Läuferbrunnen, Renaissance fountain in Mattequartier, Switzerland.
Description
Läuferbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain made of limestone and bronze located in Bern's Mattequartier. Water flows from multiple spouts into a stone basin, with intricate sculptural details throughout its structure.
History
Hans Gieng created this fountain in 1545 as Bern expanded its public water infrastructure throughout the city. The piece reflects the artistic approach Bern took when building its network of community water sources.
Culture
The name refers to a runner, reflecting how this water source served the community's everyday needs in the Old City. Such fountains functioned as gathering spots where locals would meet while collecting water for their households.
Practical
This fountain is located in the Mattequartier and offers a convenient spot for visitors exploring the Old City to stop and drink fresh water. The location is easily reached on foot and sits along paths that travelers naturally encounter while walking through historic streets.
Did you know?
This fountain is protected as a Swiss cultural property of national significance and forms part of Bern's Old City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This high status reveals how much Switzerland values Renaissance water sources as expressions of its artistic and craftsmanship heritage.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bern).
Bear pit
225 m
Nydeggbrücke
163 m
Untertorbrücke
62 m
Nydegg church
86 m
Nydegg Castle
78 m
Felsenburg
101 m
Zähringer memorial
103 m
Mahogany Hall
143 m
Bear pit
230 m
BärenPark Bern
201 m
Balancing bear
208 m
Landhausbrunnen
109 m
Fasshaus fountain
136 m
Former Gasthof Klösterli
146 m
Fountain Muristalden
233 m
Fountain Nydegghöfli
115 m
Mattenengebrunnen
118 m
Castle well Nydegghof
73 m
Untertorbrücke and Felsenburg
85 m
Counter flow in the river
188 m
Ländtetor
71 m
Niche fountain Junkerngasse
195 m
Bear pit
222 m
Scenes from the New Testament
91 m
Ländtetor
76 m
Scenes from the Passion of Christ
101 m
Camonet
228 m
Nydegghof
86 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes