
Oberammergau Passion Play Theater
A historic village renowned for its decennial Passion Play and stunning Lüftlmalerei (painted houses).

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Witness a once-in-a-decade event

Oberammergau Passion Play Theater
Best Time
Witness a once-in-a-decade event

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic village renowned for its decennial Passion Play and stunning Lüftlmalerei (painted houses).
"An unforgettable community effort, the Passion Play is a deeply moving experience in a beautiful setting."

Book Passion Play Tickets Early
Tickets for the Oberammergau Passion Play sell out years in advance. Plan your trip for the next performance in 2030!
Embrace the German Language
The play is in German, but a translation book is available. Many find it captivating even without understanding every word.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,068 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Passion Play Performance
Passion Play Theater
An epic, community-driven performance held every ten years, captivating audiences with its scale and emotion.

Oberammergau's Painted Houses
Throughout the village
Wander through streets adorned with vibrant, traditional Bavarian frescoes depicting fairy tales and religious scenes.

The Passion Play Theater Amphitheater
Passion Play Theater
A stunning open-air venue designed to amplify the dramatic performance, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Ahead for the Passion Play
Beyond the Play: Explore Oberammergau
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Passion Play Tickets Early
Tickets for the Oberammergau Passion Play sell out years in advance. Plan your trip for the next performance in 2030!
Embrace the German Language
The play is in German, but a translation book is available. Many find it captivating even without understanding every word.
A few weeks ago, I went on a trip to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, which is one of the oldest in the world (first play in 1634)
Did you buy the script in English or use an online version? Going in a few weeks!
TIL about Oberammergau, a German village that vowed to put on a passion play every ten years if they were spared from bubonic plague. They were, and have put on this play since the 1600s, with the next being in 2020.
Very cute little town with damn good ice cream - €1 a scoop! Would recommend stopping off for an afternoon if you're going through the area
Allow a Full Day for the Play
The performance is long with a significant intermission for dinner and exploring the town. Arrive early!
Explore the Painted Village
Don't miss Oberammergau's iconic Lüftlmalerei (painted houses) – they're a sight to behold year-round.
Oberammergau Christmas Passion Play
Is the next one in 2030? I know the 2020 play was moved to 2022. My wife was an exchange student in West Germany back in the 1980's and wants to plan a family trip to Germany in the future. She has always mentioned wanting to see the Oberammergau Christmas Passion Play.…
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Passion Play Tickets Early
Tickets for the Oberammergau Passion Play sell out years in advance. Plan your trip for the next performance in 2030!
Embrace the German Language
The play is in German, but a translation book is available. Many find it captivating even without understanding every word.
Allow a Full Day for the Play
The performance is long with a significant intermission for dinner and exploring the town. Arrive early!
Explore the Painted Village
Don't miss Oberammergau's iconic Lüftlmalerei (painted houses) – they're a sight to behold year-round.
Consider Local Transport
To reach Oberammergau from Munich, take a train and then a bus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oberammergau Passion Play as an unforgettable, deeply moving experience, highlighting the dedication of the community performers and the unique amphitheater setting. The village's charming painted houses are also a major draw, offering beauty even outside of the decennial play. However, the play's length and German language can be challenging for some, and booking far in advance is essential.
"Did not attend the Passion Play as we passed by on the way to Innsbruck. It happened to be May 1st and we were fortunate to see the towns celebrating. Lovely people and heritage. May God bless them."
Laura Armstrong
"Full disclosure, we visited there during the off season. And boy, was it WAY off season. Almost every shop and restaurant was closed for the season. A few pretzel stands were operating, but even those had limited choices. If you were there during the peak season I guess it would be better as everything would be open, but again, aside from the big every 10 years production, I don't see ANYTHING to see her. But the town is cute!!"
Michael Pekala
"The Passion Play is held every ten years. No matter the year you visit, the beautiful painted houses make the visit worth while."
Gene Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Oberammergau from Munich, you can take a train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Oberammergau. From Oberammergau station, you'll need to take a bus (like the #9622) to reach attractions like Linderhof Palace, and likely to the Passion Play Theater itself.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. Trains connect Munich to Oberammergau, and local buses serve the surrounding areas. Planning your connections in advance is recommended.
Driving is also an option, offering flexibility. However, parking in the town, especially during peak times or the Passion Play, can be challenging.
Oberammergau is a walkable village. For attractions slightly outside the town center, local buses are available.
Many tour operators offer day trips or multi-day packages to Oberammergau, often including transport and tickets for the Passion Play. This can simplify logistics.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Oberammergau Passion Play is a unique event held every ten years. The most recent performance was in 2022 (postponed from 2020), and the next is scheduled for 2030.
Due to extreme demand, it is highly recommended to book tickets and accommodation for the Passion Play years in advance. For the 2030 performance, start planning as soon as possible.
Ticket prices vary depending on seating and package options. It's best to check the official Passion Play website for the most up-to-date pricing information closer to the performance dates.
While the main event is the Passion Play, the theater and its surroundings can often be visited outside of the performance year. Check for guided tours or specific opening times.
A ticket typically grants access to the entire performance, which is divided into two parts with a substantial intermission. Translation books are usually available for purchase.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Passion Play is a lengthy production, often around 5 hours in total, including a significant intermission of about 3 hours.
No, the Passion Play is performed in German. However, translation books are available to help understand the dialogue and songs.
Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended as the theater is open-air. Consider the weather, as it can be cool in the evenings even in summer.
Yes, the theater complex provides restrooms and food/drink options, especially during the long intermission. Many visitors use this time to dine in town.
Photography and videography are generally prohibited during the performance to avoid disrupting the actors and audience. Check specific rules upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The 3-hour intermission is perfect for enjoying dinner. You can dine at restaurants in Oberammergau or grab a bite at the theater's own facilities.
Expect traditional Bavarian cuisine, including hearty dishes like schnitzel, sausages, dumplings, and local pastries.
Many restaurants in Germany are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff.
During the Passion Play, booking dinner reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular restaurants in town.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the theater is not permitted. It's best to consume them before entering or during the designated intermission.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the beautifully painted houses (Lüftlmalerei) throughout the village. The Passion Play Theater itself also offers impressive exterior shots.
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the Passion Play performance to ensure an uninterrupted experience for all attendees.
The golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for photographing the painted houses, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
Exterior shots of the theater are generally allowed. However, always be mindful of any signage or staff instructions regarding photography in specific areas.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing the village and theater. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the frescoes, and a telephoto lens might be helpful for distant mountain views.



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