Viking presents two new river itineraries for 2030 that will offer its guests the exceptional opportunity to attend the famous Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, a theatrical performance that has been held every ten years for almost four centuries.
With departures scheduled between May and September 2030, the new Oberammergau, Innsbruck and the Rhine and Oberammergau with Salzburg itineraries include preferred seating for the 43rd edition of the Oberammergau Passion Play and allow travelers to discover Bavaria, as well as destinations located along the Rhine and Danube rivers, respectively.
“Our guests are curious travelers who value authentic cultural experiences and want to better understand the places they visit,” said Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking. “We have already accompanied our guests on two previous editions of the Oberammergau Passion Play and are delighted to introduce these new itineraries for 2030. By combining this extraordinary event with a Rhine or Danube cruise, travelers will be able to discover some of Europe’s most historically significant destinations while experiencing a tradition that has endured for nearly 400 years.”
Since 2010, Viking has had the privilege of taking its guests to this iconic event and has become the main North American partner of the Oberammergau Passion organizers.
This close collaboration allows the company to plan its programs several years in advance and seamlessly integrate representation into carefully designed itineraries, including voyages aboard the award-winning Viking Longships.
Main new features of the Oberammergau 2030 itineraries
– Oberammergau, Innsbruck and the Rhine. 13 days | From Amsterdam to Munich
This journey takes you along the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its castles, cathedrals, and medieval cities.
Travelers can discover the gastronomic tradition of the French region of Alsace, continue to Innsbruck, surrounded by the impressive Alps, and attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau, a tradition that has been celebrated once a decade for almost 400 years.
The itinerary concludes with a night in Munich, the historic capital of Bavaria.
– Oberammergau with Salzburg. 12 days | From Oberammergau to Budapest
This route crosses the heart of Central Europe.
After attending the Passion Play in Oberammergau —staged by the townspeople to fulfill a vow made in 1633—, travelers will explore the historic region of Bavaria and the charming city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the film The Sound of Music .
Later they will sail along the Danube, passing through Germany, Austria and Hungary, while visiting historic cities and enjoying some of Europe's most iconic landscapes.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the history of Oberammergau and its famous Passion Play, Viking has also launched a new information section on its website. This resource brings together information about the origins of the play, its cultural significance, and other points of interest about the destination, offering future travelers a more comprehensive view of one of Europe's most important cultural and religious events.
