Kyffhauser Monument

After Napoleon captured Germany and made political fragmentation, the public was looking for characters and events that could personalize the idea of ​​national unity and greatness of the German nation. Therefore, from the beginning of the 19th century giant monuments began to appear in different places in Germany.

The Kyffhauser Monument (81 meters high) was built in 1890-1896 in honor of Emperor Wilhelm I.




Sometimes it is called the Barbarossa monument, since there is also a 6-meter sculpture of the Holy Roman Emperor. He sits on the throne and looks more like the  Neptune.

Wilhelm I and Friedrich Barbarossa are the most famous rulers of Germany (not counting Hitler, of course). They are divided by 700 years of history, but linked by the desire to unite the lands of Germany.


The place was not chosen by chance, the monument is erected on the ruins of the medieval imperial castle Kyffhauser, the remains of which can also be visited.


At the top of the monument there is an observation deck, which can be reached by 247 steps. On the way you can see historical photos.




We also visited another place, an absolutely unknown viewpoint in the forest. Leave the car at parking lot N 51 24.272 E 11 05.285 and walk through the forest. Coordinates of the viewpoint N 51 24.207 E 11 06.267. Look for the bench. Views from the lookout are the following:


Zoom


Getting there: Coordinates of paid parking lot N 51 24.727 E 11 06.427. There is no public transport. There is a bus few times a day, but you need to book the place over the phone (in German). If it suits you, then check timetable on bahn.de. Your bus stop is Kyffhäuser Denkmal, Kyffhäuserland.