The European witch craze unleashed a whirlwind of suspicion, accusation and the macabre. A school trip to enchanting Bamberg and Wurzburg transports students to the centre of that complex web of religion, fear and magic.
Bamberg & Wurzburg
- 4 days
- +1
- Germany
- Approx. 2hrs
- Wurzburg witch hunts guided walk
- Bamberg witch hunts guided walk
- Hexenturm documentation centre
- Marienberg Fortress
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Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Germany
Overview
The Reformation unleashed a period of ever-escalating conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Where the two groups clashed, at state borders or in towns and villages, accusations of witchcraft flew. Early Modern Europe experienced intense persecution of alleged witches with Bamberg, Würzburg and Zeil notorious for the frenzy of fear and violence against predominantly women.
Day 1
Travel by air into Frankfurt and transfer to your accommodation in the Bamberg/Wurzburg region by coach. Evening at leisure.
Day 2 - Würzburg witch tour
The morning begins with an educational visit to Würzburg, a hotbed of witch trials in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Your students will delve into the dark history of witch burning with a guided walking tour of the city. Learn about the trials that took place here, and the conditions under the rule of Prince-Bishop Julius Echter that allowed such persecution to flourish.
After lunch, move on to Rothenburg ob de Tauber for a self-guided visit to one of Germany’s best preserved medieval walled towns. Rothenburg had a strategic location, connecting trade routes between northern and southern Europe and remains a popular tourist attraction with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
Return to accommodation for dinner.
Day 3 - Zeiler Hexenturm & Bamberg
Today, students continue their witch craze tour by travelling to Zeil am Main by coach. The region's unrestrained witch-hunting fervour was fuelled by the widespread belief in supernatural powers and the fear of witches' malevolent influence. Students can visit the ‘Hexenturm’ (Witch Tower), receive a guided tour by local historians on the Zeil witch craze and explore the adjoining documentation centre which explores the historical background to the craze.
Later, transfer by coach to Bamberg. Here Prince-Bishop Johann Georg II Fuchs von Dornheim led a zealous campaign against witches, resulting in the execution of hundreds of individuals accused of practising witchcraft and making Bamberg the most active centres of witch trials during the 17th century. Students can visit Bamberg Cathedral and LangeStrasse and hear stories about the infamous witch-hunter Friedrich Förner.
Return to accommodation for dinner.
Day 4 - Marienberg Fortress, Fly Home
Check-out this morning is followed by a trip to Festung Marienberg, the fortress that housed the Prince Bishop. After some free time for souvenir shopping and lunch, transfer to Frankfurt airport to make your way back home.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 item of either cabin/hold luggage per person, airport taxes and air passenger duty at current rates, ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide for your included walking tours
Coach for your journey to Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Zeil am Main, Festung Marienberg
3 nights accommodation at 3 or 4 star hotel, twin rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners daily at the hotel, but sometimes in local city centre restaurants depending on your schedule. Lunches can be included too
Guided walking tour of Wurzburg Old Town, Guided tour by local historicals on the Zeil witch craze, Guided walking tour of Bamberg Old Town, A visit to Marienberg Fortress
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check with your school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
We will inform you of the availability of ballet, opera, circus, folklore show and sports events closer to departure and invoice you at that stage
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The trip to Bamberg and Wurzburg was one of the best yet with TCBC! The walking tour guides were exceptional and the sites we visited really added to the students' knowledge for their NEA. I am so grateful to TCBC for organising the visit to the Hexenturm and I am already looking forward to taking the next cohort next year!
