Passion Play FAQ

Why is the Passion Play in Oberammergau worth seeing?
Often, people make promises to God when things are difficult and forget them when things turn around. In 1632, a local woodcarver brought the plague to Oberammergau after selling his wares around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Within a year, the plague had taken nearly a quarter of Oberammergau’s inhabitants. In a desperate plea to God, the town vowed to perform a Passion Play every ten years if God would spare them from the plague. With the exception of 2 years due to political forces, the town has kept its promise for nearly 400 years. You can be a part of history and a town’s faithfulness to God.

What is the play experience like?
The play starts in the afternoon at 2:30. There is a 3 hour intermission when you will enjoy dinner, which is included with the cost of your tour. The play ends at 10:30. The play is in German with an English program. It’s an event put on wholly by town of Oberammergau, as 2000 of the town’s 5000 inhabitants are involved with the play, either with set production, costume making, performing the musical accompaniment, acting, or singing in the choir. It’s a lavish, passionate retelling of the last 5 days of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Why should I travel with Wilcox World Travel and Tours?
This is Wilcox World Travel and Tours 7th tour of the Passion Play in Oberammergau. One of the advantages of traveling on one of our tours is that our Oberammergau hotel, the family run Turmwirt Hotel, is located in the center of town, within walking distance of the Passion Play Theater. In a beautiful setting with a river running behind the hotel and facing a historic church that held the original Passion Play performances, the hotel welcomes guests with personal service and cozy accommodations with traditional furniture. The charming Turmwirt Hotel has only 23 rooms. The gracious owners, Georg and Eta Glas, will welcome you as family.  The Turmwirt Hotel’s stellar locale, authentic German décor, and warm and helpful English speaking owners make it our favorite hotel in Oberammergau.

Will we have any free time to explore Oberammergau?
Absolutely. We recommend that you spend some time walking around the town, taking in the beautiful painted houses and buildings and taking pictures to show your friends and family back home. Visit the Pilatushaus to watch local artists skilled in wood carving, stained glass, and other arts. You can even ask the artists questions as they practice their skill.

Wallace Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox World Travel and Tours, says, “The Oberammergau Museum is a great tourist visit that shows some of the history of the area.” Shopping is excellent, and you could cross off many items on your Christmas list in this traditional Bavarian town. Wallace Wilcox and his wife enjoy shopping at the der Heinzeller’s Store for its excellent cuckoo clocks.

What is the theater like?
The theater seats 5,000 people. Wilcox World Travel and Tours has secured seats for all of our tours in Section 1. The theater is covered but open air, so dress accordingly. The acoustics are excellent. While the set decorations are beautiful, the backdrop is the Alps. The seats are wooden, movie theater-style seats. New for the 2010 production, radiant heat under the seats for added comfort.

Will I need a passport?
Yes, you can visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for passport information.

I’d like to see more of Europe. Do you offer tours that will take me to other places?
Yes. While we offer a 2 Night Independent Package for those already in Europe, we offer 3 other tours to give you an unforgettable European experience. Choose from the

10 Day Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany Tour
10 day Austria and Germany Tour
10 day Germany and Czech Republic Tour

How do I reserve?
Reserve now for the best availability. All tours in August and September are already sold out. Click here for tour options, available dates, and reservation forms.