Bismarck Monument
Bismarck-Denkmal
A giant granite statue of Bismarck on the hill of Alter Elbpark, about 34 metres tall including its base. It is the largest Bismarck monument in Germany.
The Bismarck Monument was completed in 1906. It was designed by sculptor Hugo Lederer and architect Emil Schaudt, and it portrays Bismarck as a medieval Roland knight with one hand resting on a long sword. The statue is about 15 metres tall and about 34 metres including the base. It is built of grey granite, making it the largest monument of its kind in Germany and a leading example of Jugendstil memorial architecture. Between 2020 and 2023, nearly €9 million was spent restoring the statue. The surrounding Alter Elbpark is also being renovated. The interior of the base is currently closed to the public, though an exhibition hall is planned. Because of the debate over Bismarck's colonial legacy, the city government is also running a 'historical contextualisation' project. The monument stands directly above the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken and is a few minutes' uphill walk from the piers. It can be linked with St. Michael's Church and Seilerstraße on a walking route. Entry is free, and you can view it from outside at any time of day.
Opening hours
Open all day (exterior only; pedestal interior not open)
Nearby sights
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Ship
- St. Pauli Piers & Old Elbe Tunnel
- St. Michael's Church
- Cap San Diego Museum Ship
- Krameramtsstuben
- Reeperbahn
- Elbphilharmonie
- Sternschanze (Schanzenviertel)