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Fischpüddelchen: Aachen's cheeky fountain
Aachen's iconic fountain featuring a nude boy holding fish, the Fischpüddelchen has a surprising and controversial history in the heart of the city.
The Fischpüddelchen, a bronze fountain figure of a nude boy holding two fish, stands in Aachen's Fischmarkt. Originally erected in 1911, the statue caused controversy due to its nudity and was even hidden for a time. The original was melted down during World War II and replaced with a replica in 1954.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Fischpüddelchen
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Fischmarkt 1, Aachen, 52062, DE
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Getting There
Walking
The Fischpüddelchen is located in the Altstadt (old city) on the Fischmarkt, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Aachen Cathedral, walk towards the Rathaus (city hall); the Fischpüddelchen is a short walk from there. No costs involved.
Public Transport
The Fischpüddelchen is accessible via public transport. Take a bus to the Bushof station, which is a central hub. From there, it's a short walk to the Fischmarkt. Alternatively, you can take the train to Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main station) and then take a bus or walk to the Fischmarkt. A single bus fare within the Aachener Verkehrsverbund (AVV) is around €3.
Parking
If driving, parking is available in several car parks in the city center. Car park Rathaus is located close to the Rathaus. Car park Am Dom is another option, located a few minutes' walk from the Aachen Cathedral and the Fischmarkt. Expect to pay around €2.50 per hour for parking. Note that Aachen has a low emission zone, so ensure your vehicle has a green sticker or an exemption.
Local tips
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Take a photo with the Fischpüddelchen, a beloved symbol of Aachen.
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Explore the Fischmarkt and surrounding Altstadt (old city) for shops and restaurants.
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Visit the Aachen Cathedral, located nearby, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover more about Fischpüddelchen
The Fischpüddelchen (Fish Püddelchen) is a fountain located on the Fischmarkt (fish market) in Aachen, Germany. The name "Püddelchen" comes from the local dialect and means a small naked child. The fountain features a bronze sculpture of a nude boy holding a large fish in each hand. The water flows from the mouths of the fish into basins below.
The Fischpüddelchen was originally created in 1911 by Hugo Lederer, who gifted it to the city as compensation for a delay in completing the Kaiser Friedrich III equestrian statue. The statue's nudity caused controversy, leading to its removal and hiding in 1917. Although city officials later approved its reinstallation, it wasn't until 1933 that it was returned to its original location.
During World War II, the Fischpüddelchen was melted down for the war effort. In 1954, Heinrich-Clemens Dick created a replica of the statue, which was placed back on the Fischmarkt. Dick's seven-year-old son served as the model for the replica. Today, the Fischpüddelchen is a beloved symbol of Aachen, though many visitors may not know its turbulent history.
A brief summary to Fischpüddelchen
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