Background
The Passion Play
What it is, who it suits, and the conditions your clients will actually sit in.
1633
A vow kept for four centuries
The Oberammergau Passion Play is one of the world's most renowned faith-based and cultural events. The tradition goes back to 1633, when the villagers made a solemn vow to perform the story of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection every ten years if they were spared the plague sweeping Europe during the Thirty Years' War.
Today it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. What keeps it distinct is that it is not a commercial production: the performers, musicians, choir members, stage personnel and volunteers are residents of Oberammergau continuing a tradition passed down through generations for almost 400 years.
Audience
Not only church groups
Faith-based travellers are a significant share of the audience, but the play reaches much further.
- Cultural travellers
- Alumni groups
- Educational organisations
- History enthusiasts
- Heritage travellers
- Multi-generational families
- Affinity groups
- Faith-based congregations
- Incentive and special-interest groups
The event combines faith, culture, history, theatre, community tradition and Alpine scenery, which is what makes it work for such a wide range of audiences.
The theatre
Covered seats, open stage
The Passion Play Theatre is an open-air house: the audience area is covered, the stage is not. That is what lets the Bavarian Alps become part of the performance, and it is also why weather matters more here than at an indoor venue.
Because the seating is covered, performances continue in most weather. Weather-related cancellations are extremely rare.
Typical evening temperatures
| Period | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| May | 45–65 °F | 7–18 °C |
| June – August | 55–80 °F | 13–27 °C |
| September | 50–70 °F | 10–21 °C |
| October | 40–60 °F | 4–16 °C |
Extensions
What pairs well with the play
Unique Germany builds tailor-made programmes throughout Germany, with Austria and Switzerland arranged through Compass Tours Incoming.
Munich
The historic capital of Bavaria, and the primary gateway airport for the region.
Neuschwanstein
Germany's most famous castle, an easy pairing with the Passion Play region.
Zugspitze
Germany's highest mountain, with alpine views over the whole area.
Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace and the setting of The Sound of Music.
Romantic Road
Traditional towns, vineyards and castles along Germany's best-known scenic route.
Custom touring
Private transfers, chauffeured cars and motorcoach, expert guides, faith-based itineraries, pre- and post-tours.
Networks
Unique Germany is a proud partner of Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network and ensemble
Advisors within these networks book the Passion Play through us directly.
Send us three dates
One preferred performance date and two alternatives. That is all it takes to start a request — we come back with what is actually available.