Fritze Bollmann-Brunnen

Was would a city be without its endearing quirks? Here at the Fritze Bollmann-Brunnen, we celebrate one of Brandenburg’s most peculiar characters. The Fritze Bollmann-Brunnen isn’t just a fountain. It’s a tribute to Johann Friedrich Andreas Bollmann, affectionately known as “Fritze”. He was a barber who plied his trade in Brandenburg from 1882 to 1896. Fritze, a skilled barber, struggled with business. He found solace in fishing and, unfortunately, alcohol. This led to him becoming a subject of ridicule, especially among the local children. One fateful day, while fishing on the Beetzsee, Fritze fell out of his boat. This incident, recounted to a customer, sealed his notoriety. The children seized upon this mishap and composed a mocking song about him. The song spread like wildfire, further adding to Fritze’s woes. A local merchant even printed postcards with the lyrics, much to Fritze’s dismay. The Fritze Bollmann-Brunnen, designed by Carl Lüchnsdorf, immortalizes this tragicomic figure. The original fountain, erected in 1924, was replaced by a copy in 1980, right here in the city center. The fountain serves not just as a memorial, but as a reminder of human resilience and the humor we find even in adversity. Fritze’s legacy lives on, not just in this fountain, but in the Bollmann Passage, the “Goldener Bollmann” award, two restaurants named after him, and the Fritze-Bollmann-Weg at the regatta course. The Fritze Bollmann-Brunnen is more than a landmark. It is a testament to a man who, despite his struggles, became an unforgettable part of Brandenburg’s history.