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Wörtherseemandl Fountain: A Klagenfurt Legend

Discover the legend of Lake Wörthersee at Klagenfurt's iconic Wörtherseemandl Fountain, a bronze masterpiece by Heinz Goll on Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz.

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The Wörtherseemandl Fountain, a bronze sculpture created in 1962 by Heinz Goll, stands on Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz in Klagenfurt. It depicts a small man from local folklore who is said to have created Lake Wörthersee. The fountain serves as a reminder of the legend and a warning against hubris.

A brief summary to Wörtherseemandl fountain

  • Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, 9020, AT

Local tips

  • Take a moment to read the marble plaque next to the fountain to understand the legend of the Wörtherseemandl and the creation of Lake Wörthersee.
  • Visit the fountain as part of a walking tour of Klagenfurt, as it is conveniently located near other historical sites like the Landhaus and Klagenfurt Cathedral.
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz, with its charming cafes, restaurants, and shops.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Klagenfurt's city center, walk south along the pedestrian zone (Kärntnertor). Continue to the main square and the Dragon Fountain. Turn left onto Bahnhofstraße and walk for about 10 minutes until you reach Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz. The Wörtherseemandl Fountain is easily visible in the square. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus line 42 towards 'Pörtschach am Wörthersee'. Get off at the 'Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz' stop. The Wörtherseemandl Fountain is a short walk from the bus stop in the square. Tickets can be purchased via the KlagenfurtMobil app or directly from the bus driver. A short-trip ticket for two neighboring zones costs approximately €2.

  • Driving

    Navigate to Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. Limited short-term parking is available in the surrounding area. Parking fees are approximately €0.90 per 30 minutes, Monday to Friday 8 am-6 pm and Saturday 8 am-12 pm. Sundays and public holidays are free. All-day parking is available on some streets on the edge of the short-term parking zone for €7.

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Discover more about Wörtherseemandl fountain

The Wörtherseemandl Fountain is located on Dr.-Arthur-Lemisch-Platz in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee and stands as a captivating testament to local folklore and artistic expression. Created in 1962 by the Klagenfurt artist and sculptor Heinz Goll, this bronze fountain depicts the Wörtherseemandl, a small man forever linked to the legend of Lake Wörthersee's dramatic origin. The fountain's central figure, the Wörtherseemandl, is portrayed carrying a barrel, an object of immense significance in the local legend. According to the tale, a prosperous city once occupied the area now covered by the lake. However, the city's inhabitants grew increasingly dissolute, prioritizing wealth and indulgence over faith and piety. As their wickedness escalated, the Wörtherseemandl appeared, carrying a small barrel and imploring the townspeople to repent and fulfill their Christian obligations. Ignoring his warnings and mocking his pleas, the citizens continued their sinful revelry. Enraged by their obstinacy, the Wörtherseemandl opened his barrel, unleashing a torrential flood that engulfed the city, drowning its inhabitants and giving rise to Lake Wörthersee. The fountain serves as a constant reminder of this cautionary tale, a symbol of remembrance, and a warning against hubris and moral decay. The legend is briefly inscribed on a marble plaque adjacent to the fountain. The fountain's design, with the perpetually flowing water, symbolizes the unending consequences of the townspeople's actions and the enduring presence of the lake itself. The Wörtherseemandl fountain has become an iconic symbol of Klagenfurt, appearing on postcards and in travel brochures. It represents the city's unique blend of history, legend, and artistic expression and is a source of local pride.

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