Kiepenkerl Denkmal

Statue in Münster

The Kiepenkerl Denkmal, or Traveling Merchant Statue, is one of Münster’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks, located in the bustling heart of the city’s Old Town. This life-sized bronze figure commemorates the Kiepenkerle, itinerant peddlers who once traveled across the Münsterland region carrying goods in a wicker basket, or “Kiepe,” on their backs. These merchants brought essential items like eggs, dairy products, and salt from rural farms to the city, while also sharing news and stories, playing a vital role in the local economy and culture.

The statue you see today was unveiled on September 20, 1953, as a faithful bronze recreation by sculptor Albert Mazzotti Jr. It replaced the original figure, created in 1896 by August Schmiemann, which had been made of plaster with a copper plating. Remarkably, the original statue survived Allied bombing in 1943, only to be destroyed later during Münster’s liberation by a US tank. The replacement sculpture preserved the memory and significance of the Kiepenkerle for future generations.

Dressed in traditional attire, the Kiepenkerl wears a blue linen smock, red neckerchief, and cap, while holding a knotted walking stick and a whistle, vividly evoking the era of these traveling traders. Beyond its historical representation, the statue symbolizes resilience, continuity, and the deep connection between Münster’s rural surroundings and urban life.

The Kiepenkerl Denkmal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Münster!

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