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Sportive walking tours
By now everyone knows the four big cities that are automatically associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation: Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt and Eisenach. With all their history and connection to both, man and movement, each of these cities is vital to any cultural group tour organized to follow in the footsteps of the famous reformer. Those four cities would also nearly make up a basic group tour, allowing guests to learn about and experience the Reformation in a compressed manner within a short time span. All the basics will be covered and a general overview provided.
But there are many more Luther-related cities and sights to be found all over Germany that could give your tour an edge, making it stand out from those of other tour operators.
Berlin
It is our recommendation as starting point for your round trip because it offers a great many possibilities on how to get there (car, train, plane). After a sightseeing tour, best done by coach, continue to the national exhibition “The Luther Effect” at Martin-Gropius-Bau. It is a special exhibition, displayed in 2017 only, and focuses on the worldwide impact of the Reformation within the past five centuries.
Magdeburg
The city of Magdeburg is located at about a two-hour drive from Wittenberg. Luther lived there for a short period of time as a pupil and returned not until 1524, preaching at St Johannes Church as well as the church of the Augustinian monastery. Extend your stay by also visiting the art museum “Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen”, the museum of city history (“Kulturhistorisches Museum”), taking a boat trip on the Elbe River or visiting the Elbauenpark, a brilliantly designed nature and recreational park.
Torgau
This would be an ideal visit when changing hotel locations, e.g. to Leipzig. Torgau is being mainly associated with Katharina von Bora, a refugee after her escape from the monastery and later wife to Martin Luther. After his death she returned to Torgau with her children, trying to evade the plague, but dying shortly after. Katharina was buried in Torgau, her Death House being transformed into a museum. Furthermore, we recommend a stop at Hartenfels Castle, whose church was consecrated by Luther in 1544.
Dresden
There is no documented connection between the Saxon capital, located at the Elbe River, and Martin Luther. But you will find the largest Protestant domed structure in all of Europe here: the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Right in front of it you will find a monument of the reformer. In addition, the Green Vault is displaying his signet ring and drinking cup (unless on loan to special exhibitions).
Schmalkalden
In 1531 the romantic town of half-timbered houses became a focal point in European history. Lutheran cities and rulers came together in order to form an alliance against the emperor. Not only Luther but also many of his allies preached in front of the rulers inside the late Gothic hall church St George´s. If you visit the exhibition at Renaissance Château Wilhelmsburg you will receive much more information about the event as well as the Reformation.
Nuremberg
In 1524 the church renewed Luther´s excommunication in Nuremberg. Not long after though, the city was the first of the free imperial cities tom implement the Reformation and its beliefs – a victory for the reformer. When staying in Nuremberg your options are varied, so here are only a few interesting visits: the Fortress Nuremberg, the German National Museum or the Memorium Nuremberg Trials and the Nazi Party Rallye Grounds.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg was the first city for Luther to preach after the placarding of the 95 propositions. Be sure to include a visit to famous Heidelberg Castle, take a boat trip on the Neckar River or visit one of the many museums, e.g. the German Apothecary Museum.
