Join members of the Parish of Calvary ~ St. George’s in 2022 and we make an unforgettable pilgrimage to Oberammergau for its historic Passion Play. The tradition, maintained and experienced almost without interruption for over 380 years, of putting on the play about the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every ten years, will be continued for the 42nd time in 2022. It is regarded as the most important Passion Play in the world. The village at the edge of the Bavarian Alps expects approximately 500,000 visitors for the passion play, over half of which will be international guests. A special law is in effect to ensure that all actors of the world’s largest amateur dramatic performance come from the village. All participants, from actors playing the big speaking parts such as Jesus, Mary or Judas, through members of the choir, orchestra members, firemen and ushers, must have been born in Oberammergau or lived there for at least 20 years. Over 2,000 Oberammergau villagers will participate in the 2022 Passion Play.

For additional details, pricing & reservations, view the official tour PDF

Learn more about the pilgrimage from Rev. Jacob Smith on Sat. March at 10AM on Zoom. For zoom link info, email info@calstg.org

ITINERARY

Aug. 2 – Depart USA

Aug. 3 – Arrive in Munich Arrive in Munich where our local representatives will meet you. Enjoy a tour of historic Munich, including a stop at the Rathaus (Town Hall) to watch the Glockenspiel. This historic clock from 1908 chimes its 43 bells and enchants viewers with its 32 life-size moving figures three times per day. You will also see the Opera House and the Hofbrauhaus. Enjoy some time to shop before transferring to your alpine hotel.

Aug. 4 – Innsbruck This morning visit Innsbruck, the capital of Austria’s Tyrol region. Innsbruck is famous as the site of two winter Olympics. Follow your guide through the quaint medieval streets of Old Town to the sparkling Golden Roof. The glittering sloping roof has been an opulent landmark since the 15th- century. You’ll view Maria Theresa’s Imperial Palace, the Triumphal Arch and visit the Hofkirche. Plus, you’ll have time to explore the medieval city on your own.

Aug. 5 – Oberammergau Passion Play After the Black Plague that was rampant in Europe left their small village, the grateful people of Oberammergau promised God that they would show their gratitude by putting on a Passion Play. Over 380 years later you will get to enjoy this one-of-a-kind, six hour musical and dramatic performance. You will have reserved seats, a guided tour of the town and motorcoach transfers to and from the play’s theater. Dinner is included in Oberammergau tonight.

Aug. 6 – Augsburg, Dinkelsbuhl, Nuremberg This morning travel to Augsburg and recall where the Augsburg confession was first presented in 1530. Continue to the Romantic Road and visit the town of Dinkelsbuhl. Travel to Nuremberg where you can enjoy a bit of old Nuremberg in the city’s medieval old city that has been lovingly restored. You will visit the Reichstag Museum, which houses the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds Exhibition.

Aug. 7 – Coburg and Erfurt Visit the 900-year-old fortress of Coburg known as the Veste. Luther took refuge from his enemies for a time behind its triple ramparts. Erfurt was called the “city of spires” in Luther’s day. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Augustinian Monastery where, in 1507, Luther was ordained into the priesthood.

Aug. 8 – Wittenberg This morning explore Wittenberg. Luther lived and taught for 36 years in Wittenberg. You’ll see where he posted his 95 Theses on the Palace Church door, giving voice to the Reformation. Visit Schlosskirche, burial site of Luther, and Luther Halle, a former monastery where Martin lived with his family. Enjoy an English Service held by the local Luther English Ministry team. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Aug. 9 – Eisleben and Eisenach Today explore the town of Eisleben which encompasses the full circle of Luther’s life. In this town, Luther was born and died. You’ll see St. Petri (St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church) where Luther was baptized. You’ll see portraits of his parents and a portrait of his wife. Explore the charming town and the Luther Family Home. Walk the medieval cobblestone streets past St. Andrew’s where Luther preached his last sermon. Finally, see the house where Luther was visiting at the time of his death. This afternoon visit Eisenach. Martin Luther lived in Eisenach during his student days. Learn about Luther’s life and the Reformation at the Luther House Museum. Explore the famous Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522. View the room where Luther completed his translation in just 11 weeks.

Aug. 10 – Worms and Mainz Travel to the ancient city of Worms where Luther refused to back down from his criticism of the church during the famous Diet of Worms. This afternoon visit the Rhine River city of Mainz where Johann Gutenberg developed the process of moveable type that allowed printing to be done on a production scale.

Aug. 11 – Return to USA