Plizio Visual Lab
Kyffhäuser Monument
The Kyffhäuser Monument, also known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, is a monumental structure on the summit of the Kyffhäuser mountain in Thuringia. Built between 1890 and 1896 in honor of Emperor William I, it stands 81 meters high, making it the third-largest monument in Germany. The ensemble combines the glorification of the Prussian Empire with the medieval legend of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who is said to sleep in a cave beneath the mountain. A massive equestrian statue of William I and a sandstone sculpture of Barbarossa characterize the architecture. The monument stands on the ruins of the former Imperial Castle of Kyffhausen, once one of the largest castle complexes of the Middle Ages, which still features remarkable remains such as the world's deepest castle well. From the observation platform, visitors enjoy expansive views over the Goldene Aue toward the Harz Mountains. As a historic testimony to the Wilhelmine era and national identity building, it is a significant cultural landmark.
- Location: Thuringia, Germany
- Top sights: Kyffhäuserdenkmal · Reichsburg Kyffhausen · Mittelburg
- Nearby: Bad Frankenhausen (6 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 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 33 | 42 | 35 | 65 | 56 | 76 | 60 | 54 | 47 | 50 | 50 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Total height of the monument is 81 meters
- Construction period lasted from 1890 to 1896
- Barbarossa statue is approx. 6.5 meters high
- Castle well is the world's deepest at 176 meters
- Equestrian statue of William I is 11 meters high
- The architect was the prominent Bruno Schmitz
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 Kyffhäuser Monument (10)
Novalisblick
Viewpoint offering a view over the landscape of the Kyffhäuser mountains.
Unterburg🏰 castle
Medieval castle ruin in Kyffhäuserland, Thuringia, Germany.
Mühlsteinbruch
Former quarry where millstones were extracted.
Gietenkopf
Hill in Germany, part of the Kyffhäuser mountain range.
Kautsberge
Elevation or ridge in the Kyffhäuser mountains.
Kyffhäuserblick
Viewpoint with panoramic views over the Kyffhäuser area.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is depicted on the Kyffhäuser Monument?
Can you climb the tower of the Kyffhäuser Monument?
How big is the Kyffhäuser Monument?
What does the legend of Emperor Barbarossa say?
Are there castle ruins at the monument too?
Kyffhäuser Monument: where is it located?
Kyffhäuser Monument: what is there to see?
Kyffhäuser Monument: when is the best time to visit?
Kyffhäuser Monument: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
