Highlights in 2017
Opening of the Reformation Anniversary Year: October 31, 2016
After five centuries, the Protestant Reformation celebrates its 500th birthday in 2017. The past Luther Decade has built up both spiritual and secular awareness of Martin Luther’s history-changing protest. Reformation Day on October 31, 2016 marks the start of the year-long jubilee, with celebrations both solemn and joyous. The world is invited to see special exhibitions, to listen to concerts, to take part in moving services and to join in animated discussions. So, in 2017, come and visit LutherCountry, the German federal states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, and pay your respects to the Great Reformer.
EXHIBITION: LUTHER! 95 TREASURES - 95 PEOPLE
MAY 20 - SEP 10, 2017
In Lutherstadt Wittenberg, this special two-part exhibition not only examines Luther's influence, but also brings the Reformation to life. One part connects you, the visitor, to Luther using a “treasure chest” of 95 priceless possessions: Luther's own Bible and will; artifacts from his homes; a rare portrait that was painted when he was translating the New Testament into German. And Wartburg Castle, the very spot where he carried out that translation, also hosts a special exhibition "Luther and the Germans" (May 4 - November 5, 2017). The second part highlights 95 people he influenced, such as composer J S Bach, painter Lucas Cranach the Younger and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
THE WORLD REFORMATION EXHIBITION
MAY 20 - SEP 10, 2017
Next summer, Lutherstadt Wittenberg’s Old Town will be alive with discussion, new ideas and new friendships. Along the city’s ramparts, seven “Gates of Freedom” will reflect on how the Reformation changed opinions and society in Germany, Europe and the world. Special stages and tents will welcome visitors to stop by and discuss seven topics. Since “Reformation” infers shaping the future, the subjects will range from peace and justice to globalization and youth, as well as ecumenism, spirituality and culture. International visitors are encouraged to apply for spaces (with seats, electric power etc.).
KIRCHENTAGE ON THE WAY
MAY 25 - 27, 2017
Lutherstadt Wittenberg is linking with six other German cities that have close ties with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation: Leipzig, Magdeburg, Erfurt, Jena/Weimar, Dessau-Rosslau and Halle (Saale)/Lutherstadt Eisleben. From May 25 - 27, they will host six “Kirchentage”. These special days involve prayer, worship and singing. As well as showcasing their cultural heritage, they will host major exhibitions, concerts and gatherings to further connect the Reformation to modern audiences. In Weimar, for example, the program will include Bible studies, as well as music and theater; in Jena, it will focus on the present and future of religion.
FESTIVAL CHURCH SERVICE
MAY 28, 2017
Standing where Martin Luther once stood is an emotional experience. Across the Elbe River from Lutherstadt Wittenberg are the meadows where the Great Reformer walked. Here, an open air church service will be held on May 28, 2017. This will be the culmination of Kirchentag on the Way (see above). For those, who have visited the six partner cities, it will be especially meaningful. Joining together in song and prayer, they will look across the river to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the Birthplace of the Reformation and to the Castle Church, where Luther nailed up his 95 Theses.
SCHMALKALDEN: WHERE THE 16TH CENTURY COMES TO LIFE
It was in the town of Schmalkalden that Luther’s Articles of Faith were incorporated into the Evangelical church’s Book of Concord in 1537. And these Schmalkalden Articles of Faith are still used today in the ordination of priests. Schmalkalden itself is a medieval gem, with half-timbered houses, ancient churches and cobbled streets. Summer brings organ and choral concerts; a highlight is "Lutherfest", the festival that takes you back in time to “Eat and Drink like Luther” (June 16 and 17, 2017). Sit at long wooden tables in the market square; enjoy traditional fare; be entertained by troubadours and acrobats.
EISENACH: GREAT FESTIVALS, GREAT HOTELS
Eisenach and Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament, are two of LutherCountry’s most popular destinations. Special events and exhibitions in 2017 include the Reformation Festival Week (April 29 – May 7, 2017), “Luther and the Germans” at Wartburg Castle (May 4 – November 5, 2017) and “Bach and Luther” in Bach’s former home (April 29 – November 5, 2017). Stay at two fine hotels. Below the castle is the atmospheric, century-old Romantik Hotel at the Wartburg, with 37 individually-designed rooms and fabulous views. In town, the 126-room Steigenberger Hotel Thüringer Hof combines the best of traditional service with modern comforts, close to festivities.
Our Service for You
Whether you are looking for a route through LutherCountry, seeking information on LutherCities, or need the perfect pictures, we’ll be happy to assist you! Please visit the “Press” area on our website to get free access to a lot of helpful resources including our latest Press Kit.
For further information
Please go to: www.visit-luther.com or
visit Facebook on: www.facebook.com/luthercountry
or Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/luthercountry
Visitor information and Where to Stay
Please go to: www.visit-luther.de or www.visit-thuringia.com
Contact Information
Marketing and Media Relations
TourComm Germany GmbH & Co. KG
Attn: Larissa Graf
Olbrichtstrasse 21
69469 Weinheim
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 6201 – 60208 – 17
Email: visit-luther@tourcomm-germany.com
Website: www.visit-luther.com
If you need assistance, please send an email or call Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central European Summer Time.
About LutherCountry: Where you can walk in Luther’s footsteps
Would you like to step inside the very room in which Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, or admire the pulpits from which he preached and where pastors still preach today? Do you want to taste beer brewed the way Martin Luther liked it? Then come and visit LutherCountry, where you can explore Luther’s old stomping grounds and much more!
LutherCountry is situated in the heart of Germany and has so much to offer, from fascinating churches and museums for the believers and history or culture fans among you, to beautiful landscapes that could be straight out of a children’s picture book.
What do the places in LutherCountry all have in common? Centuries ago, they were the stage for Martin Luther’s tumultuous life and thus played a special role in the Reformation, which changed the way people thought about so many aspects of daily life. Martin Luther’s influence spread through Western Europe and, with European settlers, to the United States.
Although Luther lived five centuries ago, his presence is still tangible today. Grab your suitcase and come experience the unforgettable –LutherCountry is waiting to be discovered!
Tags:
