Translated as "Beautiful Fountain"
For water fountain enthusiasts, traveling through Germany would not be complete without seeking out the Schoner Brunnen fountain located in the main marketplace of Nuremberg. Translated as “Beautiful Fountain,” the Schoner Brunnen fountain was built by stonemason Heinrich Beheim. Although various construction dates are listed, it is assumed that the original Schoner Brunnen was built between 1385 and 1396. The fountain had undergone a couple of restorations, most notably for the first time in 1822-24. Sculptor Jacob Daniel Burgschmiet was responsible for the first restoration. In 1912, the 19-meter Beautiful Fountain was then replaced with a replica. Bits and pieces of the original Schoner Brunner were moved to the Germanisches National Museum in the 20th century.
As with many of the revered artistic monuments throughout Europe, the Schoner Brunnen, covered with concrete, withstood a war-torn Germany. One can only imagine a perfectly solid and virtually intact structure amidst the rubble that had become the Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt. During World War II it seemed governments were particular on what they would target. Soldiers seemed careful not to completely devastate areas that held things of beauty and art. The juxtaposition of leaving something beautiful while in the middle of a war so ugly makes monuments like the Beautiful Fountain something to be truly admired, respected and considered extraordinary. Indeed, this Gothic, church tower looking fountain, built in the 1300s, is said to be Nurnberg’s favorite monument.
Characteristics of the Schoner Brunnen Fountain
One of the most notable characteristics of the Schoner Brunnen Fountain is that there is no running water. This fountain has served as a mere dry monument with no sense of liveliness or energetic character. Instead of the characteristics that water usually brings to a lifeless structure, the Beautiful Fountain is known for other attributes. First, the fountain has a sixty-two foot spire placed into an octagonal pool. The pool is ornamented with various statues of famous philosophers, evangelists and religious heads of churches. The spire also represents electors and Jewish and Christian heroes immortalized in statue decorations.
Aside from using various statues to decorate the fountain, Schoner Brunnen is also surrounded by ornate railings. Set into the railings is the famous “golden ring.” Onlookers are encouraged to make wishes upon the fountain. By turning the golden ring three times, legend asserts that wishes are supposed to come true. This golden ring is known as a Glücksbringer, which is like a lucky charm. Objects regarded as Glücksbringers keep bad away and only bring prosperity, good health and a long life. Aside from prosperous luck, turning the lucky charm (specifically called “Glücksring im Gitter” or “lucky brass ring”) is also supposed to bring happiness in the affairs of the heart. Those who turned the ring would be lucky in love. The mystical tale does go on to say that the key must be turned 360 degrees three times to ensure your good fortune.
From a historical point of view, the protective railing surrounding the Schoner Brunnen’s basin was created in 1587 by Paulus Kühn from Augsburg. The golden ring was not originally a part of the decorative and shielding railing built by Heinrich Beheim. It was not until 1902 that the ring was added by Albert Leipold, who repