Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain), Bern

Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain), Bern

The Samson Fountain (Simsonbrunnen), located on Kramgasse in the Old City of Bern, is a historic and culturally significant monument. Constructed in 1544 by Hans Gieng, the fountain is declared a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance. Additionally, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern.

The fountain's central figure is the biblical hero Samson, depicted in Roman attire, embodying the Renaissance-era valorization of strength. Dramatically, the statue shows Samson tearing apart the mouth of a lion, a direct reference to the biblical story from Judges 14:5-20, where Samson is granted immense strength under the vow of abstaining from alcohol and never cutting his hair. This divine gift is illustrated as Samson overpowers the lion on his way to marry a Philistine woman, an act that later prompts a conflict with the Philistines.

A noteworthy detail on the fountain is the inclusion of a weapon and butcher’s tools on Samson’s belt, hinting at the fountain’s likely patronage by the Butcher’s Guild. This connection is underscored by the fountain's early nickname, the "Butcher’s Fountain," a title it held until it was renamed to Samson Fountain about 150 years later. This renaming reflects a broader recognition of the fountain's thematic and artistic representation of Samson's story and its significance within the heritage of 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.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain)
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

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.
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

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

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bern Introduction Walking Tour

Bern Introduction Walking Tour

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
Bern's Historical Churches

Bern's Historical Churches

They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.

Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Swiss Sweets and Pastries

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...