Passion Plays (performances of the story of Easter) are performed all over the world, but Oberammergau’s is regarded as one of the best. It’s been staged every decade since 1634 (with the exception of 1940, when it was cancelled due to WWII), and has grown from a single performance to a full run of productions lasting a few months.

Exact dates and details are yet to be confirmed, but Oberammergau’s Passion Play seasons tend to begin late spring/early summer and run until early autumn, with more than 100 performances in total.

It’s a community event – only residents of the town are permitted to participate. Around half of the town’s 5,000 or so residents will get involved with the production. Preparations for on-stage roles can be very involved – for example, the ‘Hair and Beard Decree’ states that certain performers must grow their hair and beards from Ash Wednesday onwards.

Oberammergau is a small town in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. Our holidays allow you to experience the beauty and tradition of this wonderful area, as well as incorporating nearby countries. Previous itineraries have included Austria, the Italian Lakes, and a Danube river cruise.