Fountains and Statues Walking Tour (Self Guided), Bern

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 sculptures. The latter often included Biblical characters, historical figures, and folklore heroes, often brightly painted and recounting stories of the city. Some of these statues are over four-and-a-half-centuries old.

We start our exploration of local fountains with the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen), featuring a blindfolded Lady Justice with a sword and scales, symbolizing the city's commitment to fairness.

Next in line is the Banner Carrier Fountain (Vennerbrunnen) celebrating the city's banner bearers and depicting a knight holding the Bernese flag. Nearby, Lenbrunnen is the oldest preserved spring monument in Bern.

The Mosesbrunnen showcases Moses with the Ten Commandments, symbolizing the city's adherence to moral values. Samson Fountain (or Simsonbrunnen), in turn, depicts Samson slaying a lion, symbolizing strength and heroism.

The Zahringen Fountain (Zahringerbrunnen) honors the city's founder, Duke Berthold V of Zahringen. The Child Eater Fountain (or Kindlifresserbrunnen), further ahead, is a rather unusual one, with an ogre eating children, possibly symbolizing the threat of child mortality in the past.

The Marksman Fountain (Schützenbrunnen) displays a marksman with a crossbow, commemorating the city's medieval archers. The Anna Seiler Fountain (Anna-Seiler-Brunnen) honors Anna Seiler, a legendary Bernese figure.

Lastly, the Bagpiper Fountain (Pfeiferbrunnen) showcases a bagpiper and a jester, representing the city's love for music and entertainment.

These fountains and statues are not just static pieces of art but living symbols of the city's values and traditions. If you ever have the chance to visit Bern, make sure to explore these locations to gain a deeper appreciation of the city's heritage. Put on your walking shoes and take a stroll through Bern's charming streets to let these sculptures tell you their stories. Quite interesting!