Explore Anabaptist beginnings on a European tour with staff, alumni, and friends of Conrad Grebel University College. Alongside our faculty experts Troy Osborne and David Neufeld, follow this story from the Netherlands through Germany, France, and Switzerland, at the places where the events of greatest significance to this tradition occurred. Enrich your understanding of this history by visiting the Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, mounting the Swiss Alps in a cable car, and reflecting in a cave where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret. Engage great works of European art and culture at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Strasbourg’s cathedral. Finally, connect past to present by joining Anabaptists from around the world at a 500th-anniversary commemoration of the first adult baptisms in Zurich organized by Mennonite World Conference.
Commemorating 500 years of Anabaptism: Friends of Grebel European Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 Volendam, The Netherlands D
Meet your travelling companions in Amsterdam. (Please note: flights should arrive by 10am). Visit Volendam and Zaanse Schans for traditional Dutch experiences. This evening, enjoy an orientation dinner at your hotel.
Day 2 Volendam, The Netherlands B, D
Start your day with a visit to the Rijksmuseum. Later, visit the Singel Mennonite Church and take a guided city tour. Then climb aboard a boat for a tour of Amsterdam’s canals.
Day 3 Berlikum, The Netherlands B, D
Cross over to Friesland where our hosts will welcome us to Witmarsum: Menno Simons’ hometown. A visit to the hidden church at Pingjum will also be a feature of today.
Day 4 Münster, Germany B, D
Over breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends at Berlikum, then enjoy a charming canal ride in Giethoorn. Travel to Münster, Germany and take a walking tour to hear about the violent uprising of radical Anabaptists during the Münster Rebellion.
Day 5 Alzey, Germany B, D
Begin the day in Köln, with a visit to the twin-towered Gothic cathedral. Then drive to the historic town of Boppard where you will relax and enjoy the scenery on a Rhine River cruise.
Day 6 Sinsheim, Germany B, D
Visit the Weierhof: a semi-communal Mennonite village in the Palatinate, and be introduced to the Weierhof archives. As time allows, step into the cellar at Steinsfurt where 53 Anabaptists worshipping in secret were arrested. Time permitting, climb the Steinsburg Tower for a panoramic view of farms and villages.
Day 7 Strasbourg, France B
Travel to Strasbourg where Pilgram Marpeck was a local Anabaptist leader. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Strasbourg on your own.
Day 8 Bern, Switzerland B, D
Worship with the Langnau Mennonite congregation this morning before visiting Trachselwald Castle, a fortress once used to imprison radical Anabaptists. Later, visit the picturesque municipalities of Schangnau and Eggiwil.
Day 9 Bern B, D
See the 12th-century Thun Castle and the Reformed church at Erlenbach where Jakob Amman was baptized. Take a cable car up the Stockhorn mountain for fabulous panoramic views.
Day 10 Zürich, Switzerland B, D
See the city of Zürich on a walking tour. This evening, potentially enjoy traditional Swiss Raclette.
Day 11 Zürich, Switzerland B
Visit a former secret worship site: the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, for worship and reflection. Enjoy lunch at the Rhine Falls, followed by an afternoon of free time.
Day 12 Zürich, Switzerland B, D
Gather in Zürich with Anabaptists from around the world to partake in the 500th anniversary celebration.
Day 13 Zürich, Switzerland B
Depart for home with new insights and memories that will last for years to come.
FAQs
Q: How much walking will I do on this tour?
A: This tour is rated as “Active”. Expect up to 2-3 hours of walking each day including well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Please consider if this level of activity will be feasible for you before you register. Read more about our activity levels here.
Please note: itinerary is subject to change.
Check the pricing page for what is included and excluded in the tour fare.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
