Schürch Heritage Tour
This is a Custom Program.
Registration by invitation (WAIT LIST)
Trace your family and faith story through the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland! Begin in Amsterdam with visits to the famous Aalsmeer flower auction and Singel Mennonite Church. Explore historic Dutch villages, hidden Mennonite churches, and an open-air museum. Cruise along the majestic Rhine River. Browse Mennonite archives in the Weierhof, and worship with the local Mennonite congregation. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of the Emmental, visit homesteads directly related to your family’s history and enjoy the company of relatives. Ascend Schilthorn Mountain for breathtaking views. Uncover the origins of the Anabaptist movement on a Zürich walking tour. Conclude the tour with a meaningful time of worship and reflection in the most unique setting: the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret. Experienced tour storyteller Ayold Fanoy along with Justin Houser will share insights as you travel in these beautiful countries that were so important to your Anabaptist ancestors.
At a Glance
- September 9-20, 2025
- 11 Days
Itinerary
Itinerary
September 9 | Amsterdam
Reception with Drinks & Snacks
Arrive in Amsterdam and check in to your hotel. Independent sightseeing suggestions will be provided for those arriving early. At 7:00 PM, join the group for a welcome meet-and-greet reception to kick off this special journey.
September 10 | Amsterdam (B, L, D)
Faith & Culture in the Dutch Capital
September 10 | Amsterdam (B, L, D)
Faith & Culture in the Dutch Capital
Begin your day with a moving visit to the Anne Frank House, a powerful reminder of resilience and resistance during WWII. Then walk to the historic Singel Mennonite Church, where you’ll enjoy a sandwich lunch and learn about early Anabaptist presence in the city.
In the afternoon, explore Amsterdam’s Anabaptist roots on a guided city tour and unwind with a scenic canal boat ride. This evening, enjoy a traditional Indonesian-Dutch Rijsttafel dinner before checking in at your hotel.
September 11 | Harlingen (B, L, D)
Hidden Churches & Mennonite Roots
Rise early for a fascinating visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where over 20 million flowers are traded daily in one of the world's largest floral hubs. Then continue to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque heritage village featuring traditional Dutch windmills, wooden shoe makers, and cheese artisans.
Afterward, journey north to Witmarsum, the hometown of Menno Simons, with time to explore the Koepel Church and monument. Continue to Pingjum, where you'll step inside a remarkable hidden Mennonite church from the early 1600s, offering a glimpse into a time when believers worshipped in secret.
End the day in the charming port town of Harlingen, where you’ll enjoy an Anabaptist-themed walking tour before dinner and overnight at your hotel.
September 12 | Cologne Region (B, D)
Family Homesteads
Explore the It Damshûs open-air museum and learn about life in the peat-working communities of the 19th century. Later, visit Sonnenberger Road and Monastery Hill near IJsselmuiden, an area connected to the Schürch family. After lunch, journey south into Germany and check in at your hotel near Cologne.
September 13 | Worms (B, D)
Cathedrals, Castles & the Rhine
September 13 | Worms (B, D)
Cathedrals, Castles & the Rhine
Spend your morning at the Cologne Cathedral and explore nearby Roman ruins. Enjoy free time and lunch in Cologne before heading to Boppard for a scenic Rhine River cruise to St. Goar. In the evening, enjoy dinner in Worms near the Reformation monument.
September 14 | Bienenberg (B, L, D)
Archives, Worship & Swiss Arrival
September 14 | Bienenberg (B, L, D)
Archives, Worship & Swiss Arrival
Visit the Mennonite archives and attend a church service in the historic Weierhof community. Connect with local congregants over coffee and continue your journey into Switzerland. Arrive at Bienenberg for an early dinner and a lecture on Swiss Anabaptist history by Hanspeter Jecker.
September 15 | Emmental Region (B, L, D)
Homesteads, Heritage & Hospitality
September 15 | Emmental Region (B, L, D)
Homesteads, Heritage & Hospitality
Tour Solothurn, a Baroque gem at the foot of the Jura mountains, before heading to the Emmental. Enjoy Rösti lunch at Affoltern Cheese Factory. Visit the church where Code E Ulrich and Barbara Schürch were married, take a Rössli wagon ride to Upper and Lower Schürchtanne family homesteads, and finish with refreshments and a visit to Sumiswald Church.
September 16 | Emmental Region (B, D)
Anabaptist Hideouts & Alpine Views
September 16 | Emmental Region (B, D)
Anabaptist Hideouts & Alpine Views
Visit the Anabaptist hiding place at Hinterhütten and the Obere Steg homestead. Enjoy a light lunch and cookies at the Kambly cookie factory. Later, tour Trachselwald Castle—once a prison for Anabaptists—and enjoy an evening of Alphorn music and dinner in the countryside.
September 17 | Emmental Region (B, L, D)
Crafts, Capitals & Celebration
September 17 | Emmental Region (B, L, D)
Crafts, Capitals & Celebration
Begin the day viewing the Code E Ulrich Gsang and visiting the Code N Ulrich Stegmatt homestead, followed by stops at traditional Swiss artisan shops showcasing handmade cowbells, accordions (Örgeli), and local craftsmanship. Enjoy a countryside lunch at Restaurant Tannenbad, set in the serene Emmental landscape near ancestral Schürch sites. Then travel to Bern, Switzerland’s historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided Anabaptist-themed walking tour of the old city, including the famous bear park, cathedral, and clock tower.
After the tour, take time to explore Bern at your own pace, with free time for shopping, photography, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Conclude the day with a festive farewell banquet and live Swiss folk music at Restaurant Bären in Sumiswald—celebrating shared heritage and new memories with local friends and cousins.
September 18 | Luzern (B, L)
Alpine Peaks & Peaceful Valleys
After the tour, take time to explore Bern at your own pace, with free time for shopping, photography, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Conclude the day with a festive farewell banquet and live Swiss folk music at Restaurant Bären in Sumiswald—celebrating shared heritage and new memories with local friends and cousins.
September 18 | Luzern (B, L)
Alpine Peaks & Peaceful Valleys
Ride cable cars and mountain trains to the alpine village of Mürren and ascend Schilthorn Mountain for lunch at a revolving restaurant with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Descend and transfer to Luzern for a short city walk. Enjoy an individual dinner in Luzern’s picturesque center.
September 19 | Zürich Area (B, D)
Anabaptist Beginnings & Hidden Caves
September 19 | Zürich Area (B, D)
Anabaptist Beginnings & Hidden Caves
Delve into Anabaptist history with a walking tour of Zürich, where the movement began in 1525. Enjoy free time to explore and shop before traveling to the Anabaptist Cave in Bäretswil—once a secret worship site—for a meaningful time of reflection. Share a final dinner together near Zürich.
September 20 | Departure (B)
Farewell & Homeward Bound
September 20 | Departure (B)
Farewell & Homeward Bound
Transfer to Zürich Airport for your return flight. Leave with deeper insight into the Schürch family story and the enduring legacy of Anabaptist faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
