Fackelläufer: A Symbol of Hannover's History

Discover the Fackelläufer on Hannover's Maschsee: A controversial monument reflecting the city's complex history and offering scenic lakeside views and cultural attractions.

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Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

The Fackelläufer (Torchbearer) is a prominent sculpture located on the north shore of Hannover's Maschsee lake. Created by Hermann Scheuernstuhl in 1936, it stands as a reminder of the lake's construction during the Nazi era. The statue, depicting a nude male figure holding a torch, has sparked debate due to its association with Nazi propaganda, yet it remains a significant landmark and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the lake and access to various recreational activities, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Hannover. Despite its controversial past, the Fackelläufer serves as a historical marker and a testament to the complex history of the city and the Maschsee.

A brief summary to Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

Parkplatz, Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 2, Hanover, Südstadt-Bult, 30169, DE

Local tips

Take a walk around the Maschsee to fully appreciate the lake's beauty and recreational opportunities.
Visit the Sprengel Museum nearby to explore modern art and complement your historical exploration.
Attend the Maschsee Festival in summer for a vibrant cultural experience with music, food, and entertainment.
Reflect on the historical context of the Fackelläufer and its significance in Hannover's past.
Enjoy a boat tour on the Maschsee for a unique perspective of the Fackelläufer and the surrounding landscape.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the Stadtbahn (lines 3, 7, or 9) to the Waterloo station. From there, walk south along Waterloostraße and Bruchmeisterallee to reach the Nordufer of Maschsee (approximately a 10-minute walk). The Fackelläufer is located on Kurt-Schwitters-Platz. A single GVH ticket costs approximately €3.60.
Bus

Take bus line 100 to the Sprengel Museum stop, which is near the Fackelläufer. A single GVH ticket costs approximately €3.60.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Hannover Hauptbahnhof to the Fackelläufer at Maschsee Nordufer will cost approximately €12-€18 and take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Walking

From the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), walk south through the Maschpark towards the lake. Continue along the northern shore to reach the Fackelläufer (approximately a 15-20 minute walk). Follow signs for Maschsee Nordufer.
Driving

Drive towards the city center and follow signs for Maschsee Nordufer. Limited parking is available in the vicinity. Consider using the Schützenplatz parking area (Bruchmeisterallee 1A, 30169 Hannover) and walking to the Fackelläufer (approximately 10 minutes). Parking at Schützenplatz costs around €5 per day. Parking near the Maschsee can be limited, especially during events.

Discover more about Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

The Fackelläufer (Torchbearer) is a striking monument situated on the Nordufer (north shore) of the Maschsee in Hannover, Germany. This 18.5-meter-high stele, topped with a 4.5-meter bronze sculpture of a nude male figure holding a torch, has a complex and controversial history deeply intertwined with the Nazi era. Erected in 1936 by Hermann Scheuernstuhl, the Fackelläufer was originally intended to commemorate the construction of the Maschsee, an artificial lake created as a job creation project during the Great Depression. The Maschsee itself has an interesting backstory. For centuries, the area south of Hannover's Old Town was a swampy floodplain of the Leine River, known as the Leinemarsch. Plans to create a lake in this area had been considered since the late 19th century to mitigate flooding and improve the land's utility. However, it was during the Nazi regime that the project gained momentum as a means to combat unemployment and showcase the regime's supposed achievements. The construction of the Maschsee began in 1934, employing around 1,600 workers who manually excavated the lake basin. The lake was inaugurated in May 1936, coinciding with the Berlin Olympics. The Nazis seized the opportunity to use the Maschsee and the Fackelläufer as propaganda tools, portraying them as symbols of strength, progress, and national pride. The Fackelläufer, with its athletic figure and raised torch, was interpreted as an embodiment of the "new era" and the Olympic spirit. Following World War II, the Nazi symbols, including the swastika on the base of the Fackelläufer, were removed. However, the monument itself remained, sparking ongoing debate about its significance and place in Hannover's public space. Some argue that it should be removed or contextualized further to acknowledge its problematic past. Others believe that it serves as a reminder of the city's history and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. Today, the Fackelläufer stands as a prominent landmark on the Maschsee's north shore, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is a popular meeting point, a backdrop for photographs, and a subject of historical discussions. The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational activities, including walking, cycling, boating, and swimming. The Maschsee is also a venue for numerous events, such as the annual Maschsee Festival, which draws millions of visitors each summer. Despite its controversial past, the Fackelläufer has become an integral part of Hannover's identity. It represents a complex and often uncomfortable chapter in the city's history, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance, critical reflection, and democratic values. The monument's continued presence invites visitors to engage with the past and consider its relevance to the present. Beyond its historical significance, the Fackelläufer also possesses artistic merit. Hermann Scheuernstuhl was a renowned sculptor of his time, and the Fackelläufer exemplifies his skill in creating monumental figures that convey power and dynamism. The statue's classical style and idealized form reflect the aesthetic preferences of the era, but they also possess a timeless quality that continues to resonate with viewers today. The Maschsee Nordufer, where the Fackelläufer is located, is a vibrant and attractive area. Kurt-Schwitters-Platz, named after the famous Dada artist who lived and worked in Hannover, provides a pleasant open space for visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the lake. The Sprengel Museum, one of Germany's leading museums of modern art, is located nearby, offering a rich cultural experience. The Ehrenfriedhof am Maschsee-Nordufer, a cemetery honoring victims of Nazi persecution, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the regime. Visiting the Fackelläufer offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of history, art, and public memory. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the past, appreciate the beauty of the present, and contemplate the future. Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings, the Fackelläufer is a must-see destination in Hannover. The Fackelläufer's enduring presence on the Maschsee Nordufer is a testament to the power of monuments to shape public discourse and provoke critical engagement with the past. It is a reminder that history is not simply a collection of facts and dates, but a complex and contested narrative that continues to evolve over time. By confronting the challenges and complexities of its past, Hannover has demonstrated a commitment to building a more just and equitable future.

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Fackelläufer: A Symbol of Hannover's History

A brief summary to Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Bus

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

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Discover more about Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Fackelläufer Maschsee Nordufer

Mahnmal DERRY von H.-J. Breuste

Arthur-Menge-Ufer 3

Denkmal Heinr. Schrader Bademeister zu Hannover

Laveshaus

Göttingen Seven Monument

Open Grave, Hanover

Waterlooplatz

Leineschloss

ATRIUM Altes Rathaus Hannover

Ihmeufer

Broyhan Haus

Sitz Platz am Ihme

Wünschestein (Skulptur)

Ballhofpl. 1

Unmissable attractions to see

Le Hallebardier (Alexander Calder, 1971)

Hannover Maschsee

Sprengel Museum

Maschseefontäne, Hannover - Stadtwerke (1986)

Landesmuseum Hannover

Masch Park

NDR Konzerthaus | Großer Sendesaal

Geodetic reference point

Hannover 96 Arena GmbH & Co. KG

New Town Hall

Klaus Bahlsen Fountain

Schützenplatz

Museum August Kestner

Schützenplatz Hannover

In Vent (Skulptur)

Essential places to dine

Ständige Vertretung Hannover

Das AbendMahl

Meiers Lebenslust Restauration und Hausbrauerei

Ristorante Francesca

Mimi's Thai Kitchen

KUHnstWERK

VOTUM

Bavarium Hannover

A´Mura

Restaurant Grüpchen

Pier 51 Restaurant

Beef and Reef - Hannover

Pfannkuchen Haus

Ristorante Weinstube Leonardo

Stephans Eck - Restaurant Hannover Südstadt

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Hannover, Südstadt

Per La Casa

Schönenberger

Earth & Sky - the green shop GmbH

Simmgold Hannover

Oxfam Shop Hannover

SOHO Second-Hand & Neuware

Lacoste

Souvenirs & Geschenkartikel Inh. Lutz Wedekind

Nespresso Boutique Hannover

nooks.lieblingsdinge

Esterella

Marie Jo Modeboutique

Manufactum Warenhaus

AUST Fashion Hannover - Kröpcke Center

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bolero Island