Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Introduction

Welcome to this detailed guide on the Luther Memorials in the historic towns of Eisleben and Wittenberg, Germany. These towns are significant as they are closely associated with Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation. This guide will provide you with essential information about the memorial sites, their history, opening times, and tips for your visit.

Eisleben

Overview

Eisleben is a small town in the central German state of Saxony-Anhalt, where Martin Luther was born (1483) and died (1546). The town houses two important memorials dedicated to Luther: the Birth House and the Church of St. Sebastien.

Martin Luther’s Birth House (Lutherhaus)

The Birth House is the oldest half-timbered building in Eisleben and was built around 1490. It is where Martin Luther, on November 10, 1483, entered the world as Hans Luder, the son of Hans Luder (a miner) and Margarethe (née Lütkemann).

Today, the Birth House serves as a museum that offers an insight into Luther’s early life. The ground floor displays temporary exhibitions, while the upper floors present permanent exhibits on Luther’s family, his youth, and his time in Eisleben.

Address and Opening Times

• Lutherhaus (Martin Luther’s Birth House)
  • Alter Markt 28, 06451 Eisleben
  • Open daily: January–March: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; April–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; November–December: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tickets cost €5 (concessions available)

Church of St. Sebastien (St.-Sebastian-Kirche)

The Church of St. Sebastien is where Luther was baptized on November 19, 1483, and where he married his wife Katharina von Bora in 1525. The church features a small memorial room dedicated to Luther in the western tower.

Inside the church, you can find the tombstone of Luther’s parents, Hans Luder and Margarethe Lütkemann, as well as the graves of several other important Reformation figures, such as Luther’s colleagues Justus Jonas and Philip Melanchthon.

Address and Opening Times

• St.-Sebastian-Kirche (Church of St. Sebastien)
  • Alter Markt 15, 06451 Eisleben
  • Open daily: January–March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; April–October: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; November–December: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Admission is free.

Wittenberg

Overview

Wittenberg, located in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, is where Martin Luther spent most of his life. The town is home to numerous Luther memorials, including Wartburg Castle, where Luther hid after posting his 95 theses; and Schlosskirche (Castle Church), where he nailed the theses to the door.

Wartburg Castle (Wartburg)

Wartburg Castle is a medieval fortress located approximately 12 km northeast of Wittenberg. It served as Luther’s refuge from 1521 to 1522 after he posted his 95 theses and became embroiled in a heated controversy with the Roman Catholic Church. During his stay at Wartburg, Luther translated the New Testament into German.

Today, Wartburg Castle houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to Martin Luther, including his robes, manuscripts, and the very desk where he worked on the translation. Visitors can also explore the castle’s chapel, courtyards, and gardens.

Address and Opening Times

• Wartburg (Wartburg Castle)
  • Schloßplatz 1, 06589 Eisenach
  • Open daily: April–October: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; November–March: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tickets cost €12 (concessions available)

Schlosskirche (Castle Church)

The Schlosskirche in Wittenberg is where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his 95 theses to the door on October 31, 1517. The church also served as Luther’s parish church during his time in Wittenberg.

Inside the church, you can find Luther’s pulpit and the baptismal font where he baptized his children. A plaque marks the spot where the 95 theses were nailed to the door on All Saints’ Day in 1517.

Address and Opening Times

• Schlosskirche (Castle Church)
  • Lutherplatz 1, 06562 Wittenberg
  • Open daily: January–March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; April–October: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; November–December: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Admission is free.

Lutherhaus (Luther’s House)

The Lutherhaus in Wittenberg is where Martin Luther lived from 1521 until his death in 1546. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to Luther’s life and work. The ground floor features a cafe, while the upper floors present permanent exhibits on Luther’s family, his time in Wittenberg, and the Protestant Reformation.

Address and Opening Times

• Lutherhaus (Luther’s House)
  • Kirchhof 15, 06562 Wittenberg
  • Open daily: January–March: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; April–October: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; November–December: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Tickets cost €5 (concessions available)

Travel Tips

1. Both Eisleben and Wittenberg are easily accessible by train from Leipzig, Halle, or Erfurt.
2. It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket for multiple Luther memorials in one town for a reduced price.
3. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many of the sites require some walking.
4. Check the official websites of each memorial site before your visit for any updates or temporary closures.
5. Consider visiting during the “Luther Year” (2017) or the “Year of Martin Luther” (2018), when special events and exhibitions are held.
6. Don’t forget to try some traditional German food, such as sausage, pretzels, and apple cake, while in these towns.

Conclusion

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the Luther memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg, two essential destinations for anyone interested in Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. By visiting these sites, you will gain a deeper understanding of Luther’s life and the impact he had on the world. We hope this guide helps make your visit enjoyable and enlightening!