Palm Sunday

A first splash of color

Palm blessing on the Sunday before Easter

In the weeks leading up to Easter, families and farms across Berchtesgaden and the Rupertiwinkel get busy with extensive preparations. Fathers cut willow branches, gather twigs, and tie the traditional Palmbuschen. Mothers and older children craft the decorations using Gschabertbandln—thin, dyed wood shavings.

On Palm Sunday, children carry their Palmbuschen to church, where they are blessed in remembrance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Palm decorations made from wood shavings

Mothers and older children craft the traditional palm decorations from dyed wood shavings known as Gschabertbandln. Colorful and intricately handmade, the decorations feature two- and three-colored Ziamusi—accordion-shaped ornaments—along with wooden balls called Ohrein, small rolled pieces known as Rollein, and loose ribbons. Together, they create the distinctive handcrafted wooden decorations unique to the Berchtesgaden region.

Spring traditions in Berchtesgaden

  • Aperschnalzen

    Aperschnalzen is an ancient pre-Christian tradition practiced in the Bavarian Alpine foothills and the Salzburg region. There are different theories about its origins. The most common belief is that the ritual was meant to drive out winter.

  • Holy Sepulcher Höglwörth

    Experience the Holy Sepulcher at Höglwörth, one of Bavaria’s most impressive Easter traditions. Every three years, glowing glass spheres and baroque scenery transform the monastery church into a mystical spectacle.

  • Maypole raising

    Experience traditional maypole raising in Berchtesgaden with Bavarian music, festive village celebrations, and authentic Alpine customs.

  • Miners’ Festival

    Experience the Miners’ Festival in Berchtesgaden, a more than 500-year-old Pentecost tradition celebrating Alpine salt, mining heritage, and Bavarian customs.
Spring awakening in Berchtesgaden