A Must-See in Leipzig: The Battle of Nations Monument

If you’re into history, architecture, climbing a lot of stairs and/or photography, the Battle of Nations Monument will be right up your alley.

I was honestly lost for words. Photos truly don’t do this monument justice—but trust me, I gave it my best shot (!!!). I hope these pictures capture even a fraction of the atmosphere and help you grasp the sheer scale of how impressive it really is. Standing at 91 meters tall, it’s much bigger in person than it seems in photos.

A Quick History Lesson

The Battle of Nations Monument (Völkerschlachtdenkmal) commemorates the pivotal 1813 battle in Leipzig, Germany, where a coalition of Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden defeated Napoleon and his allies. A year after the battle, poet Ernst Moritz Arndt proposed to create a monument to honor the fallen. By 1894, architects got involved, and enough funds were raised by 1898. After 15 years of construction, the monument was completed in 1913 and officially dedicated as a national treasure. 

A Personal Recommendation

I owe a big thanks to my basketball teammate and fellow explorer Joyce (@jojo_wanderlust_), who inspired me to visit. I had only planned to admire the monument from the outside, but Joyce insisted I go inside, that it was breathtaking. She wasn’t wrong.

Looking down into the chambers of The Battle of Nations Monument

What I thought would be a quick 20-minute stop turned into a two-hour adventure really quickly. I climbed all the way to the top (364 steps in total… although I did sneak in a quick elevator ride for part of it). Along the way, I explored various chambers, each one more awe-inspiring than the last. At the top you are rewarded with a panoramic view of Leipzig. 

The atmosphere inside the monument was indescribable, so I did what I do best—I took tons of photos to try to capture the feeling.

Tips for Visiting

• Parking:

There’s free parking right at the front, so no need to stress about finding a spot.

• Time Management:

Plan for at least a couple of hours, especially if you go inside (which you should!).. The monument closes at 4 p.m. in winter and 6 p.m. in warmer months, so check the website for seasonal hours.

• Steps:

Be prepared for a lot of stairs. The elevator only takes you part of the way, and some sections are narrow, so comfortable shoes are a must.

• Tickets:

The entrance fee is €8. Make sure to buy your ticket at the bottom before climbing up. I can’t remember if they accepted card, but if you’re traveling in Germany, it’s always a good idea to carry cash, as many places don’t accept cards.

For more details, check out their website: Battle of Nations Monument.

If you’re in Saxony, East Germany, or even just exploring Leipzig,

I can’t recommend the Battle of Nations Monument enough.