Oberammergau Passion Play

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 next Oberammergau Passion Play?

The next 2030 Oberammergau Passion Play is scheduled to take place between May to October 2030 in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany. This performance marks the return to the regular decadal cycle for the world-famous tradition and will be performed 5 times per week.

Why is the Passion Play held every 10 years?

The famous Oberammergau Passion Play happens every 10 years because of a promise made in 1633. Villagers in Germany vowed to perform a play about the life and death of Jesus every decade if God saved them from the plague. The deaths stopped, and the village has kept this 400-year promise.

Is the Oberammergau Passion Play Catholic?

Yes, the 2030 Oberammergau Passion Play is deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. It originated in 1634 in the heavily Catholic region of Bavaria, Germany, as a religious vow by villagers to God during the bubonic plague.

Is Oberammergau Passion Play in English?

No, the Oberammergau Passion Play is performed entirely in German. However, in previous years audience members received printed text books with full English translations so you can easily follow the dialogue during the performance, this may change for 2030.

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 theatre is open and the mountain backdrop creates an unforgettable scene.

How long is the Passion play?

The Oberammergau Passion Play lasts about five hours of actual performance time. However, the entire event spans roughly eight hours because it includes a three-hour dinner break halfway through the show.

Why do they call it the Passion?

The term “the Passion” comes from the Latin word passio, which means “suffering” or “enduring”. It refers to the short, final period in the life of Jesus Christ, covering his mental, emotional, and physical anguish from the Last Supper through his crucifixion and death.

What does Oberammergau mean in German?

In German, Oberammergau literally translates to “Upper Ammer district.” It is a geographic compound name that describes the town’s location along a specific river valley.

What is special about Oberammergau?

Oberammergau is a scenic Bavarian Alpine village famous for its decennial Passion Play staged every ten years since 1633, buildings decorated with intricate Lüftmalerei (frescoes) depicting fairy-tales and religion, and a rich multi-century tradition of intricate woodcarving.

Where is Oberammergau located in Germany?

Oberammergau is a scenic alpine village located in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, southern Germany. It sits in the Ammergau Alps along the Ammer River, about 60 miles (100 km) southwest of Munich.

Is Oberammergau worth visiting?

Oberammergau is worth visiting for a half-day or as a scenic base if you love fairy-tale painted houses, woodcarving, and Bavarian Alps nature with many sightseeing opportunities

How do I get to Oberammergau, Germany?

To get to Oberammergau from Munich, take the regional train from München Hauptbahnhof to Murnau, then transfer to the local regional train or replacement bus straight to Oberammergau. The total journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours. Driving takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A95 highway

What is the population of Oberammergau, Germany?

The population of Oberammergau is approximately 5344 people (Aug 2026)

What should I wear to Oberammergau?

To visit Oberammergau, dress in comfortable layers and sturdy walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. Mountain weather changes fast. Bring a warm jacket and rain gear because evenings in the Bavarian Alps turn cold, even in the summer. For the theatre, it may be worth taking a soft seat cushion for comfort whilst watching the Play.

Will there be Oberammergau Passion Play 2030 tours available?

Yes, group organizers and tour operators are already announcing and opening early registrations for the Oberammergau Passion Play 2030, which will run from May through October 2030. While final public itineraries and general ticket sales are still rolling out across operators, you can already register your interest.

How much are tickets to the Passion Play in Germany?

Previous ticket only prices for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany typically ranged from roughly €30 to €200 for individual tickets based on seating categories. However, the play is only performed once every decade, with the next full season scheduled for 2030, and individual tickets or multi-night travel/lodging packages will not go on sale until around 2028.