Bonhoeffer European Pilgrimage 2026

This pilgrimage will trace a story of conflict and reconciliation from the bombed and rebuilt city of Coventry across Europe to Berlin, which saw the rise of Nazism, the devastation of war, the segregation of the city, and eventual reunification and remembering. The Christian story woven within these events is reflected by characters who managed to work and speak for justice when many church goers were silent. The most prominent of these is Deitrich Bonhoeffer, whose writings and influence echo through all our visits.  

In our journey we will hear stories which resonate with every place experiencing conflict and we will also hear of Christians past and present who inspire with their approach to faith. 

Draft Itinerary

Monday: Coventry. Meet in Coventry at the Cathedral for a tour and to find out more about the story of the ruined and rebuilt cathedral. Stay overnight in London. 

Tuesday: Cologne. Visit to the Cathedral in Cologne, plus free time.  

Wednesday – Friday: Berlin 

• Visit Bonhoeffer’s home, now a museum, and meet with some of the people who work there.  

• Visit Niemoller House, and hear how the ordinary church goers stood up against the horrors of that time. 

• Visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church, destroyed by Allied bombing in WWII and rebuilt integrating its ruins, much like Coventry Cathedral.  

• Visit the Chapel of Reconciliation at the Wall, another destroyed and rebuilt church from the time of the Berlin Wall, where victims on both sides of the wall are remembered every day. 

Friday – Saturday: Travel back to London via Cologne. 

FAQs 

What is included in the cost? The participation fee will include: 

• hotel accommodation 

• train travel from Coventry to London 

• return train travel from London to Berlin via Brussels and Cologne, including seat reservations 

• a 'Welcome Pass' which covers travel around Berlin. 

What is not included? 

• Meals and refreshments, including breakfast 

• Travel insurance 

• Other expenses 

• Travel between your home town and Coventry on the outward journey, and from London on the return journey. 

Is a bursary available? Yes, Project Bonhoeffer and the JA Trust invite participants to apply to their bursary funds for a grant, and full details will be sent to you on reserving your space. All who applied last year were awarded a bursary of more than £600. The Project Bonhoeffer element of the bursary varies slightly in amount, however, it has never been less than suggested here and, provided that you apply for it before the closing date, you will know how much it will be and could withdraw at no cost before 12th April. 

Total costs (including a non-refundable deposit of £50) are: 

• Under 28: £790 (estimate £190 if bursary is awarded) 

• Over 28: £840 (estimate £240 if bursary is awarded) 

• Chaplain: £840 

We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone wishing to take part, so please do contact the office to discuss how we might be able to help.  

What if I sign up and don’t receive a bursary? If you apply for a bursary ahead of the closing date on 12th April and your bursary application is unsuccessful, we will refund your deposit. Please note that if you apply for a bursary in good faith before the closing date, it is unlikely that your bursary application will be declined. 

What if I sign up and then change my mind? To cancel an event booking, notice must be given in writing to scm@movement.org.uk or over the telephone. Between close of bookings and one month prior to departure 25% of the total amount is due. If your cancellation is within one month of departure then 100% of the full fees (not including bursary) are due. Any refunds we are able to negotiate from, for example, hotels, we will do our best to return to you. 

Deposits are non-refundable. If you have been awarded a bursary then this may be repayable to Project Bonhoeffer and the JA Trust if you decide not to go on the trip. If you are unable to attend for reasons outside of your control, travel insurance should be able to cover the majority of your costs. 

Do I need to speak German? – No, though it will be lovely if you do. Several people on the trip usually have some German and Berliners are very generous in their willingness to speak English.  

Do I need my own travel Insurance? – Yes. We strongly advise that you arrange this upon booking for the trip. 

I’m not a member of SCM, can I still go? – Yes, if you are eligible to be a member (i.e. you are a student or recent graduate). Why not become a member at the same time? 

What is expected of me? – You won’t need to do any preparation, although we will suggest some things to read or watch which will enrich your trip. Our intention is that this will be an enjoyable trip which is stimulating and thought provoking, rather than like work! You’ll be expected to be courteous with and supportive of the rest of the group and those hosting us at the various sites. There might be some visits you might wish to miss, and this will be fine, it will just be helpful to let the group leaders know. If you are joining a visit, you’ll be asked to keep well to time to make sure we arrive at our destinations as planned. 

What will a typical day look like? We will have breakfast near to our accommodation and head out together to one of the venues. When we get to one of the sites we will be visiting we will usually meet a host and be shown around the church or museum and have a talk about its significance. There will be chance to ask questions and for some interpersonal chat and some time to look around on our own. In some places we might be offered refreshments and if not, we will make sure there is lots of time for snacks and coffees. We will have some time off, time to rest/reflect/sightsee and gather again for a second visit in the afternoon. In the evening, there will be opportunity to eat together or in smaller groups, and then free time to rest or explore. Whilst group members are free to come and go there will be a group to join to go back to the accommodation together.  

Why are we going on the train? Travelling by train will help us to keep the carbon footprint of the trip to a minimum, and is also a great chance for the group to get to know each other as we travel. (Though if you want to have your headphones in all the way we won’t stop you!) 

How much walking/how will we get around? There will be a fair amount of walking - imagine a day in a big city using public transport to get to various sites. We estimate that most stretches of walking will be no more than 20 minutes at a time. Berlin has a great underground system and a travel card will be provided which will cover the whole visit as part of the cost.  

What will the accommodation be like? We are expecting to book shared twin and 'family' rooms in a budget hotel, and these kinds of hotels in Europe are almost identical to those you would find in cities here. Single rooms may be available at a small surcharge. 

What about food? During travel we will all personally either bring food with us or buy it on the way. In Berlin we will buy ourselves breakfast and other meals during free time. Berlin is well served for food outlets, so we anticipate all dietary requirements being met.  

Is there any commitment after the trip? If you take up the bursary from Project Bonhoeffer they will ask for some follow up, for example for you to share your reflections with students via the SCM and Project Bonhoeffer blogs, in Movement magazine or at an event.  

I have another question not answered here? Please get in touch with the office by emailing scm@movement.org.uk and we’ll do our best to answer any other questions you have.