Schützenbrunnen (Marksman Fountain), Bern

Schützenbrunnen (Marksman Fountain), Bern

The Schützenbrunnen or Marksman Fountain was built between 1527-1543. Originally at the site was a wooden fountain and in 1527 it was replaced by a stone one. The statue in the fountain dates to 1543 and it shows an armed rifleman carrying the banner of the Society to Shooting in his right hand and a sword in his left hand. Between his legs a bear cub is holding a rifle. At fountain's original location the little bear's rifle aimed at the entrance of the former home of the Society to Shooting.

In 1558 the sword had to be repaired and in 1670 the column and the base of the fountain were replaced. In 1783/84 the fountain basin and the pedestal were replaced. In 1890 and 1939 the fountain was relocated twice. In the 1939 renovation, the fountain was also rotated 180 degree. At its current location, the little bear's rifle is badly off target, but it does not matter any more since the Society to Shooting had been dismantled back in 1799.

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Schützenbrunnen (Marksman Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Schützenbrunnen (Marksman 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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