Landmark
Siegestor
Hendrik Schöttle · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Siegestor is a monumental triumphal arch located in Munich, Germany, at the boundary between the university district and the city center. Modeled after the Arch of Constantine in Rome and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, it was originally built to honor the Bavarian army's victories. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of peace, having been partially destroyed in World War II and later restored with a modified inscription that serves as a reminder of the horrors of war. Visitors can walk through the arch, which is a popular meeting point and a gateway to the vibrant Leopoldstraße. The structure features a striking quadriga, a chariot drawn by four lions, driven by a goddess of peace, replacing the original war-themed imagery. The arch is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a favorite spot for photography. Its location near the English Garden, Ludwig Maximilian University, and the Bavarian State Library means it's often bustling with students and tourists alike.
Don't miss
- Admire the quadriga atop the arch, featuring a goddess of peace driving four lions.
- Read the poignant inscription: 'Dem Sieg geweiht, vom Krieg zerstört, zum Frieden mahnend' (Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace).
- Walk through the arch and explore the surrounding area, including the English Garden and university district.
- Photograph the arch at night when it is beautifully lit.
- Visit the nearby Siegestor U-Bahn station, which features a mosaic of the arch.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Siegestor
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Siegestor with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inMunich Old Town Walking Tour4.7★ · 1,397 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →
Best full dayNeuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Day Tour from Munich4.4★ · 7,446 travelers~11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$84 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMunich Private & Personalized Half-Day Tour with a Local Guide4.8★ · 53 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$162 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The arch is open 24/7, but the best time for photos is early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
- The nearest U-Bahn station is Universität, a 5-minute walk away.
- For a unique perspective, photograph the arch from the center of the street, but watch for traffic.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
A bit of history
Built between 1843 and 1852 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria and designed by architect Friedrich von Gärtner, the Siegestor originally celebrated the military successes of the Bavarian army. Heavily damaged in World War II, it was reconstructed in 1958 with a new inscription urging peace, reflecting a shift from glorifying war to promoting reconciliation.
Common questions
Is the Siegestor free to visit?
Yes, it's a public monument and free to view at any time.
What does the inscription on the Siegestor mean?
It translates to 'Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace'.
How do I get to the Siegestor by public transport?
Take the U-Bahn lines U3 or U6 to Universität station, then walk south on Leopoldstraße.
Can I climb the Siegestor?
No, the interior is not open to the public. You can only view it from outside.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Late afternoon for good lighting, or at night when it's illuminated.
Is the Siegestor wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the area around the arch is flat and accessible.
More attractions in Munich
