Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain), Bern

The Bagpiper Fountain (Pfeiferbrunnen) is a celebrated piece of Bern's historical and cultural heritage, situated in the charming Old City. This 16th-century fountain, which was crafted by Swiss Renaissance sculptor Hans Gieng in 1545-46, stands out as one of the city’s most original and vibrant fountains. The design of the Bagpiper statue was inspired by a 1514 woodcut by the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer.

Characterized by its colorful figures, the fountain depicts a cheerful scene where a bagpiper, accompanied by a golden goose and a small monkey playing the flageolet, jovially performs. This assembly is symbolic, celebrating themes of cheerfulness, life, music, dance, and culinary delights. Such themes were typical of the era and resonated with the social activities around fountains, which were vital communal spots in medieval Bern.

Originally, the Pfeiferbrunnen was located in front of Gasthaus zum Kreuz, a guesthouse that catered to traveling minstrels who were the entertainers of the medieval period, often sharing songs and stories of far-off places and events. The choice of a bagpiper as the fountain's centerpiece is likely a nod to these minstrels and the stories they brought with them.

The current basin of the fountain dates back to 1889, and in 1919, the fountain was moved to its present location at Spitalgasse 21, a shift from its original placement. This relocation was part of broader urban adjustments, yet the fountain has continued to be a prominent cultural landmark.

The Bagpiper Fountain is not just an artistic expression; it's also listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This status underscores the fountain's importance in Swiss cultural heritage, preserving its historical value and continuing to be a point of interest and enjoyment for both locals and visitors in Bern.