Is that Fritze Bollmann himself, rising from the depths of the Beetzsee? Of course not! But this statue, crafted entirely from metal, captures the spirit of Brandenburg’s most famous barber, Fritze Bollmann. Right here, on the Beetzsee, near the bustling Regattastrecke, stands a 4.50-meter-tall testament to a man who became a legend, not for his barbering skills, but for an unfortunate incident involving a fishing trip and a very public dunking. Born in 1852 near Magdeburg, Fritze, a rather jolly fellow with a penchant for a tipple or two, moved to Brandenburg in 1875, setting up shop as a barber.
Life wasn’t always easy for Fritze. The barbering business had its ups and downs, often leaving him short of funds and resorting to the solace of the bottle. This, unfortunately, made him the target of playful teasing from local children. Unfazed, Fritze would chase them, playfully squirting shaving foam at his tiny tormentors.
One day, Fritze, in a somewhat inebriated state, decided to try his luck at fishing on the Beetzsee. As the story goes, disaster struck! The little fishing boat tipped, sending Fritze tumbling into the water, much to the amusement of onlookers. While he emerged safely, albeit a bit wetter than planned, the incident cemented his legendary status.
The children, never ones to let a good story fade, immortalized the event in a catchy ditty, “Fritze Bollmann wollte angeln” (Fritze Bollmann Wanted to Go Fishing). This song, full of playful jabs and local humor, spread like wildfire, making Fritze Bollmann a household name, not just in Brandenburg, but throughout the region.
Even today, the song is still sung, with new verses popping up here and there, keeping the memory of Fritze Bollmann alive. This statue, standing tall on the Beetzsee, serves as a reminder of the man who, despite his misfortunes, became a beloved symbol of Brandenburg, his spirit forever intertwined with the city and its people.