Hall of Liberation (Befreiungshalle)

The Befreiungshalle, or Hall of Liberation, is a massive rotunda on the Michelsberg hill above Kelheim in Lower Bavaria, where the Altmühl River meets the Danube. King Ludwig I built it to celebrate the victories over Napoleon in the Wars of Liberation and as a symbol of German unity. Inside, a soaring domed hall ringed by marble goddesses awaits; outside, you get sweeping views over two river valleys.

Where it is and how to get there

Kelheim lies about 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Regensburg and roughly 110 km (70 miles) north of Munich. The nearest train station is Saal an der Donau, with onward connections to Kelheim; from town, the small Ludwigsbahn tourist train or a forest walk takes you up the hill. Drivers can use the paid lot right next to the monument (cars €2.50 per day as of July 2025).

Why it matters

Like Walhalla near Regensburg, the hall is part of Ludwig I's program of national monuments. Friedrich von Gärtner began planning it in 1838; after his death in 1847, Leo von Klenze took over and redesigned the facade. It was inaugurated on October 18, 1863, the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig, where Napoleon was decisively defeated. The number 18 recurs throughout: an 18-sided floor plan and 18 colossal statues on the exterior.

What you will see

• A domed hall 45 m (148 ft) high and 29 m wide, with a richly coffered ceiling
• 34 statues of Victory holding hands in a circle
• An inner gallery (82 steps) and an outer gallery (40 more steps) with views over the Danube and Altmühl valleys
• The monumental exterior and grand staircase

Inside, the coffered ceiling and the arcaded niches give the hall a remarkable acoustic, so even quiet footsteps echo around the dome.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• April to October: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last tickets 5:15 p.m.)
• November to March: daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tickets 3:15 p.m.)

Admission is €5 (reduced €4), free for under 18s. A combined ticket with Prunn Castle costs €9, or €13 including Walhalla. A free app in English and German serves as your guide.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially combined with a boat trip through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, famous for its monastery brewery. Plan 45 to 90 minutes at the hall. An elevator makes the main hall accessible for wheelchair users; dogs are not allowed inside.