Viking has introduced two new river cruise itineraries for 2030 that will include attendance at the 43rd Oberammergau Passion Play, offering guests the opportunity to experience one of Europe's most enduring cultural and religious traditions. Performed once every 10 years in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau since the 17th century, the Passion Play will be incorporated into two voyages operating between May and September 2030, with preferred seating included as part of each itinerary.
The new itineraries, Oberammergau, Innsbruck & the Rhine and Oberammergau with Salzburg, combine attendance at the Passion Play with cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers, allowing guests to explore historic cities and cultural landmarks across Central Europe. Viking stated that the voyages had been developed for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences while sailing aboard the company's Longships. Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking, said the itineraries build on the company's previous Passion Play programmes by combining the event with visits to some of Europe's most significant destinations.
The 13-day Oberammergau, Innsbruck & the Rhine itinerary will operate between Amsterdam and Munich. The voyage includes sailing through the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, visits to medieval towns and the Alsace region, followed by an overland journey to Innsbruck before guests attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau. The itinerary concludes with an overnight stay in Munich.
The 12-day Oberammergau with Salzburg programme begins in Oberammergau before continuing through Bavaria and Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Guests will then embark on a Danube River voyage through Germany, Austria and Hungary, combining the Passion Play with visits to several of Central Europe's historic cities and landscapes.
Viking has participated in previous editions of the Oberammergau Passion Play since 2010 and describes itself as the leading North American partner of the event's organisers. This long-standing relationship enables the company to integrate guaranteed access to the performance within its river cruise itineraries. To support guests planning future voyages, Viking has also launched a dedicated online information resource covering the history of the Passion Play and the destination.
The company is currently offering promotional pricing for North American travellers under its Summer Sale, available until July 31st, 2026. The campaign includes reduced fares, complimentary international airfare on selected river, ocean and expedition voyages, together with a US$25 deposit on eligible itineraries.