This medieval Saxon town sparked the Protestant Reformation in 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Schlosskirche door. The Lutherhaus preserves his legacy.
Walk through Lutherstadt Wittenberg's medieval streets to see where Martin Luther shaped Protestant history. You'll find his former home filled with his personal belongings, browse through 16th-century manuscripts, and see the bronze doors of Castle Church inscribed with his 95 Theses. Stop at the colorful Hundertwasser School, where wavy lines and bright patterns transform a former Communist-era building, or stroll through the Luthergarten where 270 trees from different countries grow as living symbols of religious cooperation.
Walking Through Medieval Streets
The main pedestrian zone runs for 2 kilometers along Collegienstrasse and Schlossstrasse, linking the town's main sights. At the 16th-century Market Square, you'll find yourself surrounded by merchant houses with stepped gables and the Gothic Town Hall from 1535. Local farmers sell regional produce at weekly markets, while small cafes spill onto the cobblestones from ground-floor spaces in medieval buildings.
Castle Church and Religious Sites
Built in 1506, the Castle Church stands at the center of Protestant history. The current bronze doors, installed in 1858, display Luther's 95 arguments in Latin text. Step inside to see the marble tombs of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon, and look for the detailed alabaster sculptures of Saxon electors who backed the Protestant movement.
The Luther House Museum
Walk through the rooms where Luther once lived in this former Augustinian monastery. His study, the "Lutherstube," looks much as it did in the 1500s. You can examine early German Bible translations, see Luther's personal furniture, and view paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder that show daily life in Reformation-era Wittenberg.
Modern Cultural Landmarks
The Hundertwasser School adds unexpected curves and colors to the cityscape. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser redesigned this standard Communist-era building with undulating walls and bright mosaics. For a different perspective on history, climb to the viewing platform at the "Luther 1517" panorama, where detailed paintings recreate scenes from 16th-century Wittenberg in 360 degrees.
Parks and Riverside Areas
Walk along the Elbe River's eastern bank on paved paths that follow the water. Near the castle, the Luthergarten grows as an international project - religious communities from around the world have planted trees here. Each of the 270 trees represents a different Christian denomination or organization, creating a growing symbol of religious dialogue.
Getting Around
You can reach Wittenberg by train from Berlin (40 minutes by ICE) or Leipzig (1 hour). The old town is compact - you can walk between most sights within 20 minutes from the train station. While local buses connect to residential areas and the riverside, you'll find the historic center easy to explore on foot.
