Fackelträger: A Controversial Landmark

A controversial sculpture on Maschsee Lake, the Fackelträger sparks debate about its Nazi-era origins and artistic intent, offering a thought-provoking landmark in Hanover.

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Fackelträger Maschsee-Nordufer

The Fackelträger (Torchbearer) is a prominent sculpture located on the north shore of Maschsee Lake in Hanover. Erected in 1937, the 4.5-meter bronze statue atop an 18-meter pillar has sparked debate due to its creation during the Nazi era. Designed by Hermann Scheuernstuhl, the statue depicts a nude male figure holding a torch, which some interpret as a reference to the Hitler salute and the Olympic flame. Others argue that it draws inspiration from classical Greek sculptures and symbolizes strength and enlightenment. Regardless of its intended meaning, the Fackelträger remains a significant, if controversial, landmark, prompting reflection on art and its role in totalitarian regimes. The statue is a key point of interest within the Maschsee area, a popular recreational space offering walking trails, water activities, and scenic views. Its historical context and artistic ambiguity make it a compelling, though unsettling, attraction for visitors exploring Hanover's cultural landscape.

A brief summary to Fackelträger Maschsee-Nordufer

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

Local tips

Take time to read the information panel near the statue, which provides historical context and different interpretations of its symbolism.
Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride around Maschsee Lake to enjoy the scenic views and recreational activities.
Visit the Sprengel Museum, located near the lake, to explore a collection of modern and contemporary art.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hannover Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus line 100 or 200. These buses depart from the bus stops located directly outside the station. Get off at the 'Maschsee/Sportpark/Sprengel Museum' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the north shore of the lake and the Fackelträger. A single ride ticket within the Hannover zone costs approximately €3.60.
Walking

From Kröpcke, a central square in Hanover, head south towards the Lower Saxony State Museum. Continue along the road passing the museum on your right. Keep walking straight, and you will soon reach the north shore of Maschsee Lake, where the Fackelträger is located. The walk is approximately 20 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Hannover Hauptbahnhof to the Fackelträger at the north shore of Maschsee Lake will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €12-€18.
Driving

If driving, use the address Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 2, 30169 Hannover for your GPS. Parking is available along the Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, but it can be limited, especially during events or on weekends. Parking fees typically range from €1-€2 per hour.

Discover more about Fackelträger Maschsee-Nordufer

The Fackelträger, or Torchbearer, stands as a striking and historically charged monument on the northern shore of Hanover's Maschsee Lake. This imposing sculpture, created by Hermann Scheuernstuhl, has been a subject of ongoing discussion and interpretation since its unveiling in 1937. The statue itself is a 4.5-meter bronze figure of a nude male, confidently holding aloft a torch. It rests atop an 18-meter pillar, making it a highly visible landmark within the popular recreational area. The Maschsee, an artificial lake created between 1934 and 1936, was itself a project initiated during the Nazi era as a means of providing employment during the Great Depression. The construction of the lake and the subsequent addition of sculptures like the Fackelträger were intended to showcase the achievements and ideology of the National Socialist regime. The Fackelträger, in particular, was meant to embody ideals of health, strength, and the spirit of a new era. However, the statue's symbolism has been a source of contention. Some observers interpret the figure's pose, with its raised arm, as a direct reference to the Hitler salute. The fact that the statue was erected shortly after the 1936 Berlin Olympics, with its emphasis on the Olympic flame, further fuels this interpretation. The inscriptions at the base of the pillar, which translate to phrases like "Will to build gave work-happy hands the blessing of labor, joy, health and strength henceforth give you the lake 1934–1936" and "Announcer of the good and strong," also lend themselves to a nationalistic reading. Conversely, others argue that the Fackelträger's design draws inspiration from classical Greek sculptures, particularly those depicting athletes and torchbearers. They point to the statue's anatomical accuracy and its overall aesthetic as evidence of Scheuernstuhl's adherence to classical artistic principles. Some historians also note that high-ranking Nazis criticized the statue for not being dynamic or forward-striving enough, suggesting that it did not fully align with the heroic body image promoted by the regime. The debate surrounding the Fackelträger extends to the artist himself, Hermann Scheuernstuhl. While he created the statue during the Nazi era, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that he was a committed supporter of the regime. Some accounts suggest that he drew inspiration from a photograph of the Antikythera Youth, a famous Greek bronze statue, when designing the Fackelträger. In 2011, the city of Hanover installed an information panel near the Fackelträger to provide context and encourage critical reflection on the statue's history and symbolism. The panel acknowledges the statue's creation during the Nazi era and its potential connection to the Hitler salute, while also acknowledging alternative interpretations. The panel aims to promote a nuanced understanding of the statue and its place within Hanover's cultural landscape. Today, the Fackelträger remains a prominent landmark and a popular meeting point for visitors to the Maschsee. The lake itself offers a wide range of recreational activities, including walking, jogging, cycling, boating, and swimming. The 6-kilometer path around the lake provides scenic views and access to various points of interest, including the Sprengel Museum, the Lower Saxony State Museum, and the New Town Hall. The Maschsee also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Maschsee Festival, a three-week-long celebration featuring live music, food stalls, and cultural performances. The lake's central location and its diverse range of activities make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The Fackelträger, with its complex history and ambiguous symbolism, serves as a reminder of the challenges of interpreting art created during times of political upheaval. It invites viewers to consider the relationship between art, power, and ideology, and to engage in critical dialogue about the past. Whether viewed as a symbol of Nazi propaganda or as a reflection of classical artistic ideals, the Fackelträger remains a thought-provoking and historically significant landmark in the heart of Hanover. Visiting the Fackelträger offers a unique opportunity to engage with a piece of art that embodies the complexities of history. While enjoying the recreational amenities of the Maschsee, take a moment to reflect on the statue's story and its enduring relevance in contemporary society. The Fackelträger is more than just a sculpture; it is a symbol of the ongoing effort to understand and confront the past.

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Fackelträger: A Controversial Landmark

A brief summary to Fackelträger Maschsee-Nordufer

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

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Discover more about Fackelträger 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

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Hannover, Südstadt

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AUST Fashion Hannover - Kröpcke Center

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Hannover's Wohnzimmer