Zahringerbrunnen (Zahringen Fountain), Bern
It should not surprise anyone that there is a fountain dedicated to the founder of Bern, Berchtold von Zahringer.
The Zahringerbrunnen (Zahringen Fountain) was built in 1535 as a memorial to Berchtold von Zahringer. According to legend, Zahringer was searching for a site to build a city and said he would name the city after the first animal he killed during a hunting expedition. He killed a bear on the Aare peninsula where he later built the city and named it Bern, or Bear in German.
The statue is a bear in full armor, with another bear cub at his feet. The armored bear carries a shield and a banner, both emblazoned with the Zahringen lion.
The basin below the fountain bore the date 1542 until 1889. 1889 was the year when the entire basin was replaced, and the column and figure were repainted. The current basin is an exact replica of basin under Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain).
The Zahringerbrunnen (Zahringen Fountain) was built in 1535 as a memorial to Berchtold von Zahringer. According to legend, Zahringer was searching for a site to build a city and said he would name the city after the first animal he killed during a hunting expedition. He killed a bear on the Aare peninsula where he later built the city and named it Bern, or Bear in German.
The statue is a bear in full armor, with another bear cub at his feet. The armored bear carries a shield and a banner, both emblazoned with the Zahringen lion.
The basin below the fountain bore the date 1542 until 1889. 1889 was the year when the entire basin was replaced, and the column and figure were repainted. The current basin is an exact replica of basin under Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain).
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Zahringerbrunnen (Zahringen Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Zahringerbrunnen (Zahringen 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
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
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
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
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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...