Discover the Heart of the Protestant Reformation in Wittenberg, Germany

Wittenberg, a charming German city near the Elbe River, isn’t on most travelers’ radars. Known as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, Wittenberg invites visitors to stroll the cobble stone while learning about how Martin Luther forever changed the church. While I wouldn’t call myself a religion-focused traveler, Europe’s history is so deeply intertwined with religious events that understanding them is essential to grasping the broader historical context.

If you’re looking for a great daytrip from Berlin to a city with a stunning effect on history, Wittenberg is definitely calling your name.

Wittenberg Market Square (Marketplatz), Wittenberg, Germany

Take a trip to Wittenberg, Germany with this one-day walking guide:

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St. Mary's Protestant Church (Stadtkirche St. Marien), Wittenberg, Germany

Basic Info

Getting to Wittenberg from Berlin is simple. Hop on a Deutsche Bahn regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), and in less than an hour, you’ll arrive in this historic town. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and tickets cost between €15 and €30, depending on the type of service.

Once you arrive, exit to the left of the train station, opposite the car park, and follow the well-marked footpath. A short 15-minute stroll will bring you to the Altstadt (Old Town), where narrow streets lead to half-timbered buildings and the towering spires of Wittenberg’s churches.

Wittenberg Tourist Office

Address: Schlossplatz 2
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 4:00pm

All Saints' Church (Schlosskirche), Wittenberg, Germany

The History You Should Know Before Visiting

Picture the streets of Wittenberg bustling with scholars, merchants, and townsfolk. The year is 1517, and Martin Luther, a young theology professor, walks purposefully toward the doors of All Saints’ Church (Schlosskirche).

With a hammer in one hand and a parchment in the other, he posts his “95 Theses”, challenging the sale of indulgences and unknowingly igniting a movement that would reshape Christianity.

Luther’s intent was a scholarly debate, but his words quickly spread beyond the academic circles, transforming Wittenberg into a hub of religious reform.

Over time, the town became home to some of the brightest minds of the era, including Philipp Melanchthon and artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. Today, Wittenberg is quieter, but its streets still echo with the stories of the past.

What To See In Wittenberg

Wittenberg’s Old Town is easy to explore on foot. Two pedestrian-only streets, Collegienstraße and Mittelstraße, run parallel through the historic center, guiding you past well-preserved Renaissance buildings, cozy cafés with seating that spills into the street, and independent shops.

It’s perfectly reasonable to visit Wittenberg for just one day to see the sites, with the highlight being the churches of course.

All Saints’ Church (Schlosskirche)

Schlosskirche, Wittenberg’s most iconic landmark, dominates the skyline with its towering spires and historic significance. As you approach this UNESCO Heritage site, you’ll immediately spot the must-see and massive bronze doors which are inscribed with Luther’s “95 Theses”.

Standing as a powerful symbol of religious transformation, the original doors were lost in a fire in 1760, but were replaced by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1858.

Inside, soft golden light filters through stained-glass windows. Take a seat in the pews to look up because the nave is gorgeous. As you look around, you’ll notice that there are nine figures from the Reformation that stand atop the pillars of the church.

You can see Nicolaus von Amsdorf, Caspar Cruciger, Johann Brenz, Urbanus Rhegius, Justus Jonas, Georg Spalatin, Johannes Bugenhagen, Philip Melanchthon and Martin Luther.

Walk to the front and you’ll also find the resting places of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. On Luther’s tomb is inscribed “Here is buried the body of the Doctor of Sacred Theology, Martin Luther, who died in the year of Christ 1546, on February 18th, in his hometown Eisleben, after having lived for 63 years, 2 months, and 10 days.”

Sit in the old wooden pews and look upon bronze and alabaster statues of Frederick III and his brother Elector John of Saxony. There are also paintings done by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas Cranach the Younger.

After you’ve thoroughly explored the interior of the church and if you’re up for a challenge, climb the 299 steps to the church tower, where panoramic views of Wittenberg’s rooftops and rolling countryside await.

