Half-timbered houses sprinkled with fresh snow; children singing carols in cobbled streets; stained glass windows glowing in ancient churches; the smell of sausages hanging in the air: Nowhere can you to travel back in time more easily than in LutherCountry (www.visit-luther.com), the region of Germany, where Martin Luther lived and worked 500 years ago. And Christmas is the time of year when it is easiest to recreate the era of the Protestant reformer.

As the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation approaches, people around the world are re-examining the beliefs, thoughts and events that changed the world in 1517. And interest is also growing in how Martin Luther lived from day to day. After all, half of his life was spent as a monk, the other half as a family man.

In towns, such Lutherstadt Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, and Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Luther would recognize the medieval houses where he lived and the churches where he worshipped and preached. He would enjoy the same food. And he would have sung the same carols; in fact, he wrote several carols we still know and love!

That's why the weeks running up to Christmas, from late November to Christmas Eve, are a spiritual as well as a fun time to visit. The markets are atmospheric and authentic. Think wooden stalls decorated with pine boughs and lights; hand-carved wooden toys; hand-blown glass tree ornaments; not forgetting traditional sweet cakes and chocolates.

Among the most beautiful and popular Christmas markets is Erfurt (November 26 to December 22), where the 163rd Christmas Market covers the grand Domplatz (Cathedral Square) with 200 booths and a fun fair (www.erfurter-weihnachtsmarkt.eu/). In Lutherstadt Wittenberg (November 28 to December 22), the statue of Luther surveys the Christmas market and the church, where he preached (www.lutherstadt-wittenberg.de/feste.html?&L=1). For atmosphere, nowhere matches the Wartburg Castle, Eisenach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Luther translated the New Testament into German. The castle's medieval market (November 30-December 1; December 7-8 and 14-15) features knights and craftsmen, minstrels and candle makers, street performers and lantern makers (www.wartburg-eisenach.de/frame_st.htm).

Local treats at the Christmas markets  

The Thuringian Rostbratwurst is Germany's finest sausage. Served hot with mustard on a crusty roll, this "Brat" is a must at the Christmas market. Made in Thuringia since 1404, it is on record that Martin Luther was a great fan.

Luther would also have eaten Baumkuchen, a delicious light cake. Often a feature of Christmas markets, it is made with layer upon layer of batter on an oak spit, cooked over a wood fire.

Schittchen is a local variation on Stollen, a tasty sweet loaf with candied lemon and orange peel, raisins and almonds.

Chocolates? Of course! In business for more than 200 years, Halloren is Germany's oldest chocolate maker. They even have a chocolate museum in Halle (Saale) http://www.halloren.de

For more information about LutherCountry and the LutherDecade, please visit us at
www.visit-luther.com

Here you can find all the latest news, photos, videos etc. and also
a list of travel companies that offer trips to LutherCountry.

About LutherCountry:

LutherCountry is a beautiful area in the heart of Germany/Europe. The region includes rolling hills and fertile farmland, dotted with villages, whose half-timbered houses could be straight out of a children's picture book. History lives in the romantic castles, elegant palaces and formidable fortresses. LutherCountry also encompasses a wide range of fascinating churches and museums that are perfect for anyone interested in culture or history, as well as for members of the Protestant faith.

Martin Luther's Reformation changed the way people thought about so many aspects of daily life. Although known as a religious reformer, his ideas were also a catalyst for change in the areas of music, art, architecture, politics, and social responsibility. His influence spread through Western Europe and, with European settlers, to the United States. Lutheran communities scattered amongst different States such as California, Texas, Georgia and Minnesota, are direct beneficiaries of Luther's legacy.

Although Luther lived five centuries ago, his presence is still tangible. In LutherCountry, you can literally walk in his footsteps and do so much more. You can...

-         Examine the notes that he wrote on the pages of his Bible

-         Photograph the table where he ate and worked

-         Admire the pulpit where he preached and where pastors still preach today

-         Step into the very room where he translated the New Testament

-         Eat the type of sausage he enjoyed

-         Taste beer brewed the way he liked it!