An impressive monument – Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig
I had read a fair bit about the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. But once again I found evidence that reading and experiencing are two very different things. I would have loved to see my face as our hop on hop off bus stopped in front of the monument.
A little bit of historical background knowledge about the Monument to the Battle of the Nations
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations was erected to commemorate the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig, which took place from October 16-19, 1813. Napoleon suffered a major defeat here.
With around half a million soldiers and more than 110,000 casualties, it was one of the largest battles of the 19th century.
Shortly after the battle, the first plans for the construction of a memorial emerged. A foundation stone was laid in 1863, but there were no real plans for its realization. Several attempts were made to find a suitable design. After many discussions, the Berlin architect (Bruno Schmitz) was commissioned to draw up a design. Finally, a new foundation stone was laid on October 18, 1898 and after some construction time, the monument was ceremoniously inaugurated on October 18, 1913.
The financing of the project was particularly exciting and unusual. In addition to donations, a special lottery was set up to raise the necessary funds.
In 2013, the extensive renovation work on the monument was completed, making it possible to visit the viewing platform again.
Arrival at the monument
The “Hop on Hop off” bus stopped in front of the monument and promised to leave in 15 minutes.
A quick glance was enough for us, we would be staying here for longer than 15 minutes, that was clear. We had to get into and onto this monument and see it at our leisure.
In front of us stood a 91-metre-high and 300,000-tonne monument that we had not expected to be of such dimensions. The forecourt with the water basin alone was certainly bigger than two soccer pitches and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations stood like a dark colossus at the end of the square.
As we slowly got closer, we were able to see the exterior design more clearly. Archangel Michael, who is considered the patron saint of soldiers, stands as a huge sculpture at the entrance to the building. Beautiful reliefs decorate the entrance front. It looked a bit like the entrance to a temple to me.
First we entered the crypt. It is the symbolic grave for the fallen soldiers of the Battle of the Nations. Stone warriors stand on the walls and watch over the dead.
Visit to the viewing platform in the Monument to the Battle of the Nations
A glance at the ceiling told us that we still had a few meters to climb before we reached the highest viewing platform.
You can take the elevator part of the way (about 2/3 of the way).
However, we preferred to climb the 500 steps that snaked upwards in narrow spiral staircases. The higher you get, the narrower the stairs become. It’s a good thing that part of the route is only for the ascent and another section of stairs is for the descent. It really wouldn’t have been possible to pass each other in some places.
Once you have completed 2/3 of the route, you already have a great view of the surrounding area. So you don’t have to go all the way to the top, because the last section of the route is really tough.
The top viewing platform can only be reached via a flight of stairs just shoulder-width wide. There are a few more steps to climb. The ascent and descent is regulated by traffic lights. If this works… During our visit, however, the red light was out of order. As there was no sign indicating the traffic lights, there was of course no waiting. Some of the encounters on the stairs were quite funny to watch…
The climb up to the Völkerschlachtdenkmal was definitely worth it for us! The view over Leipzig is simply amazing.
Hall of Fame
On the way down, we made a stop at the Hall of Fame.
There are four statues here that are almost 10 meters tall. They are supposed to symbolize the virtues of the German people during the Wars of Liberation: Bravery, strength of faith, national strength, willingness to make sacrifices. I couldn’t see that in them, but the statues were certainly gigantic.
I was particularly impressed by the domed ceiling of the Hall of Fame. 324 almost life-size horsemen are depicted here. If you stand at the bottom of the Hall of Fame and look up, the figures seem so small that you almost can’t believe they are so big.
For me, the visit to the Monument to the Battle of the Nations was definitely worthwhile. An impressive building!
Visitor information
Address:
Straße des 18. Oktober 100 04299 Leipzig Germany
How to find us
How to find us
By public transportation:
Tram: 2, 15
S-Bahn: S1, S2, S3
By car:
The Völkerschlachtdenkmal is located in the southern part of Leipzig in Probstheida and can be reached via the B2 (Prager-Straße) junction Prager-Straße/An der Tabaksmühle.
