Oberammergau

In the 17th century one of history's most devastating wars took place - the Thirty Years’ War took place in central Europe. It remains one of the longest and most brutal wars in human history, with more than 8 million casualties resulting from military battles as well as from the famine and disease caused by the conflict. The war lasted from 1618 to 1648, starting as a battle among the Catholic and Protestant states. It gradually developed into a more general conflict involving most of the European great powers. These states employed relatively large mercenary armies, and the war became less about religion and more of a continuation of the France–Habsburg rivalry for European political pre-eminence.

From the war, poverty and disease spread and thousands died as a result of the Bubonic Plague. In the small village of Oberammergau, the death rate among adults had risen from one person per 1000 per year in October 1632. During this time the suffering the citizens of Oberammergau made a sacred that every 10 years they would perform 

“The Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ”

if God would protect them from the plague.  After their vow, the adult death rate slowly subsided to one in the month of July 1633. The villagers believed they had been spared and thus kept their part of the vow when the play was first performed in 1634.

The passion play is a spectacular event of which we've planned a number of unique tours accompanying it. Have a look at them below, there's something for every traveller!

 

The Oberammergau Passion Play is quite literally a once in a decade experience, The Passion Play is performed every 10 years in the town of Oberammergau, Germany. The play is a semi outdoor performance, giving the play some life it stages itself in front of the sky and mountains behind. You're able to be breathing in the fresh air and hearing birds chirping while not being worried about the weather. While not being fully outside it takes the benefits of both indoor and out.

All up, more than 2,000 citizens make up the actors, singers, instrumentalists, stage technicians and even animals that bring the play to life in about six hours of playing time.

This is a German event but anybody can enjoy the play through the spectacular visuals through the beautiful painterly sets and costumes, powerful music and book to follow along with. You wont have trouble understanding whats going on.

The music was written all the way back in 1779 by Rochus Dedler.  The music has influences of Mozart. There is an orchestra made up of 60 musicians and a choir to help bring all of the emotion and scenes to live.

The play is made up of spoken dramatic word, both musical and choir performances and well as tableaux vivants. A  tableaux vivant is a silent and motionless group of people arrange to represent a scene with verbal descriptions.  These scenes are the basis of the Old and New Testament, of the play. They include a scene of the brothers selling Joseph into slavery in Egypt, and Moses raising up the bronze serpent in the wilderness. The remainder of the performance is a dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Christ: the trial, suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

An event this grand that can only be experienced once every 10 years is something not to miss out on and will be well worth it, if the above resonates with you. We have locked down a number of tickets for the play through our tours below.

Joining a tour can be a great hands off way to travel, having peace of mind, a tour guide with all the local information and an opportunity to make some life long friends. But it's about finding the right tour to make the most of your Oberammergau Passion Play Experience.

We have crafted a number of tours that make the most of your stay in Germany. Reformation Tours in Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland and England. A trip to Italy with our Director Lisa Tarzia and even a cruise down the Danube River. Our tours have some great friendly tours leaders such as Tim and Merridie Costello, Troy & Edwina Blair, Ken & Danielle Allen, Bishop Paul Barker, Emeritus Ray and Glenys McInnes, Graeme & Helen McClimont and Lisa Tarzia.

What makes a Selah Tour Unique?

We are Australian owned and operated, servicing Australians. We create experiences where you can rejuvenate your life through travel. Our main priority is giving you and other Christians an experience to live life to the full and create opportunities to have a 'Selah Moment'  as we know this is when we have life-changing experiences. Plus, our tour groups often become great friends by the end, as we will most likely share the same passion of faith and travel.

"Escaping from the busyness of life and making an intentional choice to stop and go deeper in faith is what I want to create," - Lisa Tarzia, Director.

Faith Based Tours

All our tours reflect our faith and while we accept anybody to join us on a tour, expect to be surrounded by like minded christians.

Secure your tickets

The Oberammergau Passion Play is known for its fast selling tickets, so waiting too long could leave you left out. If you're wanting to experience the passion play, make the most of your time away on a tour with like minded other explore our tours below!

How long does the Oberammergau Passion Play last?

Performances are a test of stamina, even for the audience. The first “act” lasts 2.5 hours. After a three-hour meal break, the second half is another 2.5 hours. Although the story is familiar, the words are in German, so it is worth buying an English version of the script on site.

Is Oberammergau Passion Play in English?

The Oberammergau Passion Play is performed in German. But don't worry, you'll receive a book to follow along with.

Where is the Oberammergau Passion Play performed?

The Oberammergau Passion Play is performed in an open-air stage in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau, Germany, 20km from the Austrian border and 90km from the city of Munich.

What time does the passion play start?

The play starts at 2.30pm (1.30pm from mid-August)

Is Oberammergau passion play worth it?

An event that can only an experienced every 10 years is a testament to how large in scale is unique it is. In a town of around 5000 people, the play involves a quarter of the town with a quarter of it being on stage at once. It's an incredible cultural event that has lasted hundreds of years, something of this stature is absolutely worth it.

How much are passion play tickets Oberammergau?

With 500,000 visitors, the logistics are massive. Tickets range from €30 to €180 depending on seating. The play goes for 5 hours until late evening, so staying in the village makes sense. But as local accommodation is limited,accommodation is scattered throughout other villages within a 15-20km radius.

How often is the passion play performed at Oberammergau?

The passion play is performed Every 10 years.

Religious history Oberammergau passion play?

The people of Oberammergau made a vow to God that if he spared their town from the inevitable plague they would regularly perform the Passion Play as a sign of repentance.  After this pledge, no one died, so the first Passion Play was staged in 1634 and every 10 years since.

Where to buy Oberammergau tickets?

Tickets for the Passion Play Oberammergau 2020 are sold as as part of a tour – these tickets are sold only to bona fide tour operators. Individuals may only buy these tickets from resellers as part of a longer group tour.

•   Package deals – these arrangements include tickets to the passion play, meals, and overnight hotel stays. These package deals for the Passion Play Oberammergau 2020 are sold directly to customers by the event organisers like Selah
• Passion Play performance tickets only – tickets to only the Passion Play Oberammergau 2020 without any accommodation, meals or transportation. These performance-only tickets are sold directly to individuals and are extremely difficult to get!

When is the next passion play in Oberammergau Germany?

The performance season for 2020 is from mid May – early October 2020.

Is the Passion Play worth it?

In short, yes! However read more here

What is Oberammergau passion play 2020?

The play is a staging of Jesus' passion, covering the short final period of his life from his visit to Jerusalem and leading to his execution by crucifixion. It has been criticized as being anti-semitic, but it is the earliest continuous survivor of the age of Christian drama

We have hand crafted a number of unique cultural tours to make the most of your experience with the Passion Play. Tickets are included in all tours.