal station was opened at the inn. In 1864 the inn, minus the postal station was purchased and the new owner renamed it as the Alte Post (Old Post).
The hotel is a little quirky, but friendly, with lots of wood paneling, as seems to be the style in the region. The first photo below shows the front of the hotel. The second photo shows the view from my room that looks out onto the spectacular mountains.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Thanks for posting these Mike! Nigel and I both zeroed in on the 1612 date – so long ago! The hotel and the landscape are lovely although I was taken aback to see a crucifixion scene on the outside of a hotel.. how strange, not to mention the elephant! Fascinating!
I am not sure about the elephant, but this is an area that is known for woodcarving and there are crucifixes in public places all over the town. More important is the role of the passion play in the town. The short version is that In 1633, the residents of Oberammergau vowed that if God spared them from the bubonic plague ravaging the region, they would produce a play thereafter for all time every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. More at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberammergau_Passion_Play
Oh yes! I didn’t remember the name of the town but a few years ago I read about the passion play. Fancy you being in that same town!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing. It’s so nice to see that the Oberammergau I remember looks essentially unchanged. Locals sitting in the sun enjoying a snack or drink looks so inviting! Enjoy!
Looks like a nice place to stay, Mike. I tend to stick with predictable chains, but this looks like a nice exception.
Seems like they are not “wanting” for snow! Looks awesome! M 🙂