Passion Play – Expert Advice (Things to know)

The Passion Play is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.  The hardest part is that it only happens during one year of every decade.  The following tips and information will give you a better understanding about the history of the Passion Play and the details you’ll need so you can book your unforgettable experience.

When is the Passion Play?

The world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play is one of the most unique Bucket List experiences offered.  Only performed every 10 years, this passion play (like all of the preceding ones) is not to be missed.  Originally scheduled for 2020 and rescheduled due to the global pandemic, this once-every-decade experience will now take place during the year of 2022 between the months of May and October.  There will be approximately 100 shows during that time period.  

Where is Oberammergau?

Oberammergau, host to the world-famous Passion Play, is a small town located in the southern region of Bavaria.  Nestled into majestic mountains and located about 60 miles from Munich, this magical town is considered one of the prettiest Bavarian Alp towns.  Some refer to this area of Bavaria as the Switzerland of Bavaria.  It comes to life every 10 years when the Passion Play entertains the world.  Oberammergau is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from Munich or Innsbruck.

What is the History of the Passion Play?

In 1633, as the plague swept Europe, the villagers of Oberammergau prayed to God. They promised to perform the story of Jesus’s Passion — his life, death and resurrection — every 10 years, as long as God spared them from the horrors of the disease. Since then, the people of Oberammergau, in what is now Germany, have largely kept up their end of the bargain.

Who performs the Passion Play?

The play has a cast of over 2000 people and can feature 900 people onstage at once.  In order to perform in the play, one must have either been born in Oberammergau or lived there for twenty years.   Costumes are handmade and men grow out their hair and beards to make the look authentic to the time.  The theater is open and the mountain backdrop creates an unforgettable scene.

Can I attend the Passion Play?

Each performance of the Passion Play is watched by around 4,500 people, many of whom travel to Germany especially for the event.  It is anticipated that more than 500,000 people will witness the upcoming 2022 Passion Play in Oberammergau.  The fact that the play is performed in Germany doesn’t seem to stop the travelers from pouring into the town throughout the Summer and Fall months.  Anyone is welcome to attend the Passion Play.  Tickets are in high demand and companies, such as Bucket List Events, offer a variety of packages giving you the opportunity to experience this special event and the picturesque town of Oberammergau and the surrounding areas.  We recommend that you and your group book as early as possible.

How to Book the Passion Play?

Bucket List Events offers a variety of packages that include the Passion Play experience.  The best thing about these experiences is that you also get the opportunity to experience Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria, during your one week trip.   You’ll spend three nights in Munich, two nights in the region of Oberammergau, and two nights in Salzburg.  You’ll enjoy the historic and beautiful sights, delicious food, rich history, and strong tradition of these communities.  Join one of Bucket List group trips or plan your own group trip.  Easy as that!  Contact the team today and check the Passion Play off your bucket list.  View Packages and Contact Information, here.

Want to experience Oktoberfest in Munich and the Oberammergau Passion Play?  Check out Bucket List Event’s Oktoberfest + Passion Play Combo Trip.