Celebrate 500: Switzerland Anabaptist Heritage Tour
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At a Glance
- May 28- June 4, 2025
- 7 nights, 8 Days
Other 500th Anniversary Tours
- Celebrate 500: Anabaptist Story in Europe Tour
May 19 – June 2 with Ayold Fanoy - 500 Years of Anabaptist Faith, Art & History Tour
May 28 – June 9 with Conrad Stoes - Celebrate 500: Classic Anabaptist Heritage Tour May 19 – June 3 with John Sharp
Itinerary
Arrive to Zurich. This evening, join fellow travelers for an informal meet-and-greet reception.
May 29 | MWC Courage to Love: 500 Years of Anabaptism Event
Spend the day in downtown Zürich participating in the Courage to Love 500th anniversary celebration with hundreds of other Anabaptists from around the world. Organized by Mennonite World Conference, the event includes workshops, a concert, a panel discussion, and theatrical performance focused on the rich heritage of the Anabaptist movement. The day culminates in a worship service, celebrating steps toward reconciliation across faiths.
May 30 | Anabaptist Origins and Schleitheim
Explore Zürich’s old town on a guided Anabaptist walking tour, visiting significant sites where the movement began in 1525. Travel to Schleitheim, where the first Anabaptist confession was forged in 1527. Enjoy lunch at Rhine Falls, one of Europe's most powerful and scenic waterfalls. If time permits, cap off the day with a serene dinner cruise on Lake Zürich, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.
May 31 | Anabaptist Cave & Swiss Villages
Visit the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, a secret worship site, used by Anabaptists hiding from persecution. Engage in a time of worship and reflection. Enjoy a picturesque lunch in the charming village of Grüningen, followed by a visit to Hirzel, known for its origins to the Swiss Mennonite Landis family. In Hirzel, explore the Johanna Spyri Museum, which honors the legacy of the famed author of the classic Heidi. Travel to Einsiedeln to attend vespers, a monastic prayer service, in the stunning baroque-style monastery.
June 1 | Worship Encounter in Hinwil
Participate in a special commemorative service at Hinwil Reform Church, marking the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement. After the service, fellowship with local worshippers over lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
June 2 | Emmental & Jura Anabaptist Sites
Learn about Bern and its Anabaptist history during a walking tour, visiting sites like the clock tower, cathedral, bear park, and harbour, where Anabaptists were once exiled. Explore the Anabaptist legacy in the Emmental region as you visit Trachselwald Castle, a former prison where Anabaptists were tortured for their beliefs and hear stories of perseverance and faith. Enjoy lunch at the Schaukäserei (cheese factory) before travelling to the Jura region to visit the Swiss Mennonite archive and exhibition. If time permits, hike up to the Goat's chapel (Geisskirchlein), a hidden place to worship for Anabaptists.
June 3 | Scenic Swiss Alps & Lake Thun
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Erlenbach im Simmental (home of Jacob Amman). Enjoy breath taking view of the Swiss Alps with a cable car summit experience to the Stockhorn. Journey through Lake Thun district on route to the Täuferversteck Hinter Hutten, a secret hideout where Anabaptists sought refuge. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Protestant Emmental and the Catholoic Entlebuch regions as you journey back to Zurich.
June 4 | Depart Zürich
Depart for home with a camera full of photos and a heart brimming with memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: itinerary subject to change.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
