Oberammergau Passion Play How to Plan the Best Itinerary

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Every 10 years, the people of Oberammergau, Germany, welcome tens of thousands of visitors for one reason…the Oberammergau Passion Play (Passionsspiele Oberammergau). I would consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend the Passion Play; however, I’ve been twice before (1990 and 2000)!

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Where is Oberammergau, Germany?

Oberammergau, Germany, is a small village located near the southern border of the country, on the Ammer River. It is part of the well-known German state of beautiful Bavaria, in the Bavarian Alps. The surrounding views are spectacular, with beautiful scenery, including picturesque meadows.

The Bavarian town of Oberammergau is accessible by car, as well as train/bus. It is approximately one hour & 15 minutes southwest of Munich.

What does Oberammergau Mean in English?

The quaint European village of Oberammergau is near another German town named Unterammergau.

“Ober” means “upper/over” in English, and “unter” means “under.” As both towns are located along the Ammer River and around the stunning Ammergau Alps (a mountain range that crosses the border between Germany and Austria), their names reflect their location.

What Happens Every 10 Years in Oberammergau?

I’m so glad you asked!

Every 10 years in Oberammergau, Germany, over 2,000 residents (the villagers of Oberammergau) present the important Passion Play. And not just one performance. From May to October, 2020 (now scheduled for May to October, 2022), the Passion Play will be presented over 100 times to over half a million visitors.

Participants in the production must be natives of Oberammergau or residents for at least 20 years. Main casting for the 2020 (now 2022) Passion Play was announced in October 2018. On Ash Wednesday 2019 (then again in 2021), all the performers began to let their hair grow out (and men started growing beards), following an old tradition, the hair and beard decree. The preparation period (both time & effort) is no joke.

What is the Passion Play?

The “Passion” refers to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ (Jesus Christ, that is). As such, the famous Passion Play is a portrayal of these historical events, including a reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ.

Passion Plays are performed the world over. In Oberammergau, it is performed on an open-air theater stage (with movable stage roof), with covered seating for spectators. The play (in 2010) consists of live drama, tableaux vivants (living images), choir, and orchestra.

Many Christians consider attendance at the Passion Play a pilgrimage of sorts. Regardless of a visitor’s beliefs, Oberammergau’s spectacular Passion Play is rich in artistry, history, music, and dedication. You will be moved by being there and immersing yourself in the dramatic performances and in the legendary Oberammergau experience, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before.

History of the Oberammergau Passion Play

From the mid-1300s to mid-1700s, the bubonic plague (black plague) was feared throughout Europe. Also know as the Black Death, those infected with bubonic plague faced a high mortality rate in a short period of time.

Those living in Oberammergau made a solemn vow to God that, if He spared them from further destruction by the bubonic plague, they would perform a Passion Play every 10 years. Although I wouldn’t recommend making deals with God, after the residents of Oberammergau made this vow, there were no further deaths from the Black Death!

The town performed the first Passion Play in 1634, and since 1680, it is now performed in years ending with a zero. Throughout history, there have been some additional performances, as well as some missed performances and major departures from the schedule.

• 1770 – cancelled by Elector Maximilian III’s Clerical Council, claiming the theater stage is no place for religion
• 1920 – postponed to 1922, due to post-World War I economic and political conditions
• 1934 – additional performances to celebrate 300th anniversary
• 1940 – cancelled, due to World War II (click here for more WWII history)
• 1984 – additional performances to celebrate 350th anniversary
• 2020 – postponed to 2022, due to worldwide coronavirus pandemic

The history of the Passion Play is really a fascinating study of the faithfulness of the people of Oberammergau to fulfill their vow to God!

How many hours is the Oberammergau Passion Play?

The 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play 2020 (now in 2022) is 5 hours total in duration, divided into 2 parts, with a dinner break in the middle.

The premiere of the Passion Play in 2022 will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

From May 14 to October 2, 2022, the Passion Play will be performed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

From May 14 to August 14, Part I will be from 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Part II will be from 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Thus, the 3-hour dinner break is from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

From August 15 to October 2, Part I will be from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Part II will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Here, the dinner break is from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This timing will be an interesting difference for me. In 1990 and 2000, the play started earlier, and the meal break was for lunch, not dinner. The later times began in 2010.

Is the Oberammergau Passion Play in English?

The Oberammergau Passion Play is presented exclusively in the German language. Translation books in various languages will be available for purchase on the day of the performance.

Oberammergau Passion Play Ticket Prices & Itinerary Options

In both 1990 and 2000, we were part of organized tour groups, so all accommodations and Oberammergau Passion Play tickets were included in the package. While package tours can work well for many people, they can also be pricey. And, although many may think so, it is not necessary to purchase a package deal to get tickets to the Passion Play.

Tickets Only

The official Passion Play website offers individual tickets for purchase. There are 6 price categories for Oberammergau 2022 tickets.

You will need to make your own meal arrangements if purchasing individual tickets only. It is recommended that, if you would like a sit-down meal, you make a reservation ahead of time (possibly at one of these restaurants).

Individual tickets range from 30 € to 180 € per person. Advance ticket sales are going on right now.

Even if you do make your own lodging and transportation arrangements, attending the Oberammergau Passion Play is still pricey. But again, it’s an event that only happens every 10 years!

After making our purchase, we were mailed actual tickets via snail mail, addressed to “Frau (Me!).” Note to self (and to you): Make sure you keep your tickets in a safe place that you will actually remember a year from now!

