Why is she called Bavaria? She is Munich’s most impressive bronze lady. The Bavaria statue stands tall next to Theresienwiese. It is a must-see for everyone, not just Oktoberfest visitors.
The Bavaria statue stands in front of the Ruhmeshalle. The Hall of Fame features busts of famous Bavarians. This 18-meter-high bronze statue watches over the Theresienwiese. The world-famous Oktoberfest happens here every year.
The Bavaria statue is more than a landmark. It is a popular meeting spot. Locals and tourists gather here. You can even climb inside the statue. A spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform in the Bavaria’s head. The view of Munich from up there is breathtaking. From October to March, the statue is closed for safety.
The Bavaria statue is a symbol of Bavaria. She is the secular patron saint of the Free State. Munich artist Ludwig Schwanthaler designed the statue between 1843 and 1850. Ludwig I commissioned the work. It was a masterpiece of building technique.
Behind the Bavaria statue is the Hall of Fame. Take a stroll through the corridors. You will find busts of important Bavarians from past centuries. Writer Ludwig Thoma and composer Carl Orff are among them. Painter Albrecht Dürer and brewer Joseph Pschorr are also honored here. Leo von Klenze designed the hall in 1853. Ludwig I commissioned it to commemorate Bavaria’s merits and glory.
The Theresienwiese lies at the foot of the Bavaria statue. Something is always happening here. There is the Oktoberfest. There is Bavaria’s biggest flea market. The Spring Festival and the Winter Tollwood festival also take place here.
You can watch the Oktoberfest tents being built from the Bavaria’s head. The construction takes ten weeks. Always on the middle Sunday of the Oktoberfest, there is a concert. The concert happens on the steps of the Bavaria statue.
The Bavariapark is behind the Bavaria statue. It offers peace and quiet. Families and joggers use the paths. In winter, the slopes below the Hall of Fame become a tobogganing hill. Kids love the short, gentle slopes. Some people even ski down the steeper slopes. Tobogganing is at your own risk. Obstacles are secured with straw bales.
The Bavaria statue has been a coveted woman for centuries. She adorns postcards and souvenirs. She is a popular photo subject for tourists. The Bavaria statue represents strength and glory. From the head of the Bavaria statue you have a wonderful view of the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.