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Oberammergau Passion Play Tours

The Oberammergau Passion Play Tours & Trips

The world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play takes place in the quaint Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany. The production runs from May through October –  but only every decade! So join an adventure that allows you to secure your ticket to this unique experience while exploring the wonders of Europe.

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About the play

  • Brief history of the play

    In the early 1630s, the widely-spread plague took the lives of half of the village. The villagers vowed that if God spared them, they would put on a play every decade to celebrate the life and death of Jesus. As if by some miracle, no further villagers died – the vow appeared to have worked. The villagers performed the first play in 1634 in the local cemetery.

    Between 1634 and 1680, the play was performed nearly every year. In 1680, the villagers decided on a decennial schedule, and, with a few exceptions, the play has been performed every decade ever since. In 1830, the play was relocated to the newly-built Passion Play Theater in the north part of the village, where it’s still performed today.

  • Did you know that ...

    • The play is 5 hours long and is performed in two parts with a 3-hour break, which gives you plenty of time for a meal. Weißwurst, anyone? 
    • The play features a cast of more than 2000 performers, all of whom are villagers. Keep in mind that the population of Oberammergau is just over 5000, so almost half of the village participates!
    • On Ash Wednesday the year before the play is performed, a decree goes out that forbids actors from cutting their hair or shaving their beards until the end of production in October the following year. This ensures that actors retain a genuine look. No wigs and fake beards are involved!
    • The play is the most successful amateur play in the world. Every decade, around 500,000 people come to see the play during its installment from May through October.

    FAQs

    • Where is Oberammergau?

      Oberammergau is located in Bavaria, in the south of Germany, almost halfway between Munich (Germany) and Innsbruck (Austria). The village is nestled among the Alps, surrounded by forests, lakes, and nature preserves.

    • What is the Oberammergau Passion Play about?

      The Oberammergau Passion Play tells the Passion of Jesus (the last days in the life of Jesus), from coming to Jerusalem to his crucifixion. The play consists of 12 scenes and each scene is preceded by the choir, with music by local composer Rochus Dedler, who composed the music for the play in the early 1800s.

    • How long is the play?

      The play is 5 hours long and is performed in two parts:

      Part one is performed from 2.30 pm to 5 pm
      Break between 5 pm and 8 pm
      Part two is performed from 8 pm to 10.30 pm

    • Who performs in the play?

      The play is performed exclusively by the villagers, with a few exceptions. To take part, one must have been born and raised in Oberammergau or have lived in the village for at least 20 years. Christian Stückl, the director of the Oberammergau Passion Play, has called for these rules to be loosened so that others could take part in the play. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a change in the cast in 2030!

    • What language is the play performed in?

      The play is performed in German and there are no surtitles. However, you can buy textbooks in various languages. You will still be able to enjoy the performance even if you don’t speak German; the captivating storytelling, the stunning visuals, and the beautiful music are bound to dazzle everyone in the audience.

      We also recommend reading up on the plot before you see the play.

    • Where in Oberammergau is the play performed?

      The play is performed at the Passion Play Theater, located in the northern part of the village. The theater was built in the 19th century and sits around 5000 spectators.

    • Do I need to buy tickets for the Passion Play?

      Yes, you need to buy tickets in advance. All information on tickets and arrangements can be found on the official website of the Oberammergau Passion Play.

    How to Get There

    What to see

    • Oberammergau traditional house

      Oberammergau

      The Passion Play is not the only attraction that draws travelers to Oberammergau. Many houses along the village’s cobblestone streets are decorated with beautiful murals, many of which depict stories from the Bible. Combined with colorfully painted wooden shutters decorated with flowers, Oberammergau is a proper postcard village.

      The area around the village offers stunning landscapes and extravagant palaces, such as the Ammergauer Alps, an absolute must for mountain climbers, hikers, and cyclists. 
       

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    • Neuschwanstein castle

      Bavarian castles and palaces

      Germany’s most visited castle, Neuschwanstein, is just a stone’s throw away from Oberammergau. Fascinated by medieval knights and fairy tales, King Ludwig II of Bavaria had this castle built as an escape into a dream world. Unfortunately, he never saw to its completion–but you can! The castle is a real-life fairytale castle, so much so that it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

      Besides Neuschwanstein Castle, Ludwig II’s New Palace on Chiemsee, modeled after Versailles, and Linderhof Palace, a small palace built in the Rococo style, are a must.
       

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    • Munich Marienplatz

      Munich

      Munich boasts numerous museums, stunning buildings, and gorgeous parks. Some of Munich’s main sights include Marienplatz square with its neo-gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall); the extravagant Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royals; and the Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall, a must for all beer lovers.

      Speaking of beer, did someone say Oktoberfest? The biggest beer festival in the world takes place on the Theresienwiese, the largest fairground in Munich, every year.
       

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    Essentials

    • Consider booking a table at a restaurant for the 3-hour break. The play draws thousands every day from May to October so getting a table without a reservation might be tricky.
    • Bring a variety of clothes. The weather in the mountains changes a lot!
    • Take good walking shoes with you not just for hiking in the Alps, but also for walking down cobblestone streets (they are often uneven). 
    • Learn a few everyday German words and sentences before you visit Oberammergau, such as‘ ’Ein Bier, bitte” (one beer, please) and “Zwei Bier, bitte” and "Vielen Dank" (thank you very much), or maybe consider buying a German phrase book for traveling. 
    • Bring cash as some places might not accept credit cards.

    A TRAVEL MAGAZINE BY TOURRADAR