Discounts

Discounts are available for students and disabled persons on certain individual Oberammergau Passion Play 2022 tickets. Verification of student status or disability is required for entrance with a discounted ticket. Otherwise, you will be charged the difference at the door.

Arrangements (Tickets, Meals, & Lodging)

The Oberammergau Passion Play official website also offers short-term lodging, meal, and ticket packages, called “arrangements.”

Part of the experience of attending the Passion Play in 1990 and 2000 was actually being in Oberammergau for more than just the hours of the play. Both times, we spent the night in local lodging and enjoyed the included meals with fellow travelers.

That said, these packages are significantly more expensive than the tickets alone, and I would definitely consider them quite a semi-budget travel splurge.

2-Day, 1-Night Package

With this package, you will arrive in Oberammergau on the date of your scheduled Oberammergau Passion Play performance. Your ticket will be included in the price of your package, as well as a 3-course meal (choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian) during the 3-hour meal break. You will also receive a play “textbook.” After the Passion Play, you will stay overnight at a local lodging (hotel accommodation or guest house) and enjoy breakfast there the next day. Then, your stay in Oberammergau will be complete.

There are various levels of lodging and ticket categories that you may choose from. Lodging with more stars also places you in the better ticket categories. Lodging with less stars allows for lower ticket categories. Prices for the 2-day, 1-night package range from 234 € to 839 € per person, based on lodging, ticket category, and room occupancy.

3-Day, 2-Night Package

With this package, you will arrive in Oberammergau the day before your scheduled Passion Play performance. Dinner on the day of your arrival is included. Relax at your local lodging overnight, and enjoy breakfast there (and a bit of free time) before heading to the Passion Play. Your ticket, textbook, and 3-course meal (during the 3-hour meal break) are included in this package. After the play, you will return to your lodging for a second night. Next morning, breakfast will be served, and your time in Oberammergau will conclude.

Prices for the 3-day, 2-night package range from 309 € to 1,294 € per person, based on lodging, ticket category, and room occupancy.

Tour Groups

As shown above, booking a tour is not necessary for seeing the Passion Play. Semi-budget travel also works better when we are the ones doing the planning and spending. Sometimes, however, a tour group might be the way to go.

Do you want someone else to deal with getting you from Point A to Point B (and Point C, Point D, etc.)? Do you want your lodging and meals to be planned for you? Do you want a professional tour guide to lead you from place to place and impart knowledge about each location? Do you not mind traveling with a group of other people, including virtual strangers?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then it might be worth looking at a tour group. Again, tour groups don’t always work for semi-budget travel, but you might be able to find a good deal here and there.

Package tours that include the Passion Play can range from a few days to a few weeks. Besides visiting Oberammergau, tours may include Alpine Europe, Eastern Europe, Italy, Greece, and/or the Holy Land (Israel). There really is quite a variety of tour packages available.

Do you have to book a tour to attend? No. We were a part of a church group tour on our first 2 visits in 1990 and 2000 (my parents were the tour hosts!). At that time, I wasn’t yet planning my own travel. For 2020 (now 2022), we’ll be making our own travel arrangements. Specifically, our visit to Oberammergau and the Passion Play will be a day trip from Munich, where we will be staying.

Oberammergau Passion Play Seating Chart

Click here (will be re-activated for future play years) for links to the seating chart of the performance space, as well as official flyers. It will help you determine the best seats, and show the view you will have, depending on your chosen seat.

Arrival, Security Checks, Break Time, & General Prep

As we will be providing our own transportation to Oberammergau, we will need to arrive early enough to find parking, lunch, and make our way to the theater.

Upon arrival at the Passion Play Theatre, in the heart of Oberammergau, allow sufficient time for passage through security and finding your seats. Also, large bags, video equipment, and the like, will not be allowed inside the theater. Plan ahead!

As mentioned above, unless you purchase a package that includes meals, you will need to make your own meal arrangements. If you would like a sit-down meal during the 3-hour dinner break, it is recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time (here are some options).

My experience in both 1990 and 2000 is that we were chilly (not as chilly as Iceland, but still!). We were there in May/June both times, but the average high in July/August in Oberammergau is only 72°F, so plan your layers accordingly…especially now that the play goes into the evening hours, when the temperatures will be even cooler. Even with a full audience, the open-air stage lets the cool of the evening into the theater.

And…make sure to bring all your tickets/vouchers with you! Put them on your packing list right now!

Travel Protection Plan

It’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance or trip insurance.

What Else is Around Oberammergau?

Munich is only about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Oberammergau. Munich, of course, has a major international airport and is also a great starting point for countless day trips.

Neuschwanstein Castle (and other fairytale castles in the surrounding area) is less than an hour from Oberammergau, and a variety of day trips from Munich will get you there and back.

Check out these other day trip options to Salzburg, Rothenburg, and Germany’s highest peak:

Is the Passion Play in Oberammergau Worth Seeing?

After considering purchasing Oberammergau tickets, accommodations, package deals, or joining a tour group, is the Oberammergau Passion Play worth it?

My answer is a resounding “Yes!”

It’s not often that you can have once every 10 years unique travel experiences like the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play! Even the Olympic Games happen every 4 years (or every 2 years now, depending on how you look at it). (Check out something else I’ve attended twice before!)

The Passion Play experience is amazing! Start planning your trip now for Oberammergau Passion Play 2030!

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