Heritage Stories · Europe
The Anabaptist Story in Europe
OVERVIEW
The Anabaptist Story in Europe
September 9 - 24, 2026
From $5,644 USD / $7,679 CAD
This 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 Jakob Amman, Martin Luther, Michael Sattler, Pilgram Marpeck, and many other Reformation and Anabaptist leaders. Other tour highlights include: an afternoon cruise on the Rhine River, a visit to the Anne Frank house, standing in caves where Anabaptists worshipped in secret, visiting Trachselwald Castle, riding a cable-car up a mountain, and visiting the Weierhof, a semi-communal Mennonite village. Experienced tour storyteller Ayold Fanoy will share insights as you travel in these beautiful countries that were so important to our Anabaptist ancestors.
Ayold Fanoy
Tour Expert
16 Days
Duration
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Netherlands
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Trace the Anabaptist Story – Follow the journeys of early leaders like Jakob Amman, Michael Sattler, and Pilgram Marpeck across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.
Explore Historic Faith Sites – Stand in caves where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret and visit landmarks such as Trachselwald Castle and the Weierhof Mennonite village.
Cruise the Rhine River – Enjoy scenic views of vineyards, castles, and charming riverside towns on a relaxing afternoon cruise.
Reflect on Stories of Courage – Visit the Anne Frank House and other powerful reminders of faith, resilience, and conviction.
Experience Alpine Beauty – Ride a cable car up a Swiss mountain and take in breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.
DAY 1 • September 9, 2026
Amsterdam
Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and transfer individually to your hotel near Amsterdam/Hoofddorp. Settle in and enjoy a relaxed evening before the tour officially begins tomorrow.
DAY 2 • September 10, 2026
Amsterdam
Begin your journey in Amsterdam with a visit to the Anne Frank House and the historic Mennonite Singel Church. Enjoy an Anabaptist walking tour through the city center, a scenic canal boat ride, and a welcoming pancake dinner in Amsterdam.
DAY 3 • September 11, 2026
Near Amsterdam/Hoofddorp
Following an early breakfast, tour the impressive Aalsmeer flower auction where 20 million flowers from around the world are traded daily! Later, visit the charming city of Haarlem. Tour the Corrie Ten Boom House, the former residence of a faithful Christian family who provided refuge for enemies of the Nazis during World War II, and Haarlem Mennonite church. After an individual lunch in Haarlem, visit Asperen to hear the story of Dirk Willems. The day ends with a traditional Indonesian rice table dinner in Heemstede.
DAY 4 • September 12, 2026
Berlikum
Experience Zaanse Schans, a historic Dutch village with traditional Dutch Mennonite houses, working windmills, and artisans crafting things like wooden shoes and cheese. Later, get to know Witmarsum: Menno Simons’ hometown. A visit to the hidden church at nearby Pingjum will also be a feature of today, where you will enjoy a provided lunch. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality of your host family in Berlikum.
DAY 5 • September 13, 2026
Near Cologne
This morning, enjoy worship with your host families in Berlikum. Bid farewell to your new friends and travel to Münster, Germany. Here, take a walking tour to gain greater insight into the darker times of Anabaptist history. Hear about the violent uprising of radical Anabaptists during the Münster Rebellion. End the day with dinner near your hotel.
DAY 6 • September 14, 2026
Worms
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 before heading to Worms for dinner.
DAY 7 • September 15, 2026
Colmar
Visit the Weierhof this morning: a semi-communal Mennonite village in the Palatinate, and be introduced to the Weierhof archives. Enjoy the medieval walled town of Riquewihr, where there will be free time for exploring the quaint town, shopping, and lunch. Next, see the historic city centre of Colmar on the tourist train.
DAY 8 • September 16, 2026
Emmental
Transfer to the Swiss Jura: a forest-covered ridge with many gorges which made it a favourable refuge location for Anabaptists throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit the Bellelay cheese factory for lunch, and see Bellelay Abbey, where some residents converted during the Protestant Reformation. See an Anabaptist hiding spot: the ‘Geiskirchlein’ cave. Stop at the Swiss Mennonite archives in Jeanguisboden to peruse historical artifacts like the Froschauer Bible, copies of the Martyrs Mirror, song books, and family trees with well-known Anabaptist family names.
