
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.
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.
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 iTunes 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.
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:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland and the eponymous German-speaking canton, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces the 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 killed on the hunt, which... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches
Bern has an impressive number of historical churches that span several centuries, each featuring a unique architectural style, beautiful paintings and interior decorations. Take this self guided walking tour to visit the most important historical churches and cathedrals where Bern residents go to pray and express their religious beliefs.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in its Old City alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During the medieval time, the local life revolved around fountains since they provided water to residents and served as public places for news exchange and social gatherings.
Bernese used to decorate their fountains and built elaborate statues in the middle of them.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bernese used to decorate their fountains and built elaborate statues in the middle of them.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Swiss Sweets and Pastries
Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...