Kindlifresserbrunnen
Bern's iconic 'Child-Eater Fountain,' a 16th-century sculpture with a chilling tale and debated symbolism. A must-see landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Kindlifresserbrunnen
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bern's iconic 'Child-Eater Fountain,' a 16th-century sculpture with a chilling tale and debated symbolism. A must-see landmark.
"A scary sculpture that will easily catch your attention when you're there. "
📸 Capture the Detail
The intricate carvings are fascinating. Get up close to appreciate the artistry of this unique statue.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
This fountain is one of many historical gems in Bern's UNESCO site. Allow time to wander and discover more.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 822 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Child-Eater Statue
Marktgasse
A chillingly detailed sculpture of an ogre devouring a child, with more in his bag. A true conversation starter.
Historical Significance
Bern Old Town
One of Bern's iconic 'colored fountains,' offering a glimpse into 16th-century artistry and local lore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Macabre
Part of a Larger Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Detail
The intricate carvings are fascinating. Get up close to appreciate the artistry of this unique statue.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
This fountain is one of many historical gems in Bern's UNESCO site. Allow time to wander and discover more.
5 days in Switzerland from Zurich to Geneva - Itinerary suggestions!
Hello! I'm visiting Switzerland this year on my way to Portugal. At the moment I have nothing planned for 6 days but I need to get from Prague to Geneva. I was thinking about breaking up the journey from Prague by spending a night in Munich and then hopefully a full day in…
🤔 Ponder the Meaning
Theories abound about its symbolism. It's a great spot to discuss local legends and history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Detail
The intricate carvings are fascinating. Get up close to appreciate the artistry of this unique statue.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
This fountain is one of many historical gems in Bern's UNESCO site. Allow time to wander and discover more.
🤔 Ponder the Meaning
Theories abound about its symbolism. It's a great spot to discuss local legends and history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kindlifresserbrunnen a striking and memorable stop in Bern's Old Town, known for its detailed, albeit unsettling, depiction of an ogre and child. While its macabre theme is a point of fascination, some find it a bit disturbing. It's considered a key part of Bern's unique 'colored fountains' and a great conversation starter about local history and folklore.
"The ‘Child-Eater Fountain’ is the fifth of eleven colored figure fountains you will encounter when starting your UNESCO World Heritage Site zigzag discovery tour through Bern's old town from the railway station.
The fountain is a popular selfie spot for visitors of all kinds and features a seated ogre devouring a naked child. Placed at his side is a bag containing more children.
While there are many theories out there about the true meaning of this depiction, the one I find most pertinent is that the eight children on the fountain represent the eight cantons of the Old Swiss Confederacy and the ogre an enemy trying to gobble up the cantons. But we’ll probably never know for sure."
Christian Tohmé
"At the east end of Marktgasse, you'd find a painted fountain sculpture that was created in the 15th century, displaying an ogre eating a child whilst his other hand holding a bag of children that were going to be his food. There have been many theories of what this sculpture represents but no one could confirm.
It's a scary sculpture that will easily catch your attention when you're there."
Ken K
"The child eater. Must visit"
Diana Ayache
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kindlifresserbrunnen is located in the heart of Bern's Old Town, easily accessible on foot. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Bern station through the charming streets.
Yes, Bern's Old Town is very walkable and well-served by public transport. Trams and buses stop frequently near the main shopping streets where the fountain is located.
Driving directly to the fountain is not recommended as Bern's Old Town is largely pedestrianized. There are several parking garages nearby, such as the Rathaus Parking, from which you can walk to the fountain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kindlifresserbrunnen is an outdoor public fountain and can be viewed freely at any time. It's part of the city's historical streetscape.
As an outdoor monument, the Kindlifresserbrunnen is accessible 24/7. However, it is best viewed during daylight hours for optimal visibility and photography.
There is no admission fee to see the Kindlifresserbrunnen. It is a free public attraction within Bern's Old Town.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and reducing crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
No, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
Try capturing the full statue from a slight distance to include its context within the street, and then get closer to highlight the detailed, albeit macabre, features of the ogre and child.
🎫 🤔 History & Lore
The Kindlifresserbrunnen, or 'Child-Eater Fountain,' depicts an ogre devouring a child, with more in a sack. Its exact meaning is debated, with theories ranging from a warning to children to a symbol of political power.
The stone figure, dated 1543, is attributed to the Swiss sculptor Hans Gieng. It replaced an earlier wooden version.
One popular theory suggests the eight children represent the eight cantons of the Old Swiss Confederacy, with the ogre symbolizing an enemy trying to consume them. However, the true meaning remains a subject of speculation.
Social
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