Hall of Liberation at Kelheim (Befreihungshalle)
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Befreihungshalle - by monika1607 from Pixabay
Description
The Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation) was built in 1842-1863 under King Ludwig I of Bavaria above the town of Kelheim in Bavaria to commemorate the 1813-15 Wars of Liberation under Napoleonic forces. The building was designed as an octadecagon (an 18-sided polygon) in Neoclassical style, 29m high and 45m in diameter. There are 18 large statues representing various German tribes along the outer facade and the interior of the hall is lit by an oculus in the center of the dome. The number 18 was chosen symbolically as both Waterloo and Leipzig battles took place on the 18th of the month.
Access & Transport
Address: Befreiungshallestraße 3, 93309 Kelheim The closest train station is in Saal, 9km away, on the Regensburg - Ingolstadt line and there are bus services from the center of Kelheim. The center of the town is only 1.5km away walking but there is a significant climb to get to the Hall. By car, the monument is 30km away from Regensburg (B16 and exit toward Riedenburg/Kelheim), 110km from Nuremberg (A9 / exit 59-Denkendorf) and 120km from Munich (A9/A93 then exit 49-Abensberg). The monument is accessible to wheelchair users via a lift. Details available here: https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/Infoblatt_Kelheim_engl.pdf
Instructions & Recommendations
This activity is located close to the Weltenburg Abbey (8km) and the Kuchlsbauer Tower and Brewery (18km)
Environmental & Social
No carbon footprint and helps preserve the region's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Hall of Liberation dominates the town of Kelheim and is visible from far. Even if you are not an history buff, it is worth driving or walking up the hill to admire the structure. It may not look very harmonious to some but the statue, cupola and the views from there are redeeming qualities. Worth a detour if you are in the area.
Key positive
Visually impressive, including at night
Key negative
None
Suitability
No restrictions; the monument is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Mar, 23
MONDAY09:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 16:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 16:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 16:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 16:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 16:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00