Brandenburg, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to many iconic landmarks. Among these stands the Fritze Bollmann Brunnen, a whimsical yet significant monument that tells an intriguing tale of Brandenburg’s past.
A Brief Overview
The Fritze Bollmann Brunnen is located in the old town of Brandenburg an der Havel. This peculiar fountain was erected in 1905 as a tribute to Fritz Reuter’s poem “Herr von Ribbeck auf Ribbeck im Havelland”. It depicts one of the most famous characters from local folklore – Friedrich Wilhelm Bollmann or ‘Fritze’ Bollman – attempting to fish his hat out of the water with a broomstick while standing on unstable barrels.
The Story Behind The Monument
Fritz Reuter’s poem narrates the story behind this unusual scene. According to popular legend, Fritze was a barber who lived during Prussia’s rule over Germany in the late 19th century. One day while rowing across Beetzsee Lake for work, he lost his hat due to strong winds. Despite several attempts using his broomstick (a symbol of his trade), he failed miserably at retrieving it. His futile efforts became symbolic for unsuccessful endeavors and were immortalized through this humorous depiction.
Historical Significance
While at first glance it may seem like just another quirky statue, its cultural significance runs much deeper than that. In fact, Fritze has become something akin to an unofficial mascot for Brandenburg City itself! He represents not only historic tales but also mirrors aspects of human nature such as perseverance despite recurring failure.
Architectural Elements
The fountain sculpture was designed by sculptor Heinrich Apel. It is made from bronze and stands on a granite base, creating an impressive sight. The attention to detail in the depiction of Fritze Bollmann – his facial expression, clothing, and posture – adds character to this unique monument.
Visiting the Fritze Bollmann Brunnen
The fountain is located at Jakobsgrube/Neustädtischer Markt in Brandenburg’s Old Town. It’s easily accessible by foot or bike as it lies along several popular walking routes around the city center. Visiting this landmark offers tourists not only a chance to appreciate its artistic value but also provides an opportunity for them to delve into local history and folklore.
Events & Celebrations
Every year during Whitsun (Pentecost), locals celebrate ‘Fritze-Bollmann’ festival where participants dress up like Fritze with brooms and hats symbolizing his iconic mishap. This event includes music performances, traditional dances, food stalls offering regional delicacies making it one of the most anticipated annual events by locals and visitors alike.
In Conclusion
A visit to Brandenburg would be incomplete without stopping by at the fascinating Fritze Bollman Brunnen. Its amusing story combined with its historical significance makes it a must-see attraction for any traveler interested in exploring Germany’s rich cultural heritage beyond typical tourist spots.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fritze Bollmann Brunnen and why is it significant?
The Fritze Bollmann Brunnen is a famous fountain located in Brandenburg, Germany. It was built in 1905 as a tribute to Fritz Reuter’s humorous song “Fritze Bollman wollte angeln” (Fritz Bollman Wanted to Fish). The song tells the story of Fritz Bollman, a barber from Brandenburg who has an unfortunate fishing accident. The fountain features a statue of Fritze attempting to fish while his wife looks on disapprovingly. This unique monument serves as an important cultural symbol for the city and provides visitors with insight into local folklore and tradition.
Where exactly can I find the Fritze Bollmann Brunnen?
The Fritze Bollmann Brunnen can be found at Jakobsplan square in Neustadt district of Brandenburg an der Havel. Its central location makes it easily accessible by foot or public transportation, being close to other tourist attractions like St. Katharinen Church and Altstädtischer Market Square.
When is the best time to visit Fritze Bollmann Brunnen?
Fritze Bollmann Brunnen can be visited any time throughout the year since it’s an outdoor attraction that doesn’t have specific opening hours. However, you might want to consider visiting during daylight hours for better visibility and photo opportunities. As part of your visit, you may also want to explore nearby historical sites or enjoy some local cuisine at one of many restaurants around this area.
Is there any special event associated with the Fountain?
Yes! Each year on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which falls on different dates between February 2nd and March 8th, the city of Brandenburg holds a traditional Fritze Bollmann procession. Participants dress up in costumes and parade through the streets to the fountain where they sing songs about Fritze’s unfortunate fishing incident. It’s a fun event that showcases local tradition and offers visitors an unforgettable cultural experience.
Are there any other attractions nearby?
Absolutely! The surrounding area is rich with historical sites such as St. Katharinen Church, Altstädtischer Market Square, and Dom Island which houses Brandenburg Cathedral. There are also several museums like Industrial Museum Brandenburg or Archäologisches Landesmuseum Brandenburg for those interested in history and archaeology. For nature lovers, Plauer See (Lake Plau) is just a short distance away offering beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
