The Fish Fountain in Marienplatz – Munich

Marienplatz,Fish Fountain,Tourist attractions in Munich; Fischbrunnen; Fish Fountain Munich;

The Fish Fountain in Marienplatz – Munich.

The Fish Fountain or as it is called in German, Fischbrunnen, is a small fountain at the northeast corner of Marienplatz square. It is Munich’s most famous and oldest fountain and always crowded. How old is it? Some believe it goes back as early as the 1300’s.

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The fish fountain in Marienplatz Munich.

The initiation that took place at the Fountain.

Young apprentice butchers underwent a ceremony before they were able to work as fully fledged butchers. With all good stories there are normally 2 or 3 versions. This one is no different. The first version claims that they wore nothing but a sheepskin and a calf’s penis around their necks. They were spun three times and then thrown into the fountain.

The second version claims that the apprentice butchers wore only the sheepskin and jumped into the fountain. From here they threw nuts into the crowds and splashed the little boys who ran to get them.

The third version claims they had to jump head first into the fountain!

Modern days.

The fountain still makes headlines to this day. The Fish Fountain is in the spotlight every Ash Wednesday when the Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) appears to wash out his purse by dipping it into the cold water. In this way, he ensures that the city’s coffers are filled in the coming year.

The fountain is interesting looking with a single fish on top of the fountain. Water is trickling from the buckets into the fountain. Carvings is seen on the sides of the fountain.

Where is the Fish Fountain?

On the eastern side of the Marienplatz square near the Neues Rathaus in Munich and the information center. It is not easy to miss. Here is the full address:

Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany.

Do not forget to visit the famous Glockenspiel also situated in the platz.

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

17 Comments

  1. What a beautiful fountain! It always amazes to see such old architecture in these modern times, with people milling about, hooked up to their ipods and such. What a juxtaposition in a way! I loved reading about the history.

  2. Thank you for the first time visit Lakwatsera de primera 🙂 I hope I will see you here again in the future!

  3. Hi Jorie, the Marienplatz used to be a huge market many years ago. From what I understand they actaully kept the fish fresh in this fountain..lol! Now I am very curious to know what you were thinking..lol!!!

  4. Hi Debbie, yes it is stunning. But I must admit it was not the first thing that I have noticed. There is so much too much to see in the square and it is quite easy to give it a miss 🙁

  5. Hi Jessica, you are so right. It looked like another pretty fountain but it was so interesting when I started to do some research. Can you imagine how many old fountains there must be in the world with an interesting story?

  6. I HAD TAKEN A COUPLE PHOTOS OF A FRIEND AND MY HUBBY, THEN MY HUBBY AND I AND COULD NOT REMEMBER THE HISTORY OF IT…. IT IS LIKE EVERYONE SAID ” EASY TO LOOK AND WALK BUT THE HISTORY OF IT REALLY ADDS TO ITS BEAUTY….. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING

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