Walhalla Memorial
Bayern
The Walhalla Memorial is a neoclassical hall of fame located near Regensburg, Bavaria, conceived by Crown Prince Ludwig I in 1807 to celebrate notable figures of German-speaking heritage. Constructed between 1830 and 1842 under architect Leo von Klenze, it is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, featuring a Doric peripteros style with a marble-clad exterior and interior. The memorial houses approximately 130 busts and 65 plaques commemorating influential politicians, sovereigns, scientists, and artists spanning over two millennia, beginning with Arminius, famed for the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. The structure is 66.7 meters long, 31.6 meters wide, and 20 meters high, with a roof supported by an innovative iron framework for its time. Its sculptural gables depict key Germanic historical scenes, including the liberation of Germany in 1814 and the Teutoburg battle. Inside, a continuous frieze by Martin von Wagner illustrates the early history of Germanic peoples, culminating in their Christianization by Saint Boniface. The memorial continues to be updated with new busts approximately every five to seven years, selected by the Bavarian government and Academy of Sciences. It stands as a symbol of German unity, cultural pride, and historical reflection, blending classical architecture with national identity.
Plan your trip to Germany with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit Walhalla during the warmer months from April to October when it is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission at 5:45 PM. In the colder months, shorter opening hours apply. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, and students. Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the memorial, and consider visiting on weekdays for fewer crowds. The site is closed on January 1st, Carnival Tuesday, and December 24th-25th and 31st.
Interesting facts
- •The memorial is named after Valhalla, the hall of slain warriors in Norse mythology.
- •Its architecture is inspired by the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis, combining classical design with 19th-century engineering.
- •The roof is supported by an iron structure that was considered ultra-modern at the time of construction.
- •The northern gable depicts the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a pivotal event in Germanic history.
- •The memorial includes 12 marble armchairs and 8 marble candlesticks crafted by sculptor Ernst Mayer.
- •Since 1962, new busts have been added every five to seven years based on recommendations by the Bavarian Academy of Sciences.
History
The idea of Walhalla originated in 1807 amid the political turmoil caused by Napoleon's conquests and the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.
Crown Prince Ludwig I sought to foster German national identity by honoring great German-speaking individuals.
Initially, busts were commissioned starting in 1807, and after Ludwig became king in 1825, he commissioned the construction of the memorial near the Danube River.
Designed by Leo von Klenze, the building was inspired by the Parthenon and took twelve years to complete, opening in 1842 with 96 busts and 64 plaques.
Since then, it has been periodically expanded to include more honorees, reflecting evolving concepts of German cultural heritage.
Place Guide
Exterior Architecture and Sculptural Gables1830-1842
The Walhalla is designed as a Doric peripteros temple with a marble-clad exterior. The northern gable features a sculptural group depicting the Germanic tribes under Arminius defeating the Romans at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, while the southern gable symbolizes Germany's liberation in 1814 with Germania at the center. These gables were designed by Christian Daniel Rauch and executed by Ludwig von Schwanthaler, reflecting key moments in German history.
Interior Busts and PlaquesSince 1807, ongoing additions
Inside the memorial, approximately 130 busts and 65 plaques honor distinguished German-speaking individuals from various fields including politics, science, arts, and sovereignty. The busts cover figures from over 2,000 years of history, starting with Arminius. The selection includes Germans and other Germanic language speakers who contributed to German cultural identity.
Martin von Wagner's Frieze1830s-1840s
A continuous frieze by Martin von Wagner runs around the interior walls above the busts, depicting the early history of the Germanic peoples. It illustrates their migration from the Caucasus to Central Europe and concludes with the Christianization by Saint Boniface. This frieze visually separates the bust zone from the upper panel zone and adds a narrative dimension to the memorial's interior.
Contact
Phone: 09403 961680
