I would appreciate your thoughts on adding the Oberammergau Passion Play to our itinerary for a trip to Germany in 2010. Is it worth the high cost, crowds, etc. I know "is it worth" is quite subjective, but let me know what your experience was now that you've had a chance to look back on it.

Hi offseason,

Oberammergau is one of the sweetest towns I've ever seen.

s

We attended in 2000 and have tickets for the 26 August performance in 2010.

I have heard that tickets aren't selling as well for next year as they did for the performance in 2000. We ordered our for 2010 about a year or so ago.

The village has a lot of charm and although there will probably be a lot of folks there I don't think you'll feel it is overly "mobbed."

NOW is the time to try to get tickets IMO because the performances you might be able to attend could very well BE sold out.

We enjoyed the performance and many of the townspeople take part, particularly in the opening scene on Palm Sunday...there are people as well as farm animals on the stage.

The whole thing is very well-done theatrically and musically but obviously I am biased.

Offseason,

My Mom was born and raised in Oberammergau and I have been many times! I will be there 3 weeks from now.

While I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Oberammergau, I don't like Oberammergau during Passion Play. I did see the Passion Play in 1980 when 3 of my relatives were in it. I don't remember too much about it except that it was very warm that summer and it was almost unbearably hot. I don't speak much German so you just have to follow along as best you can if you don't speak the language.

With all that said, I would include Oberammergau in your trip. What a beautiful little city! Oberammergau is my happy place!

Thanks for the input. We are still in the planning stage. We don't like crowds, but sometimes they can't be avoided, especially for this type of event. Tickets are still available for most performances. We have heard/read ticket sales are down. We have found what seems to be a good deal for the 2 night package, with multiple dates available.

Go, Go, Go then!! It's a beautiful little village! Check out www.oberammergau.de if you haven't been there yet. Be sure and check out the webcam. Looks like they had snowfall a few days ago!