Bavaria

Bavaria is a colossal bronze statue standing at Theresienwiese in Munich, positioned in front of the Ruhmeshalle memorial building at the southern edge of the festival grounds. The female figure reaches 18.52 meters (60.8 feet) in height and weighs 87.36 tons, resting on a massive pedestal.

King Ludwig I commissioned the monument in 1837 as a symbol of state power, and architect Leo von Klenze completed the construction in 1850. The statue was cast in multiple sections that were assembled on site, marking a turning point in 19th-century metalcasting techniques.

The figure wears a bear fur and holds an oak wreath while standing beside a lion, symbols visitors recognize as representations of Bavarian strength. People often gather around the base to examine the craftsmanship and the allegorical elements cast into the bronze surface.

An internal staircase leads to a viewing platform inside the head, where visitors can look out over Munich and the Oktoberfest grounds. The climb requires good physical condition, as the staircase is narrow and steep.

This monument was the first colossal bronze statue cast since classical antiquity, requiring new metalworking methods. The statue was assembled from multiple pieces connected internally by an iron framework.

Location: Munich

Inception: 1850

Architects: Leo von Klenze

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Fee: Yes

Charge: 5 EUR/person;0 EUR/child

Inscription: Als Anerkennung Bayrischen Verdienstes und Ruhmes ward diese Halle errichtet von Ludwig I König von Bayern. Ihr Erfinder und Erbauer war L.V. Klenze. Begonnen den XV Oct, MDCCCXLIII. Vollendet den XV Oct. MDCCCLIII.

Made from material: bronze

Address: Theresienhöhe 16

Opening Hours: April 01-October 15: Monday-Sunday,Holidays 09:00-18:00; 09:00-20:00 "während Oktoberfest"

GPS coordinates: 48.13069,11.54580

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:50