Ostermannbrunnen, Fountain in Altstadt-Nord, Cologne, Germany.
The Ostermannbrunnen stands as a sculptural fountain crafted from shell limestone by artist Willy Klein, featuring fifteen figures representing characters from Willi Ostermann's beloved Cologne folk songs arranged around a triangular base with water features.
Inaugurated on February 16, 1939, during Weiberfastnacht carnival celebrations, this memorial fountain was created to honor the memory of popular Cologne songwriter Willi Ostermann, who died in 1936 and left behind a legacy of traditional carnival music.
The fountain serves as a central symbol of Cologne's carnival tradition and folk music heritage, with its sculptural figures depicting characters like 'Et Billa' and 'De Tant' from Ostermann's famous songs that continue to be sung during carnival season.
Located on Ostermannplatz in the historic old town district, the fountain is easily accessible by public transportation and remains freely available to visitors throughout the year, with regular maintenance provided by the Willi Ostermann Society.
Each November 11th, the fountain becomes the ceremonial starting point for Cologne's carnival season, where local carnival societies gather with their flags and the traditional song 'Heimweh nach Kölle' is performed by children's choirs.
Location: Altstadt-Nord
Inception: February 16, 1939
Address: Köln-Altstadt-Nord, 50667 Cologne, Germany 50667 Cologne
Website: http://denkmalplatz.de/willi-ostermann-brunnen-in-koeln
GPS coordinates: 50.93780,6.96089
Latest update: September 4, 2025 13:01
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.
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