Address: Schlossplatz 1
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm; Sunday: 11:30am ~ 5:00pm
Admission: Prices vary from €3 to €10.50

Wittenberg Market Square (Marketplatz)

As you walk toward the next church that is a must see in the town of Wittenberg, be sure to stop at the heart of town. Statues of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon preside over the square, standing as silent witnesses to centuries of change. Around you, pastel-colored buildings house local shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Find a seat at an outdoor café and soaking in the medieval atmosphere.

Cranach Hof

Just off the main street, Cranach Hof invites visitors to step into the world of Lucas Cranach the Elder, a court painter to Saxony’s rulers. In the second must-see church in Wittenberg, there are numerous paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas Cranach the Younger. Before heading to the church, visit Cranach House to discover the legacy of one of Germany’s most influential Renaissance artists.

Fun Fact: Lucas Cranach is one of the most accomplished painters of the 16th century, but he was also the mayor of Wittenberg and owned a pharmacy and had a monopoly on the sale of medicine.

Cranach arrived in Wittenberg in 1505 and spend the first decade of his time there adapting his style to the demands of the Saxon court. The nobility of the time looked for an emphasis on the patterns of dress, he also painted murals with scenes of deer and boar. Eventually, he became the wealthiest person in Wittenberg.

Address: Markt 4
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm, Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 5:00pm
Admission: Adults: €7; Children / Students: €0.50

St. Mary’s Protestant Church (Stadtkirche St. Marien)

Now it’s time to step inside the oldest church in Wittenberg. It was here that Martin Luther once stood before a congregation, delivering sermons that shaped the Reformation. Known as the “Mother Church of the Reformation,” the first Protestant mass was celebrated in German here, a revolutionary act at the time.

After taking a seat in the green pews of the church, look up to take in the Reformation Altar piece first. Completed by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1547, the four represent panels the pillars of the Reformation and include portraits of Luther, Melanchthon, Bugenhagen, Katharina von Bora (Luther’s wife), and Cranach.

What To See: When looking at the alter, you can notice Luther’s influence throughout from the baptism and confession to the Last Supper.

Walk behind the altar to find detailed depictions of Abraham’s sacrifice, Jesus with the Holy Spirit symbolized as a dove above him, and the hand of God pointing toward home. This entire piece was not seen for many years as it had been affixed to the wall!

“The Lord’s Vineyard” painting done for Paul Eber by Lucas Cranach the Younger around 1569 is another striking piece. Paul Eber was a professor of theology at Wittenberg University and later became parish priest at the Town Church. The epitaph painting is an allegory of the growing Reformation movement while also being a rather scathing piece of propaganda against Rome’s authority.

Address: Kirchplatz 20
Hours: April – October: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm, Sunday: 12:30pm ~ 6:00pm; November – March: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00pm ~ 4:00pm, Sunday: 12:30pm ~ 4:00pm
Admission: €3
Tours: Public tours are held every Tuesday and Sunday at 2:00pm and cost €5.

Events To Know About in Wittenberg

Though Wittenberg is often rather quiet, it bursts into celebration during its famous festivals.

Luther’s Wedding (Luthers Hochzeit)

Every June, the town transforms into a medieval spectacle, celebrating Martin Luther’s wedding to Katharina von Bora. The streets fill with locals in 16th-century costumes, folk music echoes through the air, and the scent of roasted meats and mulled wine entices visitors. Expect parades, dancing, and reenactments of the historic union.

Reformation Festival (Reformations Fest)

Held around October 31st, this festival commemorates the day Luther posted his theses. Wittenberg comes alive with classical concerts, historical reenactments, seminars, and special church services. As dusk falls, the town is aglow with lantern-lit processions, carrying visitors back in time.

Wittenberg isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a vibrant town where past and present intertwine. Whether you’re climbing church towers, strolling cobblestone streets, or celebrating at a festival, this small town leaves a big impression.

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