Parking
Parking
There are parking spaces in front of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations on both the left and right-hand sides.
Adults: 10,- €
Reduced: 8,- €
Children up to 6 years free
Adults with Leipzig-Card: 8 Euro
Opening hours
Opening Hours
April – October daily: 10 am – 6 pm
November – March daily: 10 am – 4 pm
24.12. and 31.12. closed
Accessibility
Accessibility
There is a guidance system for blind and visually impaired visitors. There is stair-free access for wheelchair users to the monument area via the ramparts from the direction of the street An der Tabaksmühle. The elevator in the foundation area can be reached via the Michaels-Plateau (elevator to the Sängergalerie).
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet in the foundation area of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.
My goodness, it looks a little clunkier than I’m used to seeing European monuments look, but I guess that’s because it’s more of a memorial, not something meant to be flashy. I’d love to see it in person, though – I imagine the sheer scale of it is incredibly impressive. Thanks for the writeup!!
What an interesting and intriguing monument. 500 steps that would knacker me but the views are pretty cool from the top. It is always interesting to hear about the history of such a grand monument and you are right reading about it and experience are very different. Also good to know that the hop on hop off bus goes there.
Sounds like a very impressive monument! I think it’s so important to explore historical sites when travelling to learn a bit more about the country and culture. Were there audio guides available to learn a bit more while touring the monument?
I was just imagining how it must have been a little chaotic with the red light being out-of-order to direct traffic properly on the staircase. This sounds like a fun place to tour and the views are amazing.
At first when I read you climbed the 500 steps, I was like wow that’s a lot (and it is..) but it’s nice that they break it up for you. I’ve done that before and it’s tiring! However, as usual, you are rewarded with gorgeous views!! Aren’t the “traffic lights” interesting? I was surprised the first time I ran into that, but it really helps unless it’s broken! I’m guessing you got up close and personal with the oncoming traffic! ;) Definitely would like to see the Monument to the Battle of the Nations!
So happy someone has blogged about this epic monument! I have visited the monument to the battle of the nations twice and it did not fail to impress me!
Rohin
500 steps ! :) Thats a lot .. But glad you had a great experience :) Iam sure it is worth the experience /
Susanne Jungbluth
I’m not sure. But I know that you can get a paper guide.
Meagan
My goodness, it looks a little clunkier than I’m used to seeing European monuments look, but I guess that’s because it’s more of a memorial, not something meant to be flashy. I’d love to see it in person, though – I imagine the sheer scale of it is incredibly impressive. Thanks for the writeup!!
Mel Butler
What an interesting and intriguing monument. 500 steps that would knacker me but the views are pretty cool from the top. It is always interesting to hear about the history of such a grand monument and you are right reading about it and experience are very different. Also good to know that the hop on hop off bus goes there.
Erica Edwards
Sounds like a very impressive monument! I think it’s so important to explore historical sites when travelling to learn a bit more about the country and culture. Were there audio guides available to learn a bit more while touring the monument?
Astrid Vinje
I love visiting historic places during my travels. How lucky that you got to experience this!
candy
I was just imagining how it must have been a little chaotic with the red light being out-of-order to direct traffic properly on the staircase. This sounds like a fun place to tour and the views are amazing.
Heather
At first when I read you climbed the 500 steps, I was like wow that’s a lot (and it is..) but it’s nice that they break it up for you. I’ve done that before and it’s tiring! However, as usual, you are rewarded with gorgeous views!! Aren’t the “traffic lights” interesting? I was surprised the first time I ran into that, but it really helps unless it’s broken! I’m guessing you got up close and personal with the oncoming traffic! ;) Definitely would like to see the Monument to the Battle of the Nations!
Rachel
Sounds like a really cool monument to visit! I just got back from Germany myself and loved it. 500 steps though – must have been quite the climb!
Anna
So happy someone has blogged about this epic monument! I have visited the monument to the battle of the nations twice and it did not fail to impress me!