Hercules Fountain
A magnificent Renaissance bronze fountain by Adriaen de Vries, depicting Hercules battling the Hydra, part of Augsburg's UNESCO water heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Hercules Fountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Renaissance bronze fountain by Adriaen de Vries, depicting Hercules battling the Hydra, part of Augsburg's UNESCO water heritage.
"A grand Renaissance monument with intricate details, symbolizing the triumph of order over chaos."
📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to notice the smaller figures and reliefs; they tell fascinating stories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Stroll Maximilianstraße
The fountain is part of a trio of 'splendid fountains' along this street. Explore them all! :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hercules Battling the Hydra
Centerpiece of the fountain
A powerful bronze sculpture depicting Hercules in combat with the multi-headed Hydra, a symbol of overcoming challenges.
Intricate Mythological Figures
Surrounding the central sculpture
Discover Naiads, sea gods, tritons, and playful putti, each adding a layer of artistry and storytelling.
Renaissance Craftsmanship
The entire fountain structure
Marvel at the 1596-1600 bronze casting by Adriaen de Vries, a testament to Renaissance artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Understand Its Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to notice the smaller figures and reliefs; they tell fascinating stories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Stroll Maximilianstraße
The fountain is part of a trio of 'splendid fountains' along this street. Explore them all! :world_map:
🏛️ Visit the Copy
A replica of the fountain can be found in the Maximilian Museum. :museum:
☀️ Enjoy Sunny Days
The bronze gleams beautifully under the sun, making sunny days ideal for viewing. 
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to notice the smaller figures and reliefs; they tell fascinating stories. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Stroll Maximilianstraße
The fountain is part of a trio of 'splendid fountains' along this street. Explore them all! :world_map:
🏛️ Visit the Copy
A replica of the fountain can be found in the Maximilian Museum. :museum:
☀️ Enjoy Sunny Days
The bronze gleams beautifully under the sun, making sunny days ideal for viewing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hercules Fountain as a magnificent Renaissance bronze monument, highlighting its intricate details and powerful depiction of Hercules battling the Hydra. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its central location on Maximilianstraße are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find it can get quite busy, especially on weekend evenings.
"The Hercules Fountain in Augsburg (Herkulesbrunnen) is a grand Renaissance monument by Adriaen de Vries, cast in bronze between 1596-1600 and erected in 1602. It features a 3-meter tall Hercules wielding a flaming club as he battles the seven-headed Hydra, symbolizing the conquering of untamed forces. Around him are Naiads, sea gods, tritons and playful putti, plus reliefs showing mythic and civic themes. It is located on Maximilianstraße in Augsburg and is one of three “Prachtbrunnen” (splendid fountains), all part of Augsburg’s UNESCO-designated water management heritage."
Rafa L.
"one of the Fountains designed by Elias Holl in the 17th century, it is placed before the Merkurbrunnen in the maximilian straße, on your way to the Dom."
david antoun
"A beautiful fountain with a stunning view of the church in the background. The fountain itself is worth a good look as there's plenty of details that may be missed on a casual viewing.
The fountain is very obvious popular amongst locals as it was difficult to get at it during the weekend evenings - which always bodes well for a tourist location!"
Nail C. “Nail C.”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hercules Fountain is centrally located on Maximilianstraße in Augsburg, Germany. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram lines stopping nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other city center attractions.
Parking is available in nearby parking garages, such as the Parkhaus am Moritzplatz or Parkhaus City-West. Street parking can be limited and is often metered.
Absolutely! The Hercules Fountain is a key stop on many historical walking tours of Augsburg, often highlighting its UNESCO World Heritage status.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Hercules Fountain is an outdoor public monument and can be viewed freely at any time.
To experience the fountain with fewer people, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekends, especially evenings, tend to be more popular with locals.
The fountain is located on a pedestrian-friendly street, Maximilianstraße, which is generally accessible. However, surrounding areas might have cobblestones.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
For dramatic lighting, try visiting during the golden hour – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This will give your photos a warm glow and fewer people will be around.
Experiment with different perspectives! Get close to capture the intricate details of Hercules and the Hydra, or step back to include the beautiful architecture of Maximilianstraße in the background.
Yes, the fountain is often illuminated at night, offering a different, atmospheric perspective for photography.
🎫 🏛️ History & Art
The Hercules Fountain was designed by the renowned sculptor Adriaen de Vries and cast in bronze between 1596 and 1600.
It symbolizes the triumph of order and civilization over untamed forces, with Hercules battling the seven-headed Hydra.
It's one of Augsburg's three 'splendid fountains' and a significant example of Renaissance bronze work, contributing to the city's UNESCO World Heritage water management system.
Yes, there are other fountains and artworks depicting Hercules in various locations, including Rome
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours to best see the bronze details. While there are no specific play areas directly at the fountain, its grandeur and the stories it tells can be a great educational and entertaining stop for children. Pack some snacks and enjoy the spectacle!
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Take your time to examine the various figures and reliefs, and consider visiting the nearby Maximilian Museum to see a copy of the fountain and learn more about Augsburg's rich past. Understanding the symbolism of Hercules and the Hydra will greatly enhance your appreciation of this magnificent monument.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm light that enhances the details and minimizes harsh shadows. Experiment with different focal lengths: a wide-angle lens can capture the fountain within its urban context on Maximilianstraße, while a telephoto lens can isolate the powerful figures of Hercules and the Hydra. Don't forget to look for the smaller mythological figures and reliefs for unique close-up shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Adriaen de Vries
Beyond the main protagonists, the fountain is adorned with a rich array of mythological figures. Naiads, sea gods, tritons, and playful putti populate the base, each meticulously crafted. These elements, along with the detailed reliefs depicting mythic and civic themes, transform the fountain into a complex narrative sculpture. It's this level of detail that many visitors find captivating, encouraging a closer look.
De Vries's work on the Hercules Fountain solidified its place as one of Augsburg's three 'Prachtbrunnen' (splendid fountains), contributing significantly to the city's UNESCO-designated water management heritage. The fountain's enduring beauty and artistic merit continue to draw admiration centuries later.
Augsburg's UNESCO Water Heritage
As one of the three 'splendid fountains' on Maximilianstraße, the Hercules Fountain stands alongside the Merkurbrunnen and the Augustusbrunnen. These fountains were not merely decorative; they were functional elements of the city's water supply and served as public gathering points. The Hercules Fountain, in particular, was erected in 1602, a significant period in the city's development.
Visiting the Hercules Fountain offers a glimpse into this rich history. The surrounding Maximilianstraße, with its grand buildings, further enhances the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical context and the enduring legacy of Augsburg's water management ingenuity.
Beyond Augsburg: Other Hercules Depictions
Further afield, the Royal Palace in Visegrád, Hungary, boasts a Renaissance-era Hercules Fountain, showcasing the hero's enduring appeal in art and architecture.
Even ancient Roman sites offer connections; a bronze fountain depicting the Lernaean Hydra, famously slain by Hercules, was discovered at Herculaneum, a town named after the hero himself. These diverse interpretations highlight Hercules's status as a universal symbol of strength, courage, and overcoming adversity, resonating with cultures and artists throughout history.
+2
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit