Beautiful Fountains in Berlin

Hundreds of small oases and bubbling works of art can be found all over Berlin. These are the most beautiful and interesting of Berlin's 270 fountains - sometimes idyllic, sometimes right in the middle of city life.

Märchenbrunnen ("Fountain of Fairytales")

Märchenbrunnen, Volkspark Friedrichshain

The largest public fountain in Berlin that has been preserved from the imperial era has a romantic, dreamy feel. Since 1913, the so-called "Fountain of Fairytales" with its sculptures of animal and fairy tale characters is beloved especially by children. In addition to figures from Grimm's fairy tales such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, water-spouting frogs and realistic animal figures also populate the fountain. They have a changeful history behind them: After the end of World War II, the figures were thought to have disappeared - until they reappeared in 1950 in a Berlin vegetable garden.

Indischer Brunnen ("Indian Fountain")

Brunnen vor dem Engelbecken

This exotic-looking fountain stands south of the Engelbecken in the course of the former Luisenstadt Canal. Even before the destruction of World War II, there was a fountain at this location, but later the filled-in canal became part of the border strip between Kreuzberg in West Berlin and Mitte in East Berlin. During excavations in 1993, the fountain's base and bowl were found again, whereupon the entire fountain was rebuilt according to the historical model until 1995. In the middle of a rose garden, a figure reminiscent of a temple dancer sits on the five-tiered fountain. Below her, water gushes out of lion heads and seated female figures.

Waterfall in Viktoriapark

A 24-meter-high waterfall in the middle of the city: In the middle of Viktoriapark, probably the largest and most impressive fountain in Berlin bubbles down the Kreuzberg hill. The artificial cascades were built in 1891, presumably based on the real model of the Zackel Falls. Visitors who climb up the 66-meter high hill along the water stream might feel transported to the mountains. Stopping a while on one of the many steps and admiring the waterfall and small pools of limestone and granite is a pleasure in any case.

Weltkugelbrunnen ("World Fountain")

Weltkugelbrunnen, von den Berlinern "Wasserklops" genannt

The appearance of this modern fountain on Breitscheidplatz in Berlin's City West is not without controversy. Those who are not put off by its massive shape can discover many details hidden in the design of these waterworks, among them many small figures with references to paradise. At the base of the fountain are some seats that offer a view of the hustle and bustle on Breitscheidplatz.

Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft ("Fountain of Friendship between Peoples")

Ever since its inauguration in 1970, thos eye-catching fountain has been the most popular meeting place on the busy Alexanderplatz alongside the World Clock. The 23-meter-wide, colorfully designed pool is visible from afar and clearly stands out on the square. You can sit on the edge of the fountain, chat and watch the hustle and bustle on "Alex" while listening to the rippling water.

Feuerwehrbrunnen ("Firemen's Fountain")

In 1981, this cheerful fountain replaced a predecessor that had a much more serious design. Now, three larger-than-life, extremely good-humored bronze firemen go about their work on the square in the hippest part of Kreuzberg. With their large hands, wide mouths and huge noses, the sculptures look more like caricatures - but according to their creator Kurt Mühlenhaupt, it is precisely the noses that are supposed to ensure that they can smell fires particularly early.

Neptunbrunnen ("Neptune Fountain")

The Neptune Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in Berlin today was not initially meet with approval: the emperor Wilhelm I did not like it. The young sculptor Reinhold Begas submitted a first design as early as 1880, but construction did not begin until after the death of Wilhelm I. The fountain has only been at its current location opposite the Red City Hall since 1969; it originally stood in front of the Berlin Palace. Inspired by the sculptor's trip to Italy, the structure depicts the eponymous sea god among four women.

Hirschbrunnen ("Deer Fountain")

Even from a distance, you can see the gilded stag flashing through the trees in Rudolph-Wilde-Park. This fountain with its 10-meter-high column crowned by a golden stag is a popular meeting place in the Schöneberg park. The stag looks particularly atmospheric in the evening, when the fountain is bathed in light.

Fountain on Wittenbergplatz

In the immediate vicinity of the famous KaDeWe, two fountains embellish Wittenbergplatz. On both sides of Tauentzienstraße is a fountain and a small green area. The more interesting of the two is the fountain on the more relaxed south side of the square, called Lebensalterbrunnen. Several figures are grouped around the fountain in relaxed poses. The sculpture "Berliner Fenstergucker" is eyeing passers-by in the direction of the subway station.

Triton Fountain in Tiergarten

The oldest fountain in Tiergartenis not particularly large and somewhat hidden, but is all the more beautiful to look at. Very close to the Spree River, a few steps off John-Forster-Allee, stands the Triton Fountain. The sculpture of the Greek demigod holds a large fish in his arms, from whose mouth a high fountain gushes. The fountain is best reached on foot by taking a walk through the northern part of Tiergarten between the House of World Cultures and Bellevue Palace.