Bern Fountains

Fountain in Bern

Fountains Of Bern
CC BY-SA 4.0 / JoachimKohlerBremen

Bern's public fountains are among its most distinctive and charming features. Scattered throughout the UNESCO-listed Old City, they not only add beauty but also tell vivid stories of the city's past. With over 100 fountains—many offering free, drinkable water—the 11 Renaissance fountains crafted by Swiss sculptor Hans Gieng in the 16th century are the most celebrated. Each one features a richly painted figure standing proudly atop a column, embodying Bern's civic pride and moral ideals. These fountains are one of the top attractions in Bern and a highlight of any walking tour of Bern, combining artistry, history, and daily life in a single, flowing ensemble.

Wandering through Bern's arcaded streets, you'll encounter characters from mythology, religion, and history brought to life in colorful stone and bronze. From the serene Moses Fountain to the commanding Lady Justice of the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, these monuments were designed to instruct, inspire, and entertain—a reminder that art and civic virtue were deeply intertwined in Renaissance Bern.

History and Significance of the Renaissance Fountains of Bern

In the Middle Ages, Bern’s fountains were made of wood and functioned primarily as public water sources. As the city prospered in the 16th century, it began to replace these utilitarian structures with grand stone fountains—symbols of wealth, stability, and cultural sophistication. Between 1542 and 1549, Fribourg-born sculptor Hans Gieng created 11 fountains whose vibrant figures became enduring emblems of Bernese identity.

Each fountain was more than decoration—it conveyed moral or political messages to the citizens who gathered around them daily. For example, the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice) features Lady Justice blindfolded, holding scales and a sword, surrounded by figures of worldly rulers—a powerful statement about fairness and equality before the law. These fountains also reflect the Renaissance spirit of humanism, celebrating both religious virtue and civic power through vivid artistic expression.

Things to See and Do at the Fountains of Bern

Exploring Bern's fountains is like reading an open-air storybook of the city's past. The Zähringerbrunnen, near the Zytglogge Clock Tower, commemorates Bern's founder, Duke Berthold V of Zähringen, and features a bear clad in armor—a playful yet proud nod to the city's symbol. The Läuferbrunnen, or Runner Fountain, celebrates Bern's strength and endurance, while the Mosesbrunnen on Münsterplatz portrays Moses holding the Ten Commandments, his expression grave and commanding.

Other favorites include the Simsonbrunnen, depicting the biblical Samson slaying a lion, and the Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain), where a cheerful musician enlivens the street with his carved melodies. Each fountain offers a different mood and story, and together they form one of the must-see places in Bern for anyone who appreciates public art and local legend. Don't miss the Kronenbrunnen on Postgasse—a whimsical spot known as “the fountain without a statue,” where visitors can climb up and pose where the sculpture should be.

How to Get There

The Renaissance fountains are located throughout Bern’s Old City, mostly along Kramgasse, Marktgasse, and Münsterplatz. The easiest way to explore them is on foot from Bern train station; a self-guided walking route connects most of the main fountains within a short distance. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If driving, park at Metro Parking Bern or City West Parking before exploring the pedestrianized Old City on foot.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Fountains of Bern

  • Best time to visit the fountains: Spring through early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the water flows freely.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free; all fountains are publicly accessible.
  • Opening hours: Accessible year-round, day and night.
  • Official website: https://www.bern.com/en/detail/fountains-bern
  • How long to spend: 1–2 hours for a leisurely stroll through the main sites.
  • Accessibility: Most fountains are in flat, accessible pedestrian areas.
  • Facilities: Cafés and rest stops located throughout the Old City.
  • Photography tip: Early morning offers the best light and fewer crowds; look for reflections in the water basins.
  • Guided tours: Available through Bern Tourism, often combined with Old City walks.
  • Nearby food options: Try Confiserie Tschirren or Restaurant Kornhauskeller for local flavor between stops.

Is Visiting the Fountains of Bern Worth It?

Absolutely. The fountains of Bern bring color, charm, and storytelling to the city's stone arcades. They are not just artistic masterpieces but symbols of Bern's civic values and creativity, making them one of the best places to visit in Bern for a deeper understanding of its culture. Whether admired in passing or explored in detail, these fountains remind visitors that beauty and history often flow together in the heart of the city.

FAQs for Visiting the Fountains of Bern

Are all the fountains drinkable?
Yes, many of Bern’s public fountains provide clean, drinkable water unless otherwise indicated.

Who designed the Renaissance fountains?
Most were created by Hans Gieng between 1542 and 1549.

Are the fountains illuminated at night?
Some are softly lit, creating a beautiful evening atmosphere in the Old City.

Is there a specific walking route to see them?
Yes, Bern Tourism offers a self-guided map of the main fountains along Kramgasse and Marktgasse.

Can I visit the fountains in winter?
Yes, though water flow may be reduced or paused during freezing conditions.

Nearby Attractions to the Fountains of Bern

  • Zytglogge Clock Tower – Bern's iconic timepiece with hourly moving figures.
  • Bern Minster – The city's towering Gothic cathedral with sweeping views.
  • Einstein House – The modest flat where Einstein developed his revolutionary theories.
  • Bundeshaus – Switzerland's grand Parliament Building and symbol of democracy.
  • Bern Historical Museum – A treasure trove of cultural artifacts, including the Einstein Museum.

The Bern Fountains appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bern!

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Visiting Bern Fountains

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Zähringerbrunnen, Kramgasse, Bern, Switzerland
Bern: 0 km

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