Wittenberg

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At the beginning of the 16th century, Magister Meinhardi advertised for the Wittenberg University: “On the location, beauty and the fame of the very famous city of Albioris, generally known as Wittenberg.” Even today, the visitors to Wittenberg can enjoy the flair of the Reformation and the Renaissance. When taking a stroll through the Old City you’ll see one building after another that bears witness to history. You come directly to the Castle Church with the world-famous door that Martin Luther nailed his theses to and the graves of Martin Luther and Melanchthon. You´ll also come to the courts of Master Cranach, to the City Church with its impressive Cranach Altar and the houses of Martin Luther and Melanchthon.

It was also the city where the Elector Friedrich the Wise resided from the end of the 15th century. His circumspect politics, the founding of the university in 1502 and the work of Martin Luther and the other reformers made this city on the Elbe River a centre of spiritual thought in Europe.

The places where Martin Luther lived and worked were entered into UNESCO´s list of World Cultural Heritage in 1996. Since 1999, Wittenberg has had another highlight: the Martin Luther Secondary School redesigned by the Viennese artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Wittenberg´s picturesque surroundings invite you to take a walk or a bicycle trip. The R 2 Elbe River bicycle path that you can take from Dresden to Hamburg goes trough Wittenberg. Furthermore, the citizens of Wittenberg invite you can celebrate with them. It is especially the city’s celebration of Luther´s Wedding that has long since been known beyond its borders. The Potter’s Market in September is also charming and there is a long tradition of celebrating the Reformation Festival.

Wittenberg's Christmas market is in an inimitable setting on the market square framed by impressive Renaissance town houses and the church where Luther preached his sermons, which also has a stunning winged altar by Lucas Cranach the Elder. At the weekends the old town of Wittenberg also has delightful Advent markets in its courtyards decorated on historical, alternative or fairytale themes.