The Mischievous Schängel Fountain

Meet the Schängel Fountain in Koblenz: a whimsical landmark embodying the city's playful spirit and rich history, where a mischievous bronze boy playfully surprises visitors with a splash of water.

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Schängel Fountain

The Schängel Fountain, a beloved landmark in Koblenz, Germany, captures the city's playful spirit. Located in Willi-Hörter-Platz, in the town hall courtyard, the fountain features a bronze statue of a mischievous boy, the 'Schängel,' who playfully spits water at unsuspecting passersby. Designed by Carl Burger in 1940, the fountain commemorates Josef Cornelius, a local poet who penned the 'Schängellied,' Koblenz's anthem. The Schängel represents the wit and Rhenish character of the Koblenz people. The fountain stands amidst Renaissance and Baroque architecture, offering a delightful blend of art, history, and humor. Be prepared for a refreshing surprise!

A brief summary to Schängel Fountain

Willi-Hörter-Platz, Koblenz, 56068, DE

Local tips

Be prepared to get splashed! The Schängel Fountain's mischievous statue spits water unexpectedly.
Explore the surrounding Old Town for charming shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
Visit the fountain during sunset for beautiful lighting and photo opportunities.
Learn the history of the 'Schängel' nickname to understand the fountain's cultural significance.
Combine your visit with a trip to Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.

Getting There

Walking

From Zentralplatz/Forum, a central transport hub, walk northeast towards Willi-Hörter-Platz. The fountain is located in the town hall courtyard, a short walk from the main square. Look for the Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the former Jesuit College; the fountain is situated within this complex.
Public Transport

From Koblenz Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus line 1 or 8 towards 'Koblenz Stadtmitte'. Get off at the 'Willi-Hörter-Platz' stop. The fountain is directly in front of you once you exit the bus. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.80.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Koblenz Hauptbahnhof to Willi-Hörter-Platz will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €8-€12. Ask the driver to take you to the Rathaus (town hall).
Driving

If driving, navigate to Willi-Hörter-Platz, 56068 Koblenz. Parking is available in nearby parking garages such as Parkhaus am Deutschen Eck or the Schängel-Center parking garage. Parking fees typically range from €1.50 to €2.50 per hour.

Discover more about Schängel Fountain

The Schängel Fountain, or Schängelbrunnen in German, is more than just a water feature; it's a symbol of Koblenz, embodying the city's history, humor, and unique identity. Located in the heart of the old town on Willi-Hörter-Platz, the fountain stands proudly in the town hall courtyard, surrounded by the architectural grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The fountain's central figure is the 'Schängel,' a bronze statue of a mischievous young boy designed by Carl Burger in 1940. This playful character isn't just for show; every few minutes, he unexpectedly spits a jet of water at those who gather around the fountain, much to the amusement (or occasional surprise) of visitors. This quirky feature has made the Schängel Fountain a must-see attraction and a source of endless fun. The Schängel figure is deeply rooted in Koblenz's history. The name 'Schängel' originated during the period when Koblenz was under French rule (1794-1813). During this time, many children were born to German mothers and French soldiers and were often named Jean (French for John). In the local Koblenz dialect, 'Jean' evolved into 'Schang,' and eventually into 'Schängel,' a diminutive and somewhat endearing term. Over time, 'Schängel' became a nickname for the people of Koblenz, representing their resilience, wit, and unique Rhenish character. The fountain is dedicated to Josef Cornelius, a local poet who wrote the 'Schängellied,' the anthem of Koblenz. This song further cemented the Schängel's place in the city's identity, celebrating the spirit of the Koblenz people. The base of the fountain features bas-reliefs depicting young boys engaged in various acts of mischief, such as smoking, fighting, and teasing elders. These scenes further emphasize the Schängel's mischievous nature and his connection to the everyday life of the city. Visiting the Schängel Fountain offers more than just a photo opportunity. It's a chance to connect with the history and spirit of Koblenz. The fountain's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's other attractions, such as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The area around the fountain is often bustling with activity, with street performers, local vendors, and cafes adding to the lively atmosphere. It's a perfect place to relax, soak in the ambiance, and observe the daily life of Koblenz. While in Koblenz, be sure to explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and numerous shops and restaurants. Visit the Basilica of St. Castor, the city's oldest church, and the Liebfrauenkirche, known for its distinctive onion-domed towers. Don't miss the History Column at Görresplatz, which depicts the 2000-year history of Koblenz in ten scenes. The Schängel Fountain is more than just a fountain; it's a symbol of Koblenz's identity, a reminder of its history, and a celebration of its unique character. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and quirky attraction, the Schängel Fountain is sure to delight and surprise you. Koblenz offers a blend of historical significance and modern charm. The city's location at the confluence of two major rivers has made it an important strategic and trading center for centuries. Its rich history is reflected in its architecture, its culture, and its people. From the Roman era to the Middle Ages, through the French occupation and the World Wars, Koblenz has witnessed many significant events. Today, it is a vibrant city that embraces its past while looking towards the future. Whether you're strolling along the Rhine Promenade, exploring the Old Town, or enjoying the views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. And at the heart of it all stands the Schängel Fountain, a mischievous reminder of the city's unique spirit and enduring charm. So, come to Koblenz, explore its history, enjoy its culture, and be prepared to be surprised by the Schängel Fountain. It's an experience you won't soon forget. The Schängel Fountain is a landmark of the city of Koblenz that stands in the Willi-Hörter-Platz square, today's town hall courtyard, surrounded by the Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the Jesuit ensemble. It was designed by Carl Burger in 1940 and is dedicated to the Koblenz regional poet Josef Cornelius (1849-1943), who wrote the lyrics to the well-known Schängellied, the anthem of the people of Koblenz. The term Schängel has its origins in the 20-year affiliation (1794-1813) of the city of Koblenz to France. It refers to the German-French children born during this period, who were often named Jean (German: Johann or Hans). Due to the dialect of Koblenz, "Jean" usually became "Schang". Over time, this eventually developed into Schängel, a trivialisation of Schang. Today, all native Koblenzers consider themselves Schängel and love the little guy who stands for wit, quick-wittedness and the Rhenish way of life.

