From Bruges to Berlin
A Journey Through Faith and History
The Spiegelrei Canal in Bruges, Belgium
Overview
From the medieval cities of Flanders to the ports and trading centers of northern Germany, this journey follows the northern story of the Anabaptist movement and the world that shaped early Mennonite communities. Beginning in Belgium and the Netherlands, travelers will explore places connected to the origins of the movement, including Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, and Friesland.
As the tour continues into Germany, the story expands through key centers such as Hamburg, and Lübeck, tracing how faith communities survived and adapted amid political upheaval, economic change, migration, and reform. Alongside the history of Anabaptism, travelers will encounter the broader cultural and religious currents of the Northern Reformation, shaped by commerce, urban life, and the influence of the Hanseatic world.
Blending heritage, theology, and cultural discovery, this thoughtfully paced journey offers a rich and expansive perspective on the enduring legacy of faith communities across the Low Countries and northern Europe.
Tour Expert: Troy Osborne
Countries Visited: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
Date: May/June 2027
Duration: 12 Days
Activity Level: Moderately Active
Trip Highlights
Explore the Birthplace of the Anabaptist Movement - Walk through Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Friesland, and northern Germany while tracing the story of Menno Simons and the early Anabaptists where it all began. The tour includes museums and heritage sites tied directly to Mennonite history.
Experience the Beauty of the Low Countries - Enjoy canal boat tours and cycling opportunities in charming Dutch villages and scenic countryside throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
Visit World-Class Historic Cities - Discover some of Europe’s most beautiful cities including Bruges, Antwerp, Haarlem, Hamburg, and Berlin — each with rich architecture, fascinating stories, vibrant culture, and important Reformation-era history.
Unique Cultural Experiences - Highlights include a brewery tour, an old Castle, the Corrie ten Boom House, the Zuider Zee open-air museum, a steam train ride through historic Dutch villages, and a harbor cruise.
Reflect on Faith, Freedom & Resilience - From stories of persecution in Antwerp to WWII reflections in Berlin and the Corrie ten Boom Museum, the journey connects faith history with themes of courage, conscience, and religious freedom across generations.
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