We are very pleased to unveil our Oberammergau Collection of tours for 2010, all featuring reserved seating for the wonderful Passion Play (for group tours booked before February 2008).

Now is the time to pick your itinerary and gather your group. Tickets are limited!

Call us at 1-800-303-5534 today or fill out our Oberammergau information form.

History of the Play
The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back to the middle of the Thirty Years War. In 1633, after months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague, the people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the "Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years if they were spared. Miraculously from that point on they all survived and true to their promise, the first performance was in 1634. This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted by the villagers. After 1674 they decided to change the date, so as to fall every ten years beginning in 1680. The only time it was not performed, was during World War II. This time the play will open on May 15, 2010 and ends on October 3, 2010.

Who takes part?
The entire cast consists of villagers who have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years. They must also be amateurs and people of high moral and ethical principles. Villagers also make the outstanding costumes. As no wigs are used, participants must grow their hair and beards for several months prior to the performances, beginning on Ash Wednesday 2009 according to the "Hair Decree."

By glorifying the Lord for saving their village during the plague, they are fulfilling Psalm 145:4-6 "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds."

The producer of the 2010 play is Christian Stuckl. The conductors are Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet. The designer is Stefan Hageneier.

Why see a Passion Play?
Passion Plays recount the life and ministry of Jesus Christ from the four gospels in a dramatic form. This tradition began in the Middle Ages and are often performed in churches during Easter week. By watching a Passion Play we have a chance to reflect on the events most central to our faith, that Jesus died, was buried and rose again from the dead.

Visiting Oberammergau for the play
We'll arrive in Oberammergau on either Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday in time for dinner at our hotel. The next morning we'll have breakfast, then meet for a devotional time. The Passion Play is the moving story of our Lord and we want to prepare our hearts.

The rest of the morning is free to relax, enjoy the wood-carving shops or visit the exhibition Passion Play in the Alps in the playhouse. We'll then return to our hotel for lunch.

The Oberammergau Passion Play runs for about seven hours. The afternoon performance starts at 2:30 PM and ends at 5:00 PM. There is a three hour break for dinner and the play resumes at 8 PM and ends at 10:30 PM. The play is performed in German, but we'll make sure you have a copy of the English translation.

The next morning we'll leave Oberammergau after breakfast, for the next part of our tour. Click here for our full selection of tours featuring the 2010 Oberammergau play.

Where is Oberammergau?

Visiting Oberammergau in 2008 and 2009

Oberammergau is a wonderful place to visit at any time and we've got some wonderful options for groups visiting in 2008 and 2009.

Reformation Tours President Frank Drinkhouse (center) meeting with Oberammergau Mayor and Tourism Director to plan your tour!

•Have fellowship with local Christians and enjoy praise & worship, prayer and a meal together.
• Meet Passion Play performers to hear their own personal story of how it feels to perform.
• Hear firsthand from a local Oberammergau Christian about God’s sparing of their village from the Black Plague and the town’s thankfulness & praise to God.
• Savor Bavarian hospitality with live music, folk dancing, and classic local cuisine.
• Plus, see regional church history sites and meet believers there too!

Free book for all our tour members
When you sign up for one of our Oberammergau 2010 tours, we'll send you one of these excellent books.

This best-selling Guide proved an essential tool for visitors who spent time in this delightful corner of Bavaria, providing concise information about the Village of Oberammergau, the Area, the Play, the Theatre, the History and Traditions, the Organization and Background. Written by David Houseley - who produced similar books in 1970,1980 and 1990, and Raymond Goodburn, the book is in lavish color with maps, photographs and biographies of the actors who took the leading roles. There is also an important Introduction by Otto Huber, Deputy Director of the Play who explains the thinking behind the radical changes which were made for 2000. Finally, there is a Synopsis of the Play, provided by Prof. Ingrid Shafer, the Official Translator of the Text into English.