Hermannsdenkmal
Detmold, Germany
A huge copper statue on a wooded hilltop in the Teutoburg Forest, with a viewing platform around its base. The path from the car park is short but uphill, and the view over the surrounding hills is best on clear days.
The Hermannsdenkmal (Hermann Monument) stands on the Grotenburg in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold, at an elevation of 386 metres. It commemorates the Cheruscan chieftain Arminius and his victory over Roman legions in AD 9. Construction began in 1838 and ended in 1875, interrupted by a long pause. The monument is 53.46 metres tall in total: a 26.89-metre sandstone pedestal carries the 26.57-metre copper figure, built over an iron frame. The sword measures 7 metres.
A viewing platform around the pedestal offers wide views over the Teutoburg Forest, reached by a spiral staircase of 75 steps. A large car park lies about 200 metres away; alternatively, bus line 701 runs from Detmold railway station. The Hermanneum visitor centre explains the monument and the battle. Visits are especially pleasant on weekdays and in spring and autumn; the light in the early morning or late afternoon suits photography.
- Nearest town
- Detmold, Germany
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 51.9122, 8.8369
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Wohnmobilstellplatz DetmoldMotorhome stopover4 km from Hermannsdenkmal · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilhafen ExternsteineMotorhome stopover9 km from Hermannsdenkmal · 26 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilstellplatz am Heinrich-Drake-PlatzMotorhome stopover10 km from Hermannsdenkmal · 6 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping EggewaldCampsite14 km from HermannsdenkmalTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping am LippeseeCampsite20 km from HermannsdenkmalTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wohnmobilhafen SchiederseeMotorhome stopover23 km from Hermannsdenkmal · 300 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hermannsdenkmal?
Hermannsdenkmal is in Detmold, Germany, at GPS 51.9122, 8.8369. It is about 41 km from Hamelin.
Can you camp near Hermannsdenkmal?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilstellplatz Detmold, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Hermannsdenkmal?
Places worth a stop nearby: Externsteine (7 km), Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (77 km), Edersee Dam (82 km) and Rammelsberg Mine (109 km).
When is the best time to visit Hermannsdenkmal?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)