Viking has opened bookings for two new 2030 river cruise itineraries combining the once-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play with immersive voyages along the Rhine and Danube rivers.
The new itineraries, departing between May and September 2030, include preferred seating for the 43rd Oberammergau Passion Play, offering travellers the opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most celebrated cultural events alongside a river cruise.
Two new itineraries
The 13-day Oberammergau, Innsbruck & the Rhine itinerary sails from Amsterdam to Munich, combining a Rhine River cruise with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Middle Rhine, the Alsace region, Innsbruck and an overnight stay in Munich.
Alternatively, the 12-day Oberammergau with Salzburg itinerary travels from Oberammergau to Budapest, taking guests through Bavaria before cruising the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary. The journey also includes time in Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music.
A centuries-old tradition
The Oberammergau Passion Play has been performed every 10 years for nearly 400 years, with the tradition dating back to 1633.
Viking has partnered with the Passion Play organisers since 2010, enabling the cruise line to secure preferred seating and seamlessly incorporate the performance into its river cruise itineraries aboard its Viking Longships.
Viking President and Chief Executive Officer Leah Talactac said the new itineraries combine cultural immersion with destination-rich cruising.
“Our guests are curious travellers who value meaningful cultural experiences and a deeper understanding of the places they visit,” Talactac said.
“By pairing this extraordinary event with a Rhine or Danube voyage, guests can explore some of Europe’s most historic destinations while experiencing a tradition that has endured for nearly 400 years.”
New planning resource
To support travellers planning ahead, Viking has also launched a dedicated Oberammergau webpage featuring the history of the Passion Play, destination information and cultural insights.
