Considering a wine fountain sounds too good to be true? The H\u00e4ckerbrunnen is more than just a fountain. It is a symbol of W\u00fcrzburg’s wine heritage. Here on the Oberer Markt, you will find the H\u00e4ckerbrunnen. Locals also call it Weinbrunnen, meaning wine fountain.
This modern fountain features a Franconian winegrower. In Franconia, they call him a H\u00e4cker. He carries his tools of the trade. The figure also holds a Mostbartel, a traditional tool for winemaking. Water flows from four spouts into a basin. This provides a refreshing sight and sound.
The H\u00e4ckerbrunnen is relatively new. It was built in 1973 to celebrate a company anniversary. Seisser, a department store in W\u00fcrzburg, donated almost 35,000 DM to the city. The fountain was initially planned for the K\u00fcrschnerhof. Today, Hugendubel stands in its place. Richard Rother designed the H\u00e4ckerbrunnen in 1977. He was a sculptor, woodcutter, and graphic artist. Sadly, he passed away three years later. The statue stands slightly elevated on a base. It is a testament to Rother’s skill.
The H\u00e4ckerbrunnen has a secret. It can dispense real wine. A special connection allows wine to flow from the H\u00e4cker’s jug. This happened only during the fountain’s inauguration. Imagine that. A fountain flowing with wine.
In August 2024, the H\u00e4ckerbrunnen became a Trinkwasserbrunnen. That means drinking water fountain. It offers a place to refresh and drink, especially in the summer. The water quality is regularly checked. The city supports public health and reduces plastic bottle use.
Around the H\u00e4ckerbrunnen, you’ll find circular seating areas. These surround raised planting beds. Globe maple trees stand in the middle. These replaced trees that were removed due to disease.
One seating area had to be removed for the Tiefgarage elevator. The H\u00e4ckerbrunnen was slightly moved and reconnected. Future plans may remove all seating rondels. These may be replaced with temporary benches.
The H\u00e4ckerbrunnen is more than a fountain. It is a meeting point, a source of refreshment and a reminder of W\u00fcrzburg’s wine culture. Take a moment to appreciate this unique landmark. Consider the history and artistry that make it special. As you leave the H\u00e4ckerbrunnen, remember the H\u00e4cker. He is a symbol of W\u00fcrzburg’s deep connection to wine.