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Brunnen zur Stadtentwicklung, Koblenz - Willi Heinzen (1992)

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The Mischievous Schängel Fountain

A brief summary to Schängel Fountain

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Schängel Fountain

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Schängel Fountain

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Jesuitenpl.

Barmherzige Brüder von Maria-Hilf - Peter Friedhofen Haus

Josef-Görres-Platz

Familienbrunnen (Brunnen der Generationen), Koblenz - Rudi Scheuermann (1980)

Altstadt Koblenz

Clemensbrunnen, Koblenz - Clemens Wenzeslaus von Sachsen (1791)

Brunnen zur Stadtentwicklung, Koblenz - Willi Heinzen (1992)

Münzpl.

Stadtarchiv Koblenz

Peter-Altmeier-Denkmal

Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz

Portal des ehemaligen Dominikanerklosters

Erfinderbrunnen, Koblenz - Prof. Gernot Rumpf (1983)

Richter spielgeräte GmbH

Denkmal der deutschen Einheit

Unmissable attractions to see

Rathaus Koblenz

Johannes-Müller-Denkmal in Koblenz

Ort der Kinderrechte / Stele

Jesuitenplatz

Citykirche am Jesuitenplatz

Brunnen

Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)

Görresplatz

History Column

Denkmal- Engel der Kulturen

Mittelrheinmuseum Koblenz

Florinskirche

Zentralpl.

Turmuhr und Augenroller

Altes Kaufhaus

Essential places to dine

ALEX Koblenz

Einstein Koblenz

Restaurant Havana - Koblenz

Altes Brauhaus

Suvarnabhumi - Thai Spezialitäten

Saphir Koblenz

Restaurant Verbene

Alt Coblenz

Genusswerkstatt

Gretchens Restaurant Koblenz Altstadt - Koblenz

Café Bistro Pfefferminzje

adaccio

Hans im Glück Burgergrill

Restaurante/Bistro Dormonts

Trattoria da Raffaele

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Wolford Partner Boutique Koblenz

Boutiquen Isolde GmbH

Unicorn Koblenz

Commes GmbH

Bathroom

Zweite Liebe - Fashion Outlet Boutique

YASI WHO...?

Bazaar of Wunderbar

G-Star

Kunstgässchen Koblenz

World - luxury fashion store

Vanezia Concept Store

Forum Mittelrhein Koblenz

C&A

NEW YORKER

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Daddy-O's - Koblenz

Mephisto - Koblenz