From atop its limestone pedestal, the bronze knight of the Brunnen surveys Freiburg im Breisgau. The Brunnen stands as a modern echo of the city’s rich history. It’s a testament to the dukes of Zähringen. They were Freiburg’s founders.
The Brunnen we see today isn’t the original. The original Bertoldsbrunnen, a much more elaborate structure, graced this spot from 1807. It commemorated Freiburg’s oath to Karl Friedrich von Baden. It also honored Berthold III, the city’s founder, and other key figures. Latin inscriptions detailed their contributions. Sadly, this monument was destroyed in a 1944 air raid.
The current Brunnen, designed by Nikolaus Röslimeir, was unveiled in 1965. It’s a more abstract piece. The limestone pedestal rises from a water basin, its shape mirroring the Gothic arches of Freiburg Minster. A simple inscription reads, “For the Dukes of Zähringen, founders and men of Freiburg im Breisgau.” The bronze knight atop the pedestal, inspired by medieval emblems, initially met with mixed reactions. Some found it too abstract.
Initially, the Brunnen sat just north of this intersection. In 1972, during the pedestrianization of Kaiser-Joseph-Straße, it was moved to its central location. The shallow basin was replaced with a ground-level water feature, further modernizing its appearance. More recently, in 2014, the Brunnen underwent renovations, including updated LED lighting. So as you admire the Brunnen, remember its layers of history. It stands not only as a tribute to Freiburg’s founders, but also as a symbol of the city’s resilience.