Although Oberammergau is best-known for the Passion Play, many other charms and traditions make this quaint destination in the Bavarian Alps a must-see spot. No matter the year—or time of year—you visit, you’ll discover fascinating history around the Bubonic Plague, study intricate frescoes up close, and shop for gifts and keepsakes that exemplify Oberammergau’s celebrated woodworking traditions.

Here’s even more to know about Oberammergau.

In 1633, the Bubonic Plague tore through Oberammergau. In just three weeks, 84 townspeople—nearly half the village’s population—died. Christian locals vowed to God that, if he would spare the rest of Oberammergau’s citizens from the sickness, they would perform a Passion Play every 10 years. Legend has it that plague-related deaths in Oberammergau dropped off soon after the townspeople made that pledge, and so they kept their promise.

Villagers performed the first Passion Play in 1634. It’s now performed during years that end in zero, with the exception of 1934 and 1984, when the townspeople shifted the schedule to celebrate the Passion Play’s 300th and 350th anniversaries, respectively. The third exception came in 2020, when the Passion Play was postponed until 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, for the 42nd iteration of Oberammergau’s Passion Play, locals will put on 100 performances between May and October.

Each Passion Play performance lasts for eight hours, with a three-hour dinner intermission.

Our Oberammergau tours, including Oberammergau 2022: Historic Germany, include breakfast, lunch, and a sit-down dinner during the intermission on the day you attend the play.

The Passion Play is performed only in German, and shows are not subtitled. Books containing photographs and English translations are available for purchase on the day of each performance.

The Passion Play is performed in a specially built, open-air theater with covered seating.

Oberammergau Passion Play performances are rain-or-shine, and blankets are handed out during chilly weather.

A visit to Oberammergau can require lots of walking. Pack a sturdy pair (or two) of shoes, and comfortable clothes you can easily move in. Oberammergau is located in the mountains, which means that the weather can change quickly. A few wind- and water-resistant layers—and a compact umbrella—will come in handy.

We recommend limiting yourself to a small bag or backpack containing your ID, a few light layers, a mini-umbrella, and a bottle of water that’s plastic, resealable, and less than a half-liter in volume. Be sure to bring some cash, too, so you can shop for locally made wood carvings and other signature souvenirs in the village during intermission.

Food, walking sticks, and large umbrellas aren’t permitted inside the theater. Prohibited items can be stored in an on-site baggage drop-off point during performances.

There’s no official dress code, but a few warm, waterproof layers can come in handy in the event of cool or wet weather.

Oberammergau Passion Play guided tours take planning, logistics, and guesswork out of the picture for travelers. You’ll be free to experience the once-every-10-years event without a worry. Just sit back, enjoy the show, and take in nearly 400 years’ worth of tradition and history. (And don’t forget to snag a few handmade souvenirs!)

Plus, each iteration of the Passion Play brings thousands of tourists to Oberammergau from all around the world, so hotels and restaurants fill up quickly. Choosing a guided Oberammergau Passion Play tour means that all of your meals and hotels will be guaranteed—and that a group of new friends will be there to enjoy it all alongside you!