Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain), Bern

Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain), Bern

The Bagpiper Fountain (Pfeiferbrunnen) is a celebrated piece of Bern's historical and cultural heritage, situated in the charming Old City. This 16th-century fountain, which was crafted by Swiss Renaissance sculptor Hans Gieng in 1545-46, stands out as one of the city’s most original and vibrant fountains. The design of the Bagpiper statue was inspired by a 1514 woodcut by the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer.

Characterized by its colorful figures, the fountain depicts a cheerful scene where a bagpiper, accompanied by a golden goose and a small monkey playing the flageolet, jovially performs. This assembly is symbolic, celebrating themes of cheerfulness, life, music, dance, and culinary delights. Such themes were typical of the era and resonated with the social activities around fountains, which were vital communal spots in medieval Bern.

Originally, the Pfeiferbrunnen was located in front of Gasthaus zum Kreuz, a guesthouse that catered to traveling minstrels who were the entertainers of the medieval period, often sharing songs and stories of far-off places and events. The choice of a bagpiper as the fountain's centerpiece is likely a nod to these minstrels and the stories they brought with them.

The current basin of the fountain dates back to 1889, and in 1919, the fountain was moved to its present location at Spitalgasse 21, a shift from its original placement. This relocation was part of broader urban adjustments, yet the fountain has continued to be a prominent cultural landmark.

The Bagpiper Fountain is not just an artistic expression; it's also listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This status underscores the fountain's importance in Swiss cultural heritage, preserving its historical value and continuing to be a point of interest and enjoyment for both locals and visitors in Bern.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland

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Create Your Own Walk in Bern

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With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.

Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate...  view more

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Bern Introduction Walking Tour

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The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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