Klenkes, Architectural structure in city center, Aachen, Germany.
Klenkes is a metal monument in the city center showing a hand with an outstretched little finger. It stands at the intersection of Holzgraben street and immediately catches the eye with its simple yet striking form.
The monument remembers Aachen's needle manufacturing industry from the 1800s, which was the city's largest trade at that time. Workers sorted broken needles with their little fingers, and this practical gesture evolved into a local greeting custom.
The extended little finger is a traditional greeting that has become part of Aachen's local identity. You can still see residents using this gesture, which makes the monument a living symbol of community connection.
The monument sits at Holzgraben street 11 in the center and is free to visit throughout the year. The Elisenbrunnen transit stop nearby makes it easy to reach by public transport.
Few visitors realize that this little finger gesture is still actively used by Aachen residents as a real greeting today, not just a historical memory. This makes the monument more than just a sculpture – it is a sign of a living local tradition.
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