Join us for a unique and immersive experience in Upper Bavaria, where craftsmanship and culture come together. Over the course of six days, you’ll explore the rich heritage of the region, with the highlight being a four-day hands-on workshop led by a master craftsman. Here, you'll learn to create a traditional Schnürlkasperl - a classic two-sided jumping jack figure made of wood.

The Schnürlkasperl, a playful figure with movable arms and legs controlled by pulling a string, has been cherished for generations. Though once considered a children’s toy, it is now admired for the skill and artistry required to create its intricate design, making it a treasured piece of Bavarian folk art. In addition to the workshop, you’ll experience the lively customs of Fasching, Bavaria’s version of Carnival or Mardi Gras, with local celebrations full of tradition, music, and colorful costumes.

Your journey begins on Sunday, February 23, in Oberammergau, a quaint Bavarian village nestled in the Alps, renowned for its centuries-old woodcarving traditions. For hundreds of years, Oberammergau was a bustling center of German toy-making, and the Schnürlkasperl figures created here were traded as far away as Amsterdam and Moscow. Today, the village is still home to dozens of woodcarvers, and around every corner, you’ll find studios with storefronts offering everything from life-size statues of the Virgin Mary to hand-carved toys and bowls.

In Oberammergau, you will partake in the four-day workshop with Markus Wagner, the last Schnürlkasperl maker in the village. Markus has been crafting these figures by hand for nearly forty years. His work is well known throughout Germany, having been featured in multiple German television programs and media outlets that showcase traditional Bavarian crafts. Each year, he is also invited to Christmas markets in the United States to hold workshops and sell his pieces. During the workshop, Markus will guide you through the entire process of creating two Schnürlkasperl figures from a single block of wood.

The workshops are structured to last 4-5 hours per day, allowing ample time to explore the historic and cultural landmarks around Oberammergau. One day will include a private tour of Ettal Monastery and its on-site liquor distillery. Another afternoon, we will visit the stunning Linderhof Palace, the main residence of King Ludwig II, which was modeled after the Palace of Versailles.

On the fifth day of the tour, we will travel to the nearby village of Mittenwald, located on the Austrian border. Here, you’ll witness the annual Fasching festivities, where men don hand-carved masks, wear elaborate costumes, and parade through the streets accompanied by the sounds of bells and lively music. The parade combines an ancient pagan tradition of driving away winter spirits with the Catholic custom of celebrating before the start of Lent. This unique celebration is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you have to see to believe!

In addition to its Fasching festivities, Mittenwald has been renowned for its violin-making tradition since the 1600s. On the final full day of the tour, February 28, we will explore this historic aspect of the village and visit local artists in their studios to watch them at work. In the evening, you’re invited to join a torch-lit hike leading to a traditional Bavarian lodge party. On Saturday, March 1, we’ll pack up our belongings - including our hand-crafted Schnürlkasperl - and bid farewell over breakfast.

As the workshop takes place in Markus’ private studio and space is limited, this experience is open to only five participants. However, we do offer a companion rate if a partner or friend wishes to join the tour without attending the workshops.