In southern Munich, Germany, the Theresienwiese is perhaps most famous for playing home every year to Oktoberfest. But on the edge of this large festival area, a woman stands watch. Nearly 61-feet tall, the Bavaria statue wears a classically draped Grecian gown. A lion sits loyally at her side while her left arm is outstretched with a wreath of oak leaves. She represents Bavaria, the southeastern state of Germany. It would be easy to draw comparisons to another famous female: the Statue of Liberty. But the Bavaria statue is older. And Lady Bavaria has a bit of a secret that makes a visit to see her a fun Munich sightseeing attraction!
The History of the Bavaria Statue
The Bavaria statue is a masterpiece and a technical achievement because of the statue’s sheer size and the fact that it is entirely cast out of bronze. It was designed by Ludwig Schwanthaler and cast by J. B. Stiglmair and his nephew Ferdinand von Miller. The statue was assembled, unveiled and dedicated in 1850. The year would have celebrated the 25th year of Ludwig I’s reign. Ludwig I was the ruler who commissioned the statue, along with others, to demonstrate Bavaria’s greatness. He abdicated, however, two years prior in favor of his son, Maximilian.
Statue of Bavaria and Ruhmeshalle
Today, Bavaria sits in the same location with the Ruhmeshalle, or Hall of Fame, just behind her. The Hall of Fame is a massive open-air, columned hallway designed by Leo von Klenze in order to show off busts of famous and notable Bavarians. Although the Hall of Fame was temporarily closed for renovations during my visit in 2015, you are still able to admire the architecture as well as the busts from afar.
As of 2017, the Ruhmeshalle’s renovations have been completed and is reopened to the public.
If you enjoy your visit to Munich’s Hall of Fame, the state of Bavaria has their own. Colossal and impressive, Walhalla is another Hall of Fame just outside of Regensburg that offers stunning views over the Danube in a building that reminds of the Parthenon.
Bavaria Monument’s Secret
As if all of this wasn’t reason enough to visit this Munich attraction during your sightseeing, there is more. While Bavaria is beautiful to look at and marvel over — both the state as well as the statue — she has a secret. Inside the towering statue is a spiral staircase that leads up into the top of the statue! From there, you can take in lovely views of the city of Munich, from the instantly recognizable double domes of the Frauenkirche and even the Alps. If there’s an event going on at the Theresienwiese, such as Oktoberfest or the Frühlingsfest (spring festival), you can enjoy a fun aerial view.
It is a very narrow climb that makes any lighthouse that I’ve been to seem spacious. Once at the top, there are more surprises. Couches have been cast in the bronze as a seat for visitors. Take a rest and then peek out one of several small windows for wonderful views over the Theresienwiese and the city of Munich. It’s a surprise you won’t expect and it has a good sense of humor. Who knew Bavaria was so cheeky?
It is a tight squeeze but well worth the trip. Just take my advice: watch your head when you are inside Bavaria’s!
Statue of Bavaria Tips
The Bavaria statue and the Ruhmeshalle are both operated and maintained by the Bavarian Palace Department. Visitors to the state of Bavaria that plan to visit several of the palaces and gardens operated by the department can save money by purchasing a palace pass.
For even more Bavaria, visit the Deutsches Museum to see a recasting of Bavaria’s hand up close.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to the Bavaria statue and the Hall of Fame is via public transportation. The U4 and U5 lines of the U-Bahn have a Theresienwiese stop. Or, you can take the S-Bahn to Hackerbrücke and walk a short distance to reach the festival grounds.
Also, it’s important to note that while you can always admire the Statue of Bavaria and Hall of Fame from the outside, both sites are only open from April through October.
Visitors to Oktoberfest may also enjoy visiting the statue as there are extended visitor hours during the festival.
All photos, as well as all opinions, are my own.
