The Kofel

From the top of the Kofel there are fantastic views of Oberammergau and the surrounding valley. At 1341m it is not a particularly high mountain but the Bavarian Alps are noted for their craggy appearance and the Kofel is no exception. The word ‘kofel' was the Celtic word for a cone-shaped mountain indicating that this area was once home to a Celtic tribe.

Today, topped by its cross, it is a favourite destination for hikers. There are a number of hiking trails leading to its peak; the shortest trail taking some 45 minutes. However, that is far too slow for some of the folk from Oberammergau and the surrounding villages. They prefer to run to the top! Some of the actors in the famous Passion Play are so fit they can reach the summit in less than 20 minutes.

Traditions abound in the mountains. For instance every year on 24 August the Kofel is lit up with flames from a huge bonfire and a crown blazes on its peak commemorating the birthday on 25 August of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.