Luther House Schmalkalden

Breathing world history

The Schmalkaldic League - a defence alliance of Protestant imperial estates against the religious policies of the Catholic Emperor Charles V - was founded in 1530/31. Seven federal conferences were held in Schmalkalden. The ‘Schmalkaldic Diet of Princes’ in 1537 is named as the most glamorous and is immortalised in history. Sixteen princes, six counts, envoys from the Emperor, the Pope, the French and Danish kings, representatives from 28 imperial and Hanseatic cities, as well as 42 Protestant theologians, led by Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon, were present. Martin Luther presented his articles of faith, which found their way into the Book of Concord as the ‘Schmalkaldic Articles’ and are still part of the basis of faith of Protestant churches worldwide today.

The Luther House - sleeping in a historic place

Framed by characteristic half-timbered houses, the orange-coloured Luther House with its striking gable end stands out magnificently on Lutherplatz. Martin Luther lived here from 7 to 26 February 1537 as a guest of the Hessian rentmaster Balthasar Wilhelm and received the members of the theological committee in this historic home on several occasions. It is a unique and special experience to spend the night in an original Luther residence, where the theologian is known to have stayed and which still exudes the spirit of the Reformation today.

Guided tours all year round by appointment at the tourist information centre, duration approx. 45 minutes.

You can rent a 147 m² holiday flat in the historic building from the Schmalkalden Tourist Information Office.

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