Munich & Oberammergau Tour
Once every ten years, an unassuming village in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Oberammergau, hosts an event that draws in hundreds of thousands.
The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play begins in 1633. During the Thirty Years War, after much suffering and many deaths caused by the bubonic plague, the surviving population of Oberammergau vowed that they would perform the “play of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years if they were spared from extinction.
For the first time the performance in 2010 will begin in the afternoon with the second part being performed in the evening, taking in the natural effects of the setting sun on the breathtaking mountain backdrop. In the five-hour presentation – with a three-hour intermission for dinner – the participants will bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to the eyes and ears of the audience from the imposing open-air stage of the Passion Play Theatre.
Now being performed for the 41st time, it features more than 2,000 performers, musicians and designers – all residents of the village of Oberammergau itself. Over 102 days, the play will be performed up to five times a week on the open-air stage of the Passion Play Theatre, premiering on Saturday 15 May 2010.
Our tour combines the ambience of the Passion Play village with the broad diversity of Bavaria’s capital, Munich. With its enviable location in the alpine foothills and a wealth of cultural, gastronomic and architectural attractions, Munich has much to offer the visitor. The museums are among the world’s finest, including the splendid Nymphenburg Palace, which is not to be missed.
Prices from: £830–£1,300 pp incl. flights, 3 nights bb in Munich, Oberammgergau package (see below), return rail transfers Munich to Oberammergau. Oberammergau package: 1 night bb accommodation, lunch before the performance, dinner during the interval, ticket & programme for the Passion Play & entrance to the Oberammergau Museum. Departures: May-Sep ’10.
NB Previous years have seen demand outnumber availability, we therefore strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible.
What the experts say
Last year I took a tour following the same itinerary with a visit to Oberammergau and now can’t wait to go along to see the Passion Play take place. It’s definitely on my list of once in a lifetime things to do.
I was told it engulfs the whole village, with almost everyone involved in some way or other. About 5,000 spectators attend each performance and it’s the atmosphere the crowds create that makes the whole experience.
While the audience is protected from the elements, the stage is not, creating a unique mountain backdrop. Meanwhile, the stark nature of the building ensures the acoustics remain crystal clear. And while it’s in German, if you know your gospel, you’ll be sure to understand. After all, it’s the emotion of the play that speaks most powerfully.”
Lisa Allinson Europe specialist
To book, call 0845 643 6563
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX1088.
Back to the top
