With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation approaching, now is an excellent time to explore the cities in Germany where it all began. From May 17-26, Mary Jane Haemig, professor of church history and director of the Reformation Research Program, will lead a Reformation heritage tour through Germany. Professor Haemig says, “This tour will feature expert local guides as we tour sites of the Reformation and learn about world changing events. As a professor of the Reformation at Luther Seminary, I look forward to being available to extend conversations inspired by our guides and help participants think about this heritage as it affects our lives today and what it can mean for our future.”
Each month, we’ll bring you details about another leg of the tour. The tour will travel through Wittenberg, Torgau, Leipzig, Erfurt, Eisenach, Wartburg Castle, Eisleben and Berlin.
On May 22 join Wittenberg’s congregation for a German worship service. Afterwards, we travel from Wittenberg to Erfurt. We will tour the city to see the university where Luther studied, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, where he was ordained. You will visit the Augustinian Monastery, where Luther celebrated his first mass and lived as a monk for six years. After lunch on your own and a free afternoon, we will meet again tonight for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
The morning of May 23 we will drive to Eisenach and take the beautiful trip up the mountain to the Wartburg Castle. After his excommunication Martin Luther was kidnapped by his prince and hid here for almost a year under the alias of “Junker Jorg.” See the room where Luther lived and made his translation of the New Testament. After some free time for lunch, visit the Bach House to experience a typical home in the 18th century. See an interesting collection of antique instruments and hear a demonstration on a variety of these pieces. We will return to Erfurt for dinner and overnight.
We hope you will consider joining us for this incredible trip! The tour is being organized by Mary Jane Haemig and Mary Steeber, coordinator of volunteer programs. If you have questions, please contact Mary Jane Haemig via email at mhaemig@luthersem.edu or by phone at 651-641-3244. You may also visit us online to register and learn more.