2026 Classic Anabaptist Heritage tour
This classic Anabaptist heritage tour traces the Anabaptist/Mennonite story through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Visits to significant sites will bring to life the stories of Reformation and Anabaptist leaders. Other tour highlights include: an afternoon cruise on the Rhine River, a visit to the Rijksmuseum, climbing into the foothills of the Swiss Alps to the Cave of the Anabaptists, visiting Trachselwald Castle, riding a cable-car up a mountain, and visiting the Weierhof, a semi-communal Mennonite village. Historian and experienced tour leader John Sharp will share insights as you travel in these beautiful countries that were so important to our Anabaptist ancestors.
At a Glance
- May 17 - June 1, 2026
- 16 Days, 16 Nights
Itinerary
May 17 | Amsterdam, Netherlands (evening meet & greet reception)
Arrive into Amsterdam and help your body adjust to the time change and enjoy some free time on your own. Join fellow travellers for an evening meet & greet reception.
May 18 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Join a city walking tour, stopping by the Singel Mennonite Church and many other Amsterdam sites. Browse the Rijksmuseum to see pieces by world- renowned artists. Be sure to see the museum’s collection of Mennonite works too. Climb aboard a river boat for a tour of Amsterdam’s canals.
May 19 | Volendam, Netherlands
Get an early start to the morning to see the Aalsmeer flower auction where 20 million flowers from around the world are traded daily! Visit Asperen to hear the story of Dirk Willems. Visit Zaanse Schans, a historic Dutch village with traditional houses, working windmills, and artisans crafting things like wooden shoes and cheese.
May 20 | Berlikum, Netherlands
Travel through Friesland in the Netherlands, learn about the Menno Simons story with stops at the hidden church at Pingjum, and the Menno Simons monument at Witmarsum—the village where he was born. Visit Leeuwarden. Tonight, enjoy the hospitably of locals with a homestay encounter in Berlikum.
May 21 | Münster, Germany
Visit Giethoorn for a canal boat ride. In Münster, take a walking tour to gain greater insight into the violent uprising of radical Anabaptists during the Münster Rebellion. Visit the city museum with its Anabaptist room. During free time, optional activities include visiting an outdoor museum or renting bikes to explore the old city. In the evening, meet Maartja Salje, the city’s tower keeper.
May 22 | Worms, Germany
Visit Köln’s twin-towered Gothic cathedral. In the Palatinate region, visit the semi-communal Mennonite village of Weierhof, including Germany’s only major Mennonite archives. In Worms, visit the Luther Monument and learn about the Reformation. Relax and enjoy the scenery on a Rhine River cruise from Boppard to Oberwesel.
May 23 | Sinsheim, Germany
In the Kraichgau region, visit Sinsheim and worship with the Bammental congregation. Step into the cellar at Steinsfurt where 53 Anabaptists worshipping in secret were arrested and climb the Steinsberg Tower for a panoramic view of farms and villages.
May 24 | Strasbourg, France
Hear the Amish story while driving through the Alsace area. Drive on the wine route to the quaint town of Riquewihr for some free time and lunch. Travel to Strasbourg where Pilgram Marpeck was an Anabaptist leader to learn more of his story. Learn about the Peace Oak in Salm, France and explore St. Marie - Aux Mines.
May 25 | Bern, Switzerland
See the Langnau Mennonite Church, the oldest in the world, including its cemetery. Hopefully share lunch in the home of local Mennonites. Visit other key sites in the Emmental including Trachselwald Castle, once used to imprison Anabaptists. Stop at Joder cave if time permits. See the historic Reformed church at Würzbrunnen with abundant Anabaptist stories.
May 26 | Bern, Switzerland
Take a walking tour of Bern. Then learn more of the Amish story in their homeland. Visit Thun Castle. Tour the church at Erlenbach in the Simmental where Jakob Amman was baptized. At the Steffisburg cemetery and Reformed church, learn about connections with the Amish. End the day by taking a cable car from Erlenbach up the Stockhorn mountain for fabulous scenic views.
May 27 | Zurich, Switzerland
Spend time in Zurich for a walking tour of sites related to the birth of Anabaptism in 1525. Visit Ballenberg Open Air Museum. Tour Zurich including Kybourg Castle and a walking tour. Enjoy Traditional Swiss Raclette at a local for dinner.
May 28 | Zurich, Switzerland
Start the day at the Schleitheim Museum and Monument. Visit Rhine falls for lunch. Next, visit a former secret worship site, the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, for worship and reflection.
May 29 | Innsbruck, Austria
Visit Innsbruck’s Hutter Park to see a memorial to Anabaptist martyrs, including the Jacob Hutter Anabaptist story. Enjoy lunch and apple strudel on the famous Maria Theresien Strasse. Tonight, you can attend a Tyrolean folk show to experience authentic local music, dancing, and more.
May 30 | Kitzbuhel, Austria
In Rattenberg, hear about Pilgram Marpeck, who left home to escape arrest as an Anabaptist. See the house where he lived, now a lead crystal blowing centre. Climb to the Rattenberg castle ruins before departing for Kitzbuhel to learn more about the Münichau, Anabaptst Helen von Freyberg's castle.
May 31 | Munich, Germany
Travel to Augsburg and enjoy an in-depth walking tour of the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel for your final tour night.
June 1 | Departure
Say farewell to friends old and new as you depart for home from Munich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: itinerary subject to change.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
