Bahkauv statue, Aachen

Bahkauv Statue comes from a local folk legend about a creature known as the Bahkauv or Bachkalb, meaning “stream calf” or “brook calf.” Stories say it lived in sewers and near thermal springs during the Middle Ages. Unlike many fear-based legends, this one had a specific target: drunken men walking home late at night. According to folklore, the creature would jump onto their backs and force them to carry it home.

A key detail in the story is how the Bahkauv behaved once on its victim’s back. If the man prayed, the creature became heavier; if he cursed, it grew lighter. This made escape difficult and added a moral twist to the tale. The legend also worked as a social excuse—men who returned home late and without money could blame the Bahkauv, claiming it had “robbed” them rather than admitting they had spent their wages on drink.

The current bronze statue was installed in 1967 and made by sculptor Kurt-Wolf von Borries. It replaced an earlier version from 1902, which was melted down during World War II. The sculpture shows the creature with sharp fangs and a scaly tail, mixing different animal features. Today, it is seen with humor and is a common photo stop.