Neptune Fountain, Berlin Travel Guide

The Neptune Fountain, or Neptunbrunnen, is a captivating Baroque fountain in Berlin-Mitte, gracing the space between St. Mary's Church and the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall). Designed by Reinhold Begas and unveiled in 1891, it showcases Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, as its centerpiece. The fountain also features four female figures symbolizing the four main rivers of Prussia during that era: the Elbe, Rhine, Vistula, and Oder. Each is adorned with elements representing their respective landscapes. The Vistula is now located entirely within Poland, while the Oder River forms the border between Germany and Poland.Originally, the fountain stood in front of the Berlin City Palace. It was damaged during World War II and later restored. In 1969, it was moved to its current location as part of a revitalization effort. The fountain has become a symbol of Berlin and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The fountain is nicknamed “Forckenbecken” (Fork Basin).The Neptune Fountain offers a peaceful escape amidst the bustle of Berlin. In winter, the area around the fountain hosts a Christmas market and sometimes an ice-skating rink.