Discover the top spots for Germany’s ‘Lutherland’ pilgrimage

Martin Luther, a pious monk and fiery orator who became the “Great Reformer,” came from a humble, pastoral corner of Germany’s heartland. It’s a land of half-timbered villages, rolling hills and fanciful castles, and where Luther’s bold attempts to reform the Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation. October 2017 marked the 500th anniversary of this event, which, along with the Renaissance and as part of the rise of humanism, contributed greatly to the birth of our modern world.

On Oct. 31, 1517, Luther challenged Roman Catholic doctrine by posting his 95 Theses (discussion topics) on a church door. This started a chain of events that would split the Christian faith, plunge Europe into a century of warfare, cause empires to rise and fall and inspire new schools of art and thought. In eastern Germany, near Leipzig, three “Lutherland” destinations — Erfurt, Wartburg Castle and Wittenberg — are the top spots for a Luther pilgrimage, newly spruced up with loving attention.

I’m a Lutheran, so for me, coming to Lutherland is a bit like a Catholic going to Rome. But anyone who appreciates history will find the sights here interesting.

Start in Erfurt, a charming many-steepled medieval town. Young Luther enrolled at the university here, and, after a lighting storm epiphany in 1505, became a monk. Today, visitors can tour the Augustinian monastery and church, including the austere cell where Luther spent his formative years, and the church where he struggled with theological demons.

Just west of Erfurt is another important Luther landmark: Wartburg Castle, perched over the town of Eisenach. When Luther spoke out against church corruption, he made enemies of the pope and emperor. Luther was declared a heretic and could be captured and killed by anyone. While travelling nearby in 1521, he was “kidnapped” and dropped out of sight.