Wittenberg
Introduction
You will find Wittenberg, also known as Lutherstadt Wittenberg, situated along the banks of the River Elbe. Located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, this town sits between Leipzig and Berlin.
Getting there
You can reach Wittenberg by train via the Leipzig-Berlin line, where ICE trains run hourly in both directions. Depending on your starting point, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes from Leipzig Hbf or 45 minutes from Berlin Hbf. For a slower alternative, regional trains provide additional connections from Berlin, Leipzig, and Halle.
If you prefer to travel by car, the town is situated at the intersection of the B2 and B187 main roads. You can access these routes via the Klein Marzehns, Köselitz, or Coswig (Anhalt) exits off the A9/E51 motorway. For those arriving by plane, both Berlin Airport and Leipzig/Halle are the closest hubs, with Berlin offering a wider range of international flight options.
Getting around
You can explore much of the Altstadt, or Old City, on foot as it is primarily a pedestrian zone. Since all major historical sites are located within easy walking distance of one another, you can easily navigate the heart of the city by foot.
For travel beyond the immediate area, the Vetter Bus operates several lines throughout Wittenberg.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style of stay. For those seeking a more rustic experience, camping is available at Marina-Camp-Elbe. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, the youth hostel located inside the castle provides shared dorm rooms and sits conveniently near the Schlosskirche.
For mid-range comfort, you can find lodging at Stadthotel Schwarzer Bär, Brauhaus Wittenberg, or the Luther-Hotel. If you prefer a more upscale experience, options include Best Western Stadthotel and Alte Canzley.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across the city, ranging from casual spots to more refined establishments. For a relaxed meal, visit Kartoffelhaus Zum Schwarzen Bär or experience modern German cuisine with Mediterranean influences at Restaurant von Bora. Other notable options include Athos Griechisches Restaurant and Il Castello.
If you prefer a local atmosphere, Tante Emma's Bier & Café Haus offers a welcoming setting near the market area. For those seeking a more upscale experience, Brauhaus Wittenberg provides a premium dining option, while Charles Bar serves as a destination for your drinks.
What to see and do
Explore the profound history of the Reformation at the Black Cloister, which houses the largest museum of the Protestant Reformation in the world. You can visit the Renaissance building where Philipp Melanchthon lived and worked, or explore the Cranach Houses and Courtyards where Lucas Cranach the Elder operated a print shop. The town center offers several significant sites, including the Schlosskirche, where Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon are buried, and the Stadtkirche St. Marien, which contains an altar painted by Lucas Cranach. For a different perspective on local history, visit the Museum für Stadtgeschichte or the Haus der Geschichte to learn about life during the socialist years.
- Experience the music of the historic Ladegast Organ at the Schlosskirche.
- Visit the University Leucorea, a historic university now used as a congress center.
- See the colorful architecture of the Hundertwasserschule or view the archaeological exhibition near the town square.
- Explore the Piesteritzer Werkssiedlung, a restored working-class housing project and large car-free neighborhood.
- View local landmarks such as the Marktbrunnen, Reformationsaltar, and the Wittenberger "Judensau".
Three days in Wittenberg
Day one, you arrive in the historic Altstadt and settle into your surroundings. You can explore the Old City to experience the atmosphere of this region in Saxony-Anhalt.
Day two, you visit the Schlosskirche to see sites associated with Luther. You might enjoy a meal at the Brauhaus Wittenberg or find a seat at the Kartoffelhaus Zum Schwarzen Bär.
Day three, you take in the views of the River Elbe before preparing for your departure toward destinations such as Leipzig or Berlin.