DAY 9 • September 17, 2026
Emmental
Visit Trachselwald Castle, a fortress once used to imprison radical Anabaptists, such as Hans Haslibacher. Hear Haslibacher’s story and visit the farm where some of his descendants still live today. Visit traditional Swiss cowbell and Örgeli/accordion shops. Stop at the Kambly Cookie factory in Trubsachen for lunch. Take in the stunning view over the Emmental hills and the Alps to reach a typical Swiss homestead in Hinterhutten. Here, see a secret room that once hid Anabaptists on the most wanted list from their pursuers.
DAY 10 • September 18, 2026
Emmental
The charming town of Bern is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, take a walking tour through this quaint town and see the well-known clock tower, cathedral, and illustrious bear park. Reflect at the harbour, where a group of Anabaptists were exiled from Bern. After lunch and free time in Bern, revisit the beautiful Emmental region and visit sites as time allows. Take in the panoramic views from Chuderhüsi and enjoy a visit to the Emmentaler Cheese Factory in Affoltern before dinner.
DAY 11 • September 19, 2026
Luzern
Today is a day for the Alps! Transfer to Lauterbrunnen and take the cog rail train to Mürren, and cable car to the top of the Schilthorn. This offers a fantastic and much more impressive mountain sight to the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger. Spend some free time in the mountains and enjoy the glorious views over lunch at the revolving restaurant. Descend via cable car and transfer to your hotel in Luzern. This evening, enjoy a short walk and dinner in Luzern’s city centre.
DAY 12 • September 20, 2026
Near Schleitheim
Zürich and its surrounding area are central to the story of how the Anabaptist movement began. This morning, experience a church service at the Grossmünster, where Ulrich Zwingli and Conrad Grebel/Felix Mantz had their debates. Continue your exploration of old Zürich with an Anabaptist walking tour of sites related to the birth of Anabaptism in 1525. Later, visit a former secret worship site: the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, for worship and reflection.
DAY 13 • September 21, 2026
Near Neuschwanstein
Today, walk up the Anabaptist climb (Täuferstieg) near Schleitheim where the first Anabaptist confession was forged in 1527. Reflect at a unique monument placed in 2004 by Reformed Church leaders as an act of repentance and reconciliation between Anabaptists and their former persecutors. Visit the local museum to gain more insights. This afternoon, travel to Bavaria to see the famous 19th-century fairytale castle: Neuschwanstein.
DAY 14 • September 22, 2026
Salzburg
This morning, spend a sobering, but meaningful time at Dachau, one of the notorious concentration camps of World War II. The memorials, film and visual displays will remind us of the atrocities committed. Later, travel to Salzburg to enjoy an elegant evening at the Salzburg castle with dinner and a Mozart concert.
DAY 15 • September 23, 2026
Salzburg
Delight in a Sound of Music-themed bus and walking tour. Enjoy free time for shopping and relax before the farewell dinner.
DAY 16 • September 24, 2026
Departure from Salzburg
After breakfast, transfer to Salzburg for your flight home, filled with deep memories of an unforgettable journey.
Pricing
Registration By:
Early Bird Rate until March 9, 2026
After March 9, 2026
Double Occupancy:
$5,644 USD | $7,679 CAD
$6,394 USD | $8,679 CAD
Single Occupancy:
$6,494 USD | $8,834 CAD
$7,244 USD | $9,834 CAD
Inclusions
Hotel accommodations in 3-star quality properties (including a one-night cultural homestay experience)
Coach transportation within tour
All activities, entrance fees, and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
Expert tour leader & local guides
Gratuities for drivers, guides, hotels, and group meals
Exclusions
International airfare and all associated fees
Airport transfers
Beverages with meals
Any additional or optional activities
Porterage
Schengen Area visa waiver (ETIAS)
Visas (if required)
TOUR EXPERT
Ayold Fanoy
Historian · Guide · Adventurer · Storyteller · Outdoor Enthusiast
Ayold lives in the Netherlands and works for a Mennonite congregation in Haarlem as a custodian. He enjoys adventure travel—including an annual snowshoe trek in Norway. “For me a Mennonite Heritage Tour is not just a heritage tour, but also a spiritual journey into the faith and life of our forbearers,” says Ayold. His tours help people explore what early Anabaptists discovered about Jesus, that would make them want give up their homesteads and their lives.
Questions?
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or by phone at (877) 668-2732.