Program
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Wartburg Castle
The program, over the course of eight days in Germany includes seven overnights in Wittenberg, and the opportunity to choose two day trips to nearby destinations including the cities of Erfurt, Eisenach, Eisleben, Leipzig, Dresden and the capital city of Berlin. You can spend time at important sites associated with the life of Martin Luther including the Wartburg—the castle where he was secretly kept under the protection of Frederick the Elector and where he translated the Bible into the language of the people. In Berlin, you may choose to see the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall, museums, and the recently-built holocaust memorial—a moving architectural experience that while reminding us of the darkest part of German history, also renews our commitment to tolerance, understanding and love of neighbor. In Berlin, you’ll also have time for shopping and generally engaging with one of the world’s most vibrant and historically important cities.
In addition to the excursions, you’ll have the chance to leave a sign to the people of Wittenberg and (new in 2013!) Eisleben through the service projects that are a part of the Festival. You’ll share God’s love and experience the joy of Christian service as you become involved with the local residents by serving those in need. The human connection and cultural exchange of this part of the week, alone, will change your perspective forever.
The event also includes dozens of Interest Centers such as language learning, Bible study, an introduction to Luther’s message, a look at the books in the library of Luther House, Art with Lucas Cranach, Printing Workshop, The Wittenberg Explorer, a look at life in the East during Communist times, Reading Paintings of the Reformation times and more.
There is ample time for recreation as well whether it is a bicycle ride throught the countryside or to the Woerlitz Garden, a canoe trip down the Elbe River, or random roaming with friends around the city of Witenberg finding shops, food, bookstores, smaller museums and historic buildings.
Each day includes morning prayer services at the Castle Church, the Schlosskirche. (Already, now, you know the meaning of the word “Schloss” and “Kirche.” Just think how much German you will speak after living in a German town for an entire week!) Each evening includes Evening Prayer at the Town Church, the Stadtkirche.
There is music, featuring bands from the USA such as Agape, Alathea, LOST AND FOUND, Rachel Kurtz, and Tangled Blue; and bands from Germany to be announced.