The Monument is located in the South-East of Leipzig and can easily be reached by tram within 20-25 minutes. From the central station, take Tram 15 (towards Meusdorf) and get off at ‚Völkerschlachtenkmal‘.
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations (German: Völkerschlachtdenkmal, sometimes shortened to Völki) is a monument to the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, also known as the Battle of the Nations. It was completed in 1913 for the 100th anniversary of the battle. It commemorates the defeat of Napoleon’s French army at Leipzig, a crucial step towards the end of hostilities in the War of the Sixth Coalition. The structure is 91 metres tall. It contains over 500 steps to a viewing platform at the top, from which there are views across the city and its surroundings.
The monument commemorates the battle of European nations, against each other and alongside one another. It remembers how people gave their lives so that current and future generations could live in peace and freedom. Here, European history was made, and we can conceive this experience as a chance for a united Europe. The monument is a symbol for learning from past mistakes, for doing everything humanly possible to prevent wars, racism, antisemitism and renationalization, and for working together hand in hand for a peaceful future. Located in Leipzig, the city of the Peaceful Revolution, it commemorates the ideals of democracy and freedom, international understanding and self-determination. Besides the connectedness to one’s own nation and culture, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations now symbolizes the creation and preservation of a common sense of European identity.
