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Hermann Monument
The Hermann Monument, located in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold, commemorates the Cherusci war chief Arminius and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, where Germanic tribes defeated three Roman legions. The colossal monument was built between 1838 and 1875 based on designs by architect Ernst von Bandel, who dedicated much of his life and private wealth to completing the project. The figure of Hermann is made of a wrought-iron frame covered with copper plates and brandishes a seven-meter-long sword pointing towards the west. Standing at a total height of over 53 meters, it was the tallest statue in the Western world until the completion of the Statue of Liberty. Historically, the monument served as an important symbol for German identity and national unification during the 19th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors an expansive view over the Lippe region from the observation platform on its base.
- Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Top sights: Grotenburg · Hermann Memorial · Waldbühne am Hermannsdenkmal
- Nearby: Detmold (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 58 | 56 | 44 | 66 | 69 | 78 | 74 | 59 | 63 | 71 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The total height of the monument, including the base, is 53.46 meters.
- The sword alone has a length of 7 meters and weighs about 550 kilograms.
- Approximately 35 tons of copper plates were used to construct the figure.
- The inauguration took place on August 16, 1875, in the presence of Kaiser Wilhelm I.
- Architect Ernst von Bandel survived the completion by only one year, passing away in 1876.
- The sword bears the inscription: 'German unity my strength - my strength Germany's power'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hermann Monument (10)
Hermanneum🏛 museum
Museum at the foot of the Hermann Monument, displaying finds and history of the Detmold region.
Buchenwald am Südosthang der Grotenburg
Nature reserve on the southeast slope of Grotenburg, protecting old beech forest in the Teutoburg Forest.
Kleiner Hünenring
Smaller circular rampart on Grotenburg, similar to the Großer Hünenring but less well preserved.
Bielstein
Bielstein is a hill in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold, offering a viewpoint.
,,Kreativ Atelier" fur Kinder
Creative workshop for children at the Hermann Monument, with craft and painting activities in nature.
Klöppingsberg
Klöppingsberg is a hill in Germany, located in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb the monument?
How tall is the monument?
Is there an entrance fee for the site?
Are there restaurants on-site?
What does the monument commemorate?
Hermann Monument: where is it located?
Hermann Monument: what is there to see?
Hermann Monument: when is the best time to visit?
Hermann Monument: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
