Puppenbrunnen (Dolls' Fountain), Aachen (must see)

The Dolls’ Fountain is pure whimsy in bronze form, tucked near the Cathedral in Aachen’s picturesque old town. Dreamed up by local sculptor Bonifatius Stirnberg and installed in 1975, this playful fountain isn’t just for show—it’s for play. Its bronze figurines, from a market woman and a professor to a rooster and a clown, all have swiveling joints. That’s right—these aren’t your typical static statues. You can twist, turn, and pose them, turning a quick stop at the fountain into a hands-on history lesson for all ages.

The figures themselves each tell a story, nodding to Aachen’s rich past and present. The market woman reflects the city’s trading roots, the horse and rider represent riding tournaments, and the professor with his monocle tips his hat to Aachen’s universities and intellectual history. Even the rooster at the top hints at the city’s musical talents, although some claim it points to the times of the French occupation. Meanwhile, the doll pays tribute to Aachen’s long textile history, and the clown and masks channel the city’s cheerful, celebratory spirit.

It’s more than a fountain; it’s a conversation starter, a photo opportunity, and moment of interactive joy for kids, parents, and curious passersby. So as you stroll past this delightful landmark, don’t just look—step right up, turn a figure or two, and let Aachen’s colorful past come alive, one moveable joint at a time.