Black Forest, Bavarian Alps and the Oberammergau Passion Play
16 Glorious Days
- Best seats for the Passion Play
- Leisurely 2, 3 & 4 night stays
- Small group size from just 10 to 28
- Genuinely inclusive, no extra costs
- Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
- 'My Time' guaranteed
Tour Overview
Wander down cobblestoned streets in stunning villages, explore Ludwig’s fairytale castles, taste wine on the ‘route Alsace du Vin’, take in the spectacular mountain views from Hitler’s Eagles Nest and the undulating ‘Sound of Music’ hills near beautiful, baroque Salzburg. As a finále experience the extraordinary Oberammergau Passion Play!
Highlights
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Stay 4 nights in Schönwald in the centre of the Black Forest
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Visit Heidelberg Castle and picture perfect Colmar
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Taste wine on the ‘route Alsace du Vin’
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Visit Triberger Wasserfälle - Germany’s highest waterfall
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Stay 3 nights in picturesque Füssen
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Wander around the amazing gardens of the ‘Flower Island’ of Mainau
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Explore Neuschwanstein Castle on a guided tour
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Enjoy the mountain cable car ride up to Tegelberg
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Explore the extravagant Linderhof Palace and gardens
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See the most beautiful church in Europe – Wieskirche
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Stay 4 nights in the delightful Spa town of Bad Reichenhall
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Explore picturesque Rattenberg and in the old town of Innsbruck see the Golden Roof
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Explore Hitler’s Eagles Nest and visit Berchtesgaden and the historic town's Salt Mines
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Enjoy a full day to explore Salzburg
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Discover the stunning village of Hallstatt
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Follow the scenic Lakes District road and relax over lunchtime in picturesque, lakeside Wolfgangsee
- Enjoy your ‘grand finále’ - stay 2 nights in selected 4 star accommodation and enjoy Category 1 ‘best in house’ seating for the marvellous Oberammergau Passion Play
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Frankfurt welcome
Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt: a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifully maintained old buildings. Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.
Meals:
D
Hotel:
Maritim Hotel, Frankfurt
DAY 2: Heidelberg, Gengenbach and the Black Forest
We spend the morning in the nearby ancient university town of Heidelberg. Set in the wooded Neckar Valley, it is noted for its twin-towered bridge and red sandstone castle. We have included a funicular ride up to the castle and entrance to the castle courtyard and terrace. From here you can enjoy the magnificent views of the city and Neckar River below. Entrance is also included to see the world’s largest wine barrel and the German Apothecary Museum. Later, we drive deep into the Black Forest to enjoy an afternoon stop in Gengenbach. With its watchtowers and market square surrounded by lovely half-timbered houses, it is easy to see why it has been called a “pearl among the Black Forest towns”. We continue to nearby Schonwald, where we spend the next four nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ochsen, Schönwald
DAY 3: Strasbourg cruise and Triberg
Our morning will be spent in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament. On arrival, we board a glass topped boat to enjoy a river cruise around the heart of this beautiful city. Retaining its old world charm, there are three bridges spanning the River Ill, massive fortified towers and the pedestrian streets around the Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie are a delight. Take time to enjoy one of the numerous cosy bistros and cafés. Late afternoon and evening is at leisure in Triberg, in the very centre of the Black Forest, famous for its cake, and home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock and Germany’s highest waterfall - Triberger Wasserfälle.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Hotel Ochsen, Schönwald
DAY 4: Colmar and the Alsace Wine Road
Crossing the Rhine in France, we spend the morning in postcard perfect Colmar. On arrival we will enjoy an orientation tour through the heart of town on the ‘Petit Train’. Brightly painted, half-timbered houses on narrow, twisting lanes make a perfect backdrop. The River Lauch winds its way through the centre, known as the Little Venice district. Your afternoon will be spent driving along the Route Alsace du Vin (Alsace Wine Road). Stretching from Strasbourg to Colmar, we pass the pretty villages of Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg on this famous wine road. At one of the local wineries we will stop to enjoy a wine tasting of various classic local wines.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ochsen, Schönwald
DAY 5: Gothic Freiburg and Lake Titisee
This morning we visit the capital of the Black Forest – the gothic city of Freiburg. Sensitively restored, Freiburg is one of the most charming of German cities, located where the Black Forest meets the Rhine Plain. Arcaded shopping streets and little streams lead through the old town to its great gothic cathedral. Lunch today is included in a restaurant on the shores of Lake Titisee, offering the most splendid panoramic views across the lake to the forest. Afterwards, enjoy a cruise on the crystal clear waters of this famous lake and time to explore in the lake resort town of Titisee. Your evening is at leisure in Schonwald.
Meals:
B
L
Hotel:
Hotel Ochsen, Schönwald
DAY 6: Flower Island of Mainau to Bavaria
Heading south-east we soon arrive on the western shore of Lake Constance. Crossing a short causeway we visit the Flower Island of Mainau where a local guide leads us through the 111 acres of beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds. Originally created nearly 200 years ago by Prince Nikolaus, these magnificent botanical gardens also boast an arboretum and an Italian rose garden complete with pergolas, sculptures, fountains and 500 varieties of roses. In summer it is splendid with its rhododendrons along with huge displays of over 350,000 flowers. After catching a ferry across Lake Constance to Meersburg, we follow the northern lakeshore to enjoy an afternoon break in the old harbour town of Lindau. Later we continue to Füssen, in the mountains of Bavaria.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Hirsch, Füssen
DAY 7: Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelberg
We start the day in Hohenschwangau. On one hill overlooking the little village you have the neo-gothic castle of Hohenschwangau and on the other side above the village is a wooded mountain spur and Neuschwanstein – the fairytale castle of ‘mad’ King Ludwig. We take a leisurely stroll up the wooded road to enjoy a guided tour through Neuschwanstein Castle’s state rooms, king’s apartments, halls and throne room; all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Later this afternoon we will take a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the excellent views down onto the fairytale castles far below. Your evening is at leisure in Füssen.
Please note: The guided tour through Neuschwanstein Castle incorporates climbing up and down a number of staircases and, as there are no elevators, the inside visit to the castle this morning may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or limitations.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Hotel Hirsch, Füssen
DAY 8: Linderhof Palace, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Wieskirche
There is nothing quite like a day in the mountains! Our first stop will be a visit to Linderhof, an extravagant French Rococo Palace – yet another of King Ludwig’s amazing creations. Lunchtime will be in the beautifully decorated town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ‘My Time’ to relax in one of the traditional beer gardens or restaurants, or shop in the broad pedestrian mall. This afternoon we drive through Bavarian farmlands and forests to make a stop in arguably the most beautiful church in Europe – Wieskirche (the ‘Church in the Meadows’). Surrounded by green fields, the interior of this World Heritage Listed church is an astounding Rococo creation.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Hirsch, Füssen
DAY 9: Innsbruck and Rattenberg
Taking the beautiful Fern Pass across the Bavarian Alps, we descend into the Inn Valley to visit the nearby winter resort city of Innsbruck. There will be time at leisure to explore the sights of the Alstadt (old town) such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace, cobblestoned streets and the renowned Golden Roof. Later, we follow the dramatic Inn Valley through the rolling Tyrolean hills and villages, to enjoy a short afternoon stop in the pretty village of Rattenberg. We then continue to the delightful spa town Bad Reichenhall, where we stay four nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Amber Hotel Bavaria, Bad Reichenhall
DAY 10: Salzburg and ‘My Time’
We have allowed a full day to explore Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. Your afternoon will be at leisure to explore the myriad of narrow, cobblestoned streets, ornate squares and churches, fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses. The views from the enormous Festung (Fortress), sitting high above the city, are magnificent.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Amber Hotel Bavaria, Bad Reichenhall
DAY 11: Berchtesgaden, Eagle’s Nest and Salt Mines
A fascinating day ahead as we visit Berchtesgaden and Hitler’s Eagles Nest. We take a breathtaking bus journey up the winding Kehlstein road and then, joined by a local guide, and in Hitler’s personal luxurious brass elevator, we ascend inside the mountain for a guided tour of the Kehlsteinhaus. This alpine retreat is better known as Hitler’s Eagles Nest and the mountain views are spectacular. Lunchtime will be spent in the picturesque and historic town of Berchtesgaden, before we visit the old Salt Mines. After dressing up in a salt miner’s uniform, we enjoy a fun filled ride on a small train deep underground, take wooden slides (or steps) and then float on a barge across a crystal clear underground lake, beautifully illuminated by a light show.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Amber Hotel Bavaria, Bad Reichenhall
DAY 12: Hallstatt and Lake Wolfgangsee
Our day is spent exploring the Austrian Lakes District! After a leisurely start we explore the picturesque town of Hallstatt. Set on a rocky terrace jutting into the quiet dark water of the lake and surrounded by towering peaks, this is considered the oldest inhabited village in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful in Austria. Lunchtime is at leisure in St. Wolfgang, on the extraordinarily picturesque Lake Wolfgangsee, Our return journey to Bad Reichenhall takes us alongside Wolfgangsee (lake) and around Lake Fuschl. Your evening is free in Bad Reichenhall.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Amber Hotel Bavaria, Bad Reichenhall
DAY 13: Extravagant Herrenchiemsee Palace and Munich
Entering Germany, we stop in the town of Prien on Lake Chiemsee. Here we board a boat to cross over to the island of Herreninsel where we enjoy a guided tour through ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s Royal Palace of Herrenchiemsee. Utterly extravagant, the State Rooms were modelled on the Palace of Versailles. Later, we continue to Munich.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Maritim Hotel, Munich
DAY 14: ‘My Time’ Munich and Oberammergau
Your morning is at leisure to explore cosmopolitan Munich. Later we drive to the Oberammergau area and arrive at your 4 star hotel, where we stay the next 2 nights, in preparation for an incredible Oberammergau Passion Play experience.
Your hotel in the Oberammergau area
As an appointed Tour Operator for the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play, and handling such a large number of Oberammergau packages, we have been fortunate to be allocated stays in a variety of excellent, 4 star hotels in Oberammergau itself, as well as in the nearby towns of Murnau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Meals:
B
D
DAY 15: An incredible Oberammergau Passion Play Experience
An easy start to the day before we enjoy time exploring the colourful village of Oberammergau with its beautiful houses and buildings adorned with “Lüftlmalerei” - ornately painted murals depicting assorted religious scenes. Throughout the afternoon and evening we enjoy the huge spectacle that is the Passion Play from our Category 1 seats. The famous Passion Play has been performed every ten years since 1633, a time when the Thirty Year’s War and Bubonic Plague were ravaging Europe causing so much suffering and death. With a backdrop of Kofel Peak and surrounded by the Ammergau Mountains, the massive open-air stage erupts with colour, music, song and up to 2,000 local inhabitants enacting the story of the Passion of Christ.
Your hotel in the Oberammergau area
As an appointed Tour Operator for the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play, and handling such a large number of Oberammergau packages, we have been fortunate to be allocated stays in a variety of excellent, 4 star hotels in Oberammergau itself, as well as in the nearby towns of Murnau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
In the Oberammergau area
DAY 16: To Munich
This morning we drive to Munich where your tour ends on arrival, mid-morning. Drop off points will be Munich airport and in the city centre. We recommend you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 2pm.
Meals:
B
Incredible Value Inclusions
- Category 1 seating for the Oberammergau Passion Play
- ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Travel in a first class air-conditioned touring coach
- 15 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage (1 bag per person) except Oberammergau hotels
- 26 Meals – including breakfast daily (B), lunch on the shores of Lake Titisee (L) and 10 dinners (D)
- Hand Selected Albatross Experiences – Strasbourg river cruise, Lake Titisee cruise, cable car ride to Tegelberg and Berchtesgaden Salt Mine visit
- Local guides as described in the itinerary
- ALL tips to your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
- Personal audio system whilst on tour
- Free WiFi at hotels
NO additional ‘on tour’ costs!
Dates and Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Price Per Person | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Aug 2022 | 24 Aug 2022 | AUD $8,547 | Sold Out |
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| 4 Sep 2022 | 19 Sep 2022 | AUD $8,547 | Sold Out |
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Oberammergau Passion Play - FAQs
What is the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play?
The Passion Play origins date back to 1633, when the community of Oberammergau found itself under threat from the Bubonic plague – the town pledged that if God were to spare them death, they would perform a play each decade to celebrate the life and death of Jesus. Thankfully the vow appeared to work, and as a result the locals were true to their promise – the very first play happened during Pentecost in 1634, where a stage was erected in the local cemetery. Nowadays the performances take place on a much larger scale, with over 2000 of the village’s residents working together to ensure the spectacle honours the vow of their ancestors. Such is the dedication of the residents, all male actors performing in the plays take part in a “Hair Decree”– from Ash Wednesday in 2021, all men are requested to let the hair on their heads and face grow to ensure they have an authentic look in time for 2022!
What are the performance dates?
There will be up to 103 performances between 14 May and 2 October 2022.
5 performances each week, on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
How long is the play?
The play is 5 hours long. It is held throughout the afternoon and evening with a 3-hour break for an included 3 course dinner. Based on the 2010 programme we are assuming there will be 11 Acts featured in the 2022 Passion Play programme.
Performance times
14 May - 14 August | Part I : 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Part II : 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Later in the season when the sun sets earlier the times change by one hour
15 August – 2 October | Part I : 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Part II 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Do we have good seats?
Yes, the best! You will have Category 1 seating – the best seats in house.
How many seats are there?
The audience section is fully covered and contains 4,720 comfortable covered seats.
What language is the show in?
The shows will be exclusively in German. You can buy a programme with an English translation of the text on the day of the performance.
If the stage is open air what happens if it rains?
The massive open air stage has a fabulous backdrop of Kofel Peak and is surrounded by the Ammergau Mountains, all of which enhances the drama. However if it does rain, at the push of a button a giant mechanical cover will extend out and over the stage.
How big is the show?
Enormous! There will be 100 choristers, a 55-piece orchestra and 2,000 actors - all locals. There will be music, singing, vivid and colourful stage settings, tableaux vivants (living pictures) depicting biblical scenes, speeches and dramatic re-enactments of the story of the Passion of Christ - from his entry into Jerusalem until his death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection.
Who are the actors?
They are all locals, and to be eligible they must have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years. This means that about 3,000 of the town’s 5,000 inhabitants hold the right to perform; since 2000 people participate, that’s more than 60 percent of the eligible townsfolk!
What is the ‘Hair decree’?
Such is the dedication of the residents, all male actors performing in the play take part in a ‘Hair Decree’. From Ash Wednesday in 2021, all men will be requested to let the hair on their heads and face grow to ensure they have an authentic look in time for 2022! (The ‘Romans’ have shaved heads!)
Who organises the Passion Play?
The local community have an organisation called ‘Passionsspiele Oberammergau’. They appoint the artistic director and his team. They consolidate all ticket sales in co-ordination with all attached accommodation allocations in Oberammergau and within the immediate area.
Where is Oberammergau?
Located in Bavaria about 100 kms south of Munich, Oberammergau is nestled in a beautiful valley in the Ammergau Alps. The village is known for its beautifully painted houses and woodcarving shops. The whole region is delightful. Nearby towns include lively Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Unterammergau, Ettal with its magnificent Kloster Abbey, Murnau am Staffelsee - close to Lake Staffelsee, and the spa town of Bad Kohlgrub.
View our range of Oberammergau Passion Play 2022 Tours