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Luther Trail: Section 03 – From Eisenach to Berka on the Werra

Hiking Trail · Thüringer Wald
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  • Georgenkirche Eisenach
    / Georgenkirche Eisenach
    Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
  • / Lutherhaus Eisenach mit Anbau
    Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
  • / Wartburg Eisenach Palas
    Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
  • / Vachaer Stein
    Photo: Metilsteiner, CC BY-SA, By Metilsteiner (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • / Dorfkirche Oberellen
    Photo: Metilsteiner, CC BY-SA, By Metilsteiner (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • / Gasthof "Zur Post"
    Photo: Metilsteiner, CC BY-SA, By Metilsteiner (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
m 400 300 200 30 25 20 15 10 5 km St. Annenkirche - Eisenach Luther auf dem Reichstag in Worms
Follow Luther's footsteps west over the hills of the Thuringian Forest and down into the Werra Valley.
moderate
Distance 22.5 km
6:20 h
245 m
416 m
421 m
207 m
The Eisenach – Berka section is part of the route Martin Luther took in April/May 1521 to and from Wittenberg to the Diet of Worms until his ‘kidnapping’ near Eisenach.

After staying in Worms and making a speech at the Diet, Luther started on his journey back to Wittenberg on 26 April 1521. On 2 May 1521 he stayed at the ‘Alter Stern’ guest house in Berka. On 4 May 1521, Luther was ‘kidnapped’ in Glasbachgrund near Steinbach and taken into ‘protective custody’ at Wartburg Castle. Here he spent many months and translated the New Testament from Greek to German under the alias ‘Junker Jörg' (Squire George).

Legend has it that the devil disturbed Martin Luther in his rooms at Wartburg Castle in Thuringia during the winter of 1521 and 1522. It is said that when the monk, so engrossed in his work in translating the holy word, was interrupted by the scratching and scrapping, he courageously grabbed the ink well and hurled it at the devil's face.

Author’s recommendation

In 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, be sure to visit the special exhibition at Wartburg Castle entitled 'Luther & The Germans', which will be running from 4 May 2017 until 5 November 2017.
Profile picture of Paul Hentschel
Author
Paul Hentschel
Update: December 03, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
421 m
Lowest point
207 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Rest Stop

Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg - Eisenach
Sängerwiese meadows

Safety information

The route is well developed and signposted. There are no further safety precautions to observe.

Tips and hints

3 Hammers – The full power of the Reformation

Wartburg Castle near Eisenach

Start

Thuringia Museum Prediger Church – Eisenach (223 m)
Coordinates:
DD
50.974781, 10.317134
DMS
50°58'29.2"N 10°19'01.7"E
UTM
32U 592471 5647846
w3w 
///popped.helps.running

Destination

St Laurentinus – Berka on the Werra

Turn-by-turn directions

Eisenach – Wartburg Castle – Sängerwiese meadows – Hütschhof – Oberellen – Herda – Berka/Werra

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Eisenach is easily accessible on the Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance trains. The KVG Eisenach bus network goes out to Berka on the Werra and you can travel back to Eisenach on the 52 bus. TIMETABLE.

Alternatively you can travel back to Eisenach by train from the neighbouring towns of Gerstungen and Wildeck Obersuhl.

Getting there

Coming by car from the A4, take the exit Eisenach-Ost and follow the B19 towards Eisenach.

Parking

The carpark 'An der Münze' is located right at the start of the tour. LINK.

Coordinates

DD
50.974781, 10.317134
DMS
50°58'29.2"N 10°19'01.7"E
UTM
32U 592471 5647846
w3w 
///popped.helps.running
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Equipment

Sturdy shoes and hiking sticks

Basic Equipment for Hiking

  • Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
  • Layered, moisture wicking clothing
  • Hiking socks  
  • Rucksack (with rain cover)
  • Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Kit para bolhas
  • Bivy / survival bag  
  • Survival blanket
  • Headlamp
  • Pocket knife
  • Whistle
  • Cell phone
  • Cash
  • Navigation equipment / map and compass
  • Emergency contact details
  • ID
  • The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
  • For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
  • Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
22.5 km
Duration
6:20 h
Ascent
245 m
Descent
416 m
Highest point
421 m
Lowest point
207 m
Public-transport-friendly Scenic Refreshment stops available Linear route Culture

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