In July 2010, I traveled to Oberammergau in southern Germany to witness the renowned Oberammergau Passion Play and explore the surrounding Bavarian region over five days. The Passion Play, which depicts the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, began in 1633 when the bubonic plague threatened the village. The villagers vowed to God that if they were spared, they would perform this play every ten years. Miraculously, the deaths ceased, and the villagers have kept their promise ever since.

From Ash Wednesday, the residents of Oberammergau stop shaving and avoid hair salons to grow their hair and beards for the play, ensuring authenticity. Over half of the town’s 5,000 residents participate in the production, whether as performers, costume makers, or in other roles, including feeding and housing visitors. Even animals like donkeys have roles in the play.

If you’re considering auditioning for future productions, note that only those born in Oberammergau or who have lived there for over 20 years are eligible. Those with experience in previous plays may take on principal roles in later years. The play runs from May to September, five days a week, for five hours each day, starting in the mid-afternoon and continuing into the evening with a dinner break. The specially constructed theater shelters the audience and orchestra, while the actors perform in the open air, adding a touch of realism if it rains.

Oberammergau is worth visiting year-round, nestled in a valley surrounded by Alpine mountains. The town is famous for its wood carvers and beautifully painted traditional houses. Between Passion Play years, you can visit the Museum of Oberammergau and nearby Linderhof Castle, explore woodcarving studios, and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Due to high demand and the play’s infrequent schedule, tickets are scarce and often booked well in advance. Most visitors join organized tours that include the play and other destinations in Germany and Austria, such as Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Lake Garda.

I visited Oberammergau for the Passion Play in July 2010 as part of a five-day tour starting in Munich. If you’re planning a future visit, some travel companies specializing in religious pilgrimages may still offer tours. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for the play independently. Though tours can be expensive, the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

For accommodations, consider these recommended hotels in Oberammergau:

– **Hotel Maximilian**: A 5-star Alpine design hotel with a spa, sauna, traditional Bavarian bar, and upscale restaurant, centrally located in Oberammergau.
– **Landhotel Böld**: A 4-star hotel with contemporary Bavarian decor and scenic views of the Alps, located by the river Ammer on the edge of the town center.
– **Parkhotel Sonnenhof**: A 4-star Alpine-style hotel with a spa and indoor swimming pool, located on the edge of Oberammergau, just across the river from the old town.

For more information on planning your visit, check out the official Oberammergau Passion Play website and the Germany Travel and Bavaria tourism websites. If you need a guidebook, we recommend “A Pilgrim’s Guide to Oberammergau” or the DK Eyewitness and Lonely Planet Germany Travel Guides.