🗽City Walk through Breisach and to the Statue of Liberty

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Our walk through Breisach begins at the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which towers majestically over the city. From here, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhine River and the surrounding vineyards before delving into the history of the cathedral and admiring its fascinating stained-glass windows. From there, we stroll on to the artwork "Europe Reaches for the Stars”, a symbolic sculpture reflecting the spirit of unity and hope. We take a moment to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of this powerful piece.

Radbrunnen Tower

The path then leads us to the Radbrunnen Tower, a medieval landmark that speaks of Breisach’s rich and turbulent past. As we wander through the old town's narrow streets, we can almost feel the stories etched into the ancient walls surrounding us.

Eckartsberg

We eventually ascend the Eckartsberg, from where we are treated to another magnificent panoramic view of the region. On this historically significant hill, a sweeping view opens before us-and with binoculars, we can already spot our next destination: the Statue of Liberty on Hafenstraße. This striking replica of the famous "Liberty Enlightening the World" by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi may be smaller than the iconic original in New York, but its symbolic power remains undiminished.

Statue of Liberty

The statue here closely echoes the world-renowned monument that was gifted by France to the United States in 1886-a gesture of friendship between the two nations and a monument to liberty and democracy. Even here on the banks of the Rhine, it stands as a reminder of exactly that: the value of individual rights, the importance of free societies, and the enduring strength of shared ideals.

"Tyrants” Remark

In a much-discussed moment in recent history, a French politician stirred controversy when, during a congress of the center-left party Place Publique (PP), he suggested that the USA should "return” the statue. His words: America had "chosen to side with tyrants.” The American government firmly rejected the proposal-a decision many observers saw as a political affront.

Statue of Liberty Controversy

But the politician’s statement went beyond mere provocation. It highlighted a fundamental truth that history teaches us time and again: for any would-be tyrant, the destruction of liberty’s symbols is always the first step. Whether in ancient dictatorships or modern autocracies, the goal remains the same: to erase the memory of freedom before it can inspire resistance. That is precisely why statues like this one are more than works of art-they are monuments of warning and remembrance. They urge us to stay vigilant.

Those who pause at this statue can feel the spirit of the idea it embodies: that liberty is never guaranteed-and that it only endures if we actively protect it.

Charming Finale in Breisach

Our city walk concludes with a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of Breisach, where we can enjoy local culinary specialties or simply soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic town. A day full of cultural highlights, natural beauty, and rich history - Breisach warmly welcomes you!

Discover Breisach’s Historic Heart and Visit Its Very Own Statue of Liberty - Lace Up and Let’s Go!