Oberammergau is a little town in Germany with an amazing story. Many years ago, in 1632, Oberammergau was on the cusp the Black Plague. The people of Oberammergau made a vow to God that if he spared their town from the inevitable plague, they would regularly perform the Passion Play as a sign of repentance. After this pledge, incredibly, in fact miraculously, no one died.
So in 1634, the first Passion Play was staged in the town. Since 1680 the play has performed on the first year of each decade. Other than during WWII and in 1770, the Oberammergau Passion Play has performed uninterrupted every decade
The Oberammergau Passion Play transforms the whole village. In the last Passion Play in 2010, there were 2,000 adults and children involved. The stage, the costuming, the whole amphitheatre is transformed.
One fascinating part of the story is that only locals who have lived in the village for at least 20 years or have been born there can be in the play. The Passion Play in 2010 was sold out within days of tickets being released to wholesalers, so the tradition and popularity continues today. Many who have experienced it say it is an amazing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.
As you can imagine, the Passion Play experience is on many travellers bucket-list.
Selah has put together a variety of tour opportunities built around going to the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2020. To view the total range of tours below:
The Protestant Reformation is a movement that has shaped Christian faith and life in ways that remain critical and relevant for today. We invite you to participate in a unique tour which will enable you to engage with the vital biblical truths rediscovered at the Reformation as well as experience the world famous Passion Play in Oberammergau.
Discover the life and work of great heroes of faith such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Johannes Gutenberg, and Ulrich Zwingli, and be inspired and encouraged in your own faith.
The tour commences in Germany’s vibrant capital city of Berlin. The following days will be spent exploring the picturesque and historic Luther towns of Wittenberg and Erfurt, as well as enjoying a relaxing morning cruise on the beautiful Rhine River. After some shopping in the medieval town of Rothenburg we will visit the fascinating city of Nuremberg, site of many important events associated with World War 2. We will then travel to Oberammergau for the Passion Play ( a play that is only held every 10 years and has been running since the 1600s). Continue to Switzerland to experience the history and beauty of Zurich and Geneva, key cities for the Swiss Reformation and the work of Calvin, Zwingli and the Anabaptist movement.
Following the footsteps of Apostles with an amazing tour in Greece and Turkey ending in Oberammergau for the 2022 Passion Play.
Sail through Central Europe’s splendid capitals and charming towns in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Then travel to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau for the performance of the Passion Play. Performed once a decade, the Passion Play is a stunning theatrical event with a history dating back to 1634. The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and inspiration, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
The river cruise begins in Budapest, then sets sail for Bratislava, the Slovakian capital. Continue to Vienna, the world’s most livable city before continuing to Linz and the cobblestones streets of Passau. After docking in Innsbruck you will have 2 nights there before driving to Oberammergau for the Passion Play performance.
Continue to Munich for the conclusion of the tour.
Archdeacon Emeritus Ray McInnes and his wife Glenys have had over forty years’ experience serving the Anglican Church in Parish Ministry. Ray and Glenys both retired from full time work last year. Ray was previously the Vicar at the Albert Park parish for 12 years during which time they successfully led four Christian pilgrimages and tours overseas.
They have a passion for travel and enjoy sharing new experiences and places with fellow travellers. Their daily reflections in this context often become a highlight of the journeys they lead. As always, their contribution to the journey is teamed with the marvellous support and planning of the Mission Travel/Selah Team.
Ray and Glenys recently cruised the River Danube and look forward to revisiting with fellow travellers this beautiful part of the world and adding to it the famous Passion Play at Oberammergau staged only once every ten years.
The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe has been Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, since 2012. He is passionate about people, and prays that the Cathedral may be a place where many can experience the transforming love of God.
Andreas’ academic research centres on theology, as well as ecclesiastical and music history. He enjoys thinking about the Bible and Theology, in particular the way in which Scripture can be communicated through music, and has published widely in the fields of ecclesiastical history and music.
He is a Fellow and Lecturer at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Prior to coming to St Paul’s Cathedral, Andreas was Senior Chaplain of Trinity College, The University of Melbourne, and Gavan Senior Lecturer in Theology at Trinity College Theological School, the University of Divinity, where he taught undergraduates and graduates, and mentored students preparing for Anglican ministry.
Andreas grew up in Germany and was educated in the United Kingdom. He is widely travelled, especially throughout Europe, fluent in German, and takes great pleasure in introducing people to his homeland.
