Heinzelmännchenbrunnen: A Whimsical Tribute to Cologne's Gnomes
Discover the enchanting Heinzelmännchenbrunnen in Cologne, a whimsical fountain that brings to life the legend of the city's industrious house gnomes and their fateful encounter with a curious tailor's wife.
The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, or Pixies' Fountain, is a captivating monument in Cologne that immortalizes the legend of the Heinzelmännchen, the city's industrious house gnomes. According to folklore, these tiny creatures secretly performed tasks at night, from baking bread to crafting shoes, until a tailor's wife's curiosity led to their departure. Erected in 1901, the fountain, located near the Cologne Cathedral and the Früh brewery, features intricate sculptures depicting the gnomes at work and the inquisitive tailor's wife. The fountain serves as a reminder of Cologne's rich folklore and its unique cultural identity. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings, read the poem that immortalized the legend, and reflect on the themes of curiosity and diligence. The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is a must-see attraction for those seeking to connect with Cologne's enchanting past and experience the city's whimsical spirit.
A brief summary to Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, Köln - Edmund Renard
- Am Hof 12-14, Cologne, Innenstadt, 50667, DE
Local tips
- Visit during the day to fully appreciate the intricate details of the fountain's sculptures and carvings.
- Read the poem inscribed on the fountain to learn the full story of the Heinzelmännchen and the tailor's wife.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Cologne Cathedral and Früh brewery for a complete Cologne experience.
Getting There
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Walking
The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is centrally located in Cologne's Altstadt (Old Town) and is easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions. From the Cologne Cathedral, walk south towards the Dom/Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and then turn left onto Am Hof. The fountain is located a short distance down the street, next to the Früh brewery. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and offers views of the city's historic architecture.
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Public Transport
The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is well-served by public transportation. Take tram lines 5, 16, 17, 18, or 19 to the Dom/Hauptbahnhof stop. From there, exit the station and walk south towards the Cologne Cathedral. Turn left onto Am Hof, and the fountain will be a short walk down the street. Alternatively, take bus line 132 to the Dom stop, which is also a short walk from the fountain. A single ticket for public transport within Cologne costs approximately €3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Cologne. A taxi ride from the Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen will take approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around €8-€12. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt are also available and may offer slightly lower fares.
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Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is limited and can be expensive. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, including Parkhaus Am Dom and Parkhaus Groß St. Martin. Hourly parking rates typically range from €3 to €5, with daily maximums ranging from €20 to €30. Consider using a Park and Ride (P+R) facility outside the city center and taking public transport to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Discover more about Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, Köln - Edmund Renard
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