Heinzelmännchenbrunnen
Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, Fountain in Altstadt-Nord, Cologne, Germany.
The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is a neo-classical fountain in Cologne's old town center standing about 7 meters high, built from sandstone, limestone, granite, and wrought iron. Its design features eight relief panels showing different craftspeople and narrative details that illustrate the local legend.
Built in 1899 by sculptor Edmund Renard and architect Heinrich Renard, the fountain was commissioned to mark the 100th birthday of the Silesian poet August Kopisch, who made the Heinzelmännchen legend widely known. The project was initiated by Cologne's Beautification Association, an organization dedicated to improving the city's public spaces.
The fountain depicts scenes from the Cologne legend of helpful household spirits who worked secretly at night in people's homes. These carved panels have shaped how locals and visitors understand this famous local tale.
The fountain is located in the old town center near Cologne Cathedral and is easily reached by public transit. Its stepped design makes wheelchair access difficult, something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
The back of the fountain features an owl holding a magnifying glass over an open book, a mysterious detail that represents curiosity and knowledge. This hidden figure often goes unnoticed even though it subtly reflects how the household spirits were discovered through someone's prying eyes.
Location: Altstadt-Nord
Inception: 1900
Creator: Heinrich Renard, Edmund Renard
Height: 700 cm
Length: 750 cm
Width: 2,650 cm
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Made from material: sandstone, limestone, granite, wrought iron
Address: Am Hof 12-14, 50667 Köln, Germany
GPS coordinates: 50.93992,6.95733
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:01
Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, has stood on the banks of the Rhine for over two thousand years. This collection presents the main monuments, museums, and sites that trace the city's history from Roman times to the present day. The Gothic cathedral dominates the city center with its two 157-meter-tall towers, while remnants of medieval fortifications, such as the Hahnen Gate, testify to the defensive past of the city. The museums in Cologne offer a journey through the centuries. The Roman-Germanic Museum displays Dionysus’ mosaic and archaeological remains of the Roman colonia. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum houses seven centuries of European painting, from the Middle Ages to Impressionism. The Museum Ludwig contains one of the largest collections of pop art outside the United States, including major works by Warhol and Lichtenstein. The Nazi Documentation Center, located in the former Gestapo headquarters, documents the period from 1933 to 1945. The Chocolate Museum traces the history of cacao from Central America, while the Farina House remembers that Cologne has given its name to a world-famous fragrance since the 18th century.
Petersglocke
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Cathedral Window
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Romano-Germanic Museum
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Bells of Cologne Cathedral
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Crossing tower of Cologne Cathedral
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Funkhaus Wallrafplatz
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Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cologne
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Dom-Hotel
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Dionysosmosaik
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Finials of Cologne Cathedral
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Organs of Cologne Cathedral
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Blau-Gold-Haus
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Bayernfenster
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Domforum
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Pfaffenpforte
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Statue of St. Christophorus in Cologne Cathedral
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Taubenbrunnen
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Haus Saaleck
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Jüngeres Bibelfenster
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Gaea II
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Columne pro Caelo
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Ferdinand Franz Wallraf by Wilhelm Albermann
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Domfontäne
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Petrusbrunnen
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Kurienhaus
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Nave organ of the Cologne Cathedral (Klais 1998)
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Rathausbrunnen
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Balkonbrüstung
143 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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