Luther circular route "Katharina-Spange"

Since October 31, 2015, Gera has connected the Central German Luther path between Weida and Ronneburg. Hikers, pilgrims, and walkers enjoy the scenic route through city and countryside, lined with 12 information boards, from the new rest area at the Luther Linden Tree and the 4-meter-high Reformation Cross.

The Luther path marked with the symbol "L" crosses Gera in a wide arc. It crosses the White Elster river twice, in whose valley the city lies. Along the way, hikers and pilgrims, as well as walkers, are guided especially to historically important places of Gera. Emphasis was placed on locations connected to the Reformation and its implementation or related to it. A scenic and easy-to-walk route was also selected.

The circular hiking trail "Katharina's Spange" allows an approximately 26 km long hike through Gera on historical tracks. Those who want to extend the path can continue the Luther path further south towards Wünschendorf or further east towards Ronneburg.

The circular route on the Luther path is named after Luther's wife Katharina von Bora. She was born in 1499 as the daughter of a noble family and was sent to a Benedictine convent for education as a young girl. Later, she joined the Cistercian monastery Marienthron in Nimbschen, where she took her monastic vows in 1515. Some years later, as Luther's teachings and his criticism of monastic life reached the nuns, Katharina decided to flee with some of her fellow nuns. They were supported in their escape by Martin Luther, who also assisted them in Wittenberg. After attempts with other possible spouses failed, Luther and Katharina decided on marriage. The Luthers lived in the former Augustinian monastery in the Luther city of Wittenberg, whose management was largely taken over by Katharina, the Lutherin. Besides administration, she operated livestock breeding and a brewery and managed the extensive lands. Luther's teachings attracted many students and guests, whom Katharina cared for. During their 20-year marriage, she bore six children. After her husband's death, Katharina faced financial hardship. Luther appointed Katharina as sole heir and guardian for their children in his will. This extraordinary last will contradicted the law at the time that required a guardian to be appointed for the surviving wife. The will was contested, and the family lost important sources of income. In summer 1552, Katharina fled with her daughter Margarete from the plague and left Wittenberg. On the way to Torgau, Katharina was injured in an accident. She died on December 20, 1552, from the consequences of the accident and was buried in the Torgau St. Mary's Church.