The Passion Play of Oberammergau 2010


Every ten years, the entire village of Oberammergau comes together to bring the passion of Jesus to life using a script that has been passed down for generations. Pilgrims from around the world converge on this picturesque Bavarian town to witness a world-class event where spectacular stage settings, colorful costumes, and accomplished actors/actresses inspire the audience to participate in the final days of Christ's life.

For many pastoral leaders, the Passion Play is a much anticipated event in their congregations. People are eager to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event, build community, and explore nearby destinations of great historical, religious and cultural significance.

Program Objectives

Make Biblical History Come to Life

Travel to Oberammergau for the Passion Play is an evocative experience that brings biblical history to life as people see familiar biblical characters and events unfold in a dramatic and larger-than-life setting. The two-part drama is one of the most memorable experiences of Jesus' passion and leaves a deep and lasting impression on participants.

Nurture Faith

Travel to nearby sites of great religious significance nurtures the spirituality of participants as they visit places where visionary men and women forged important traditions to sustain their faith. Travel and worship together builds life-long bonds, strengthening the local faith community and inspiring important outreach and ministry.

Inspire World Citizenship

Travel to other lands fosters new perspectives about the rich tapestry of our world community. Pilgrims become citizens of the world, inspired to lead more compassionate lives. As we learn about others, we learn about ourselves and are transformed. We bring home new insights and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Suggested Venues

Most programs include two nights in Oberammergau. The performance consists of two parts; the first part in the afternoon, the second in the evening. Illume collaborates with group organizers to design unique programs combining the Passion Play with other destinations. Several suggestions follow:


Bavaria and Austria

Combine two nights in Oberammergau with travel to Munich, Neuschwanstein, Dachau and Salzburg. Alternatively, include a journey along the Romantische Strasse in Germany.

Footsteps of Luther

Combine two nights in Oberammergau with a journey that traces the life and times of Martin Luther, visiting sites such as Leipzig, Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach and Wurzburg.

Northern Italy

Combine two nights in Oberammergau with travel to nearby northern Italian cities such as Trent, Verona, Padua and Venice.

Switzerland

Combine two nights in Oberammergau with travel to the breathtakingly beautiful Swiss Alps, visiting historical cities such as Zurich, Luzern, Bern and Geneva (with its newly expanded Reformation Museum and excavations under St. Pierre).

Israel

Combine the Passion Play with a journey to Israel, visiting Galilee, sites along the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.