Fliegerdenkmal Wasserkuppe

The Fliegerdenkmal Wasserkuppe is a war memorial at the summit of Mount Wasserkuppe featuring a bronze eagle sculpture mounted on a basalt stone foundation. The artwork stands on one of the highest elevations in the region and is visible from multiple directions.

The memorial was inaugurated on August 30, 1923, with approximately 100,000 attendees, commemorating pilots who died during World War I between 1914 and 1918. The Wasserkuppe was already an important location in aviation history at that time.

The memorial contains inscriptions honoring fallen aviators and features artwork by renowned sculptor Professor August Gaul. The bronze eagle sculpture became a symbol of courage and sacrifice in early aviation history.

Multiple hiking trails connect to the memorial, including routes from nearby villages that take about an hour to walk. The location is accessible by car with parking available near the summit.

During the inauguration ceremony, the first motorized aircraft landed in dense fog, marking a remarkable moment in German aviation history. This rare event brought international attention to the Wasserkuppe.