Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen

Hidden in plain sight, the Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen whispers a forgotten tale. Here, just steps from the bustling Lister Meile, Hänsel and Gretel stand frozen in time. The Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen has resided here since 1912, nestled behind the Bahlsen headquarters. Sculptor Georg Herting first brought these fairytale siblings to life in terracotta. The figures we see today are recreations. Kreutzmann cast them in the mid-1950s, yet they retain the original’s anxious gaze. Hänsel’s arm protectively drapes around Gretel. Their eyes are downcast, fixed on a witch depicted in a frieze across the street. This witch adorns the Bahlsen building, creating a tangible link between the fountain and the Brothers Grimm tale. The Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen isn’t just a charming landmark. It’s a poignant reminder of a darker narrative. Herting’s artistry captures the children’s vulnerability, leaving us wondering about their fate. The Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen is a unique piece of Hanover’s artistic landscape. It perfectly blends public art with a touch of childhood magic. The Hänsel-und-Gretel-Brunnen offers a moment of quiet contemplation. It invites us to remember the stories that shaped our imaginations.