1

Which buses? this one http://www.vetter-bus.de/fahrplan/?UNTERNEHMEN=NWB ?

2

Better would be using the train. From Berlin Hbf to Wittenberg Hbf it's 45 minutes by ICE for 19€ one way, one person today. Reservation not before the end of October via Internet by db.com

3

Suggestions on what to see? http://www.lutherstadt-wittenberg.de/tourist-information.html?&L=1

4

Best deal for a day trip to Lutherstadt Wittenberg is a Brandenburg-Berlin Ticket. EUR 29 for up to 5 persons traveling together. Covers however only regional trains. The direct regional trains need approx 80 minutes. The last train back to Berlin was on the 24. Dec. 2011 a regional train departing from Lutherstadt Wittenberg at 21:26. Timetable 2013 (valid from 9. Dec. 2012) is not yet out.

5

There are no long-distance busses between Berlin and Wittenberg. As #2 and 4 reported, there are fast ICE-trains, which do the distance in under 40 minutes and there are local trains which double the travel time. Long distance trains call at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Südkreuz, regional trains also at Potsdamer Platz.

The price of the Brandenburg-Ticket is unbeatable. However, especially if you want to join evening services at Wittenberg you might be more flexible with a hired car. The later you come into the evening there will be no alternative anyway. It is a lazy one and a half hours drive from Berlin. On 24th there will be not much traffic, esp. in the evening the roads are empty.

The city center of Wittenberg ist small and can easily be done by foot (this includes the train station). Normally one day for Wittenberg will do. However, on 24th everything but the churches for services will be closed and there will be no guided tours.

Services will be held at 1600 and 1730 hrs in Schlosskirche and 1500, 1630, 1700, 1800 and 2200 at Stadtkirche on Dec 24th, some including organ music or nativity play.

6

Thank you everyone! Your information is invaluable.

AnhaltER, how about Christmas day service? Anything open on that day? Perhaps, it better to see it on the 23rd and then drive back for the 24th service. I dont mind hiring a car, but how are the roads? I am from Chicago and no stranger to dangerous icy driving conditions in the winter, but our roads are fairly well salted because of the urban area. Do you think we can anticipate the same? Berlin obviously yes. I would assume so because Wittenberg is not too far yes?

7

As long as you stay on the Autobahn the road should be fairly well salted. And if you are used to the Midwest, a winter in Germany will feel like childs play to you.

(But there has been one noteable christmas eve where even the snow diggers couldn't get through, simply bc christmas eve was on a Thursday and there was so much traffic. The snow started falling slowly and then a fog came in and the traffic slowed to a standstill.)

So do take the usual precautions for driving in cold weather - working mobile, blankets and plenty of hot tea.

8

On Christmas day, I understand Dec 25th, Stadtkirche is doing a service at 1000 hrs and a short service at noon. Schlosskirche havent made public their dates yet, at least I didnt find them. However, Schlosskirche will be open. The touristic sights, Lutherhaus looks like to be open (though their website is not very specific on this). Cranach courtyards are closed Dec 24th-26th, Melanchtonhaus is closed, but not for Christmas, just for long-time-renovation.

On 25th shops will be closed, restaurants will be open, but expect them to be crowded.

Of course it is possible to go to Wittenberg on 23rd. It is a sunday, so shops will be closed, tourist sites will be open (usually until 1700 at that time of year), as will be restaurants. If you want to stay at Wittenberg, try to book Alte Canzley, situated just across the Schlosskirche. Newly refurbished in an old building, some room have view towards Schlosskirche, giving you the opportunity to observe if someone is hammering pamphlets at this very door even from your bed.

Driving, at this time of year anything can happen. Though the cance of snow over Christmas in this part of Germany is maybe one in five, drizzle and mist are much more likely. If you are used to winter driving, this should be no problem to you. The topography is flat and winter service on the motorway is usually efficient. Btw, Berlin does not much salting.