📖Where the Reformation Began
Just one hour from Berlin, and suddenly, you’re in the place where the Protestant Reformation began.
We took the ICE express for a weekend trip and arrived at Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The station looked modern and clean, but once outside, the quiet fields and wide sky made it feel far away from the busy life of Berlin.
Wittenberg is where Martin Luther (1483–1546) challenged the Catholic Church. In 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church, starting a wave of change that spread across Europe and led to the birth of Protestantism.
Here, history doesn’t just sit in books – it’s all around you.
🏠Stepping into Luther’s World
Our first stop was the Lutherhaus, where Luther once lived and worked.
Inside, we saw his study, old portraits, and many books from his time. I was amazed by the number of works he translated into German. It was an incredible amount of work.
What touched me most was the story of his wife, Katharina von Bora.
She looked after their children, managed the farm, and cared for the students who lived in their home. People say her strong support made it possible for Luther to focus on his writing and reform work. It showed a more personal side of him, which was fascinating. The museum was quiet and peaceful, perfect for slowly exploring. (It is closed now for renovation but will reopen in spring 2027.)
🏛 Market Square: The Duo Who Changed History
At the center of the old town is the Market Square, with a white town hall and the tall twin towers of a church.
There you can see statues of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon standing side by side. Luther was the passionate reformer, and Melanchthon was the calm, brilliant scholar who helped shape his ideas. He knew Latin and Greek well, helped translate the Bible, and wrote important texts that spread and organized the Reformation. Seeing their statues reminded me that big changes in history are rarely made by one person alone – behind Luther stood a close friend and partner who helped bring his ideas to the world.
⛪ Schlosskirche: The Door That Shook Europe
A short walk from the square is the Castle Church (Schlosskirche), where Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517.
He only meant it as an academic call for debate (which was common at universities at the time), but his criticism of indulgences caused a huge reaction and started a movement that swept across Europe. Standing there, I thought about how history sometimes changes from something small and unexpected—how an act meant for quiet discussion can end up changing the world.
Inside, light from the stained-glass windows filled the church with color. Luther’s grave is here, and we also climbed the tower for a beautiful view of the red rooftops and green countryside.
🍺 A Taste of Wittenberg
Wittenberg’s cobblestone lanes and half-timbered houses are full of charm. We took a break at a sunny café in the square. My husband, my eldest daughter, and I tried three different beers🍺. I can’t remember the exact names, but we had a crisp Pils, a brown Dunkel, and a darker, richer beer (maybe Bock or Schwarzbier). I especially liked the Dunkel for its smooth and malty taste. 😋 My younger daughter chose a berry and herb juice recommended by the staff—she said it was cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.
🌿 Walking Through History
Spending a day in Wittenberg gave me a deeper understanding of the Reformation and the spirit behind it, and reminded me how history can still be felt in quiet places like this.
If you enjoy history, beautiful townscapes, and peaceful moments, this trip is truly worth it. 😊
