Märchenbrunnen

Gazing upon the Märchenbrunnen, can you hear the whispers of Hansel and Gretel? This enchanting fountain, nestled within Leipzig’s Promenadenanlagen am Dittrichring, captures a timeless fairytale. The Märchenbrunnen, meaning “Fairytale Fountain,” isn’t just a charming display. It’s a living storybook carved in stone and bronze. Created in 1906 by sculptor Josef Mágr, the Märchenbrunnen stretches approximately 10 meters, depicting scenes from “Hansel and Gretel.” The fountain’s centerpiece is a grotto, where life-sized bronze figures of Hansel and Gretel stand. Water trickles down onto them, creating a gentle, magical ambiance. Above them, a stone relief shows the cunning witch, a raven perched atop her head. Flanking the grotto are benches, each topped with bronze reliefs. One side captures Hansel and Gretel lost in the woods. The other portrays their joyous reunion with their parents. These reliefs bookend the fairytale, showcasing both the peril and the happy ending. The Märchenbrunnen holds a hidden layer of history. The original bronze figures, melted down for the war effort in 1942, were reborn in 1965. Leipzig artists Elfriede Ducke and Hanna Studnitzka recast the figures, breathing new life into this cherished landmark. So, as you stand before the Märchenbrunnen, remember the story it tells. It’s a tale of childhood wonder, a testament to artistic resilience, and a magical corner of Leipzig waiting to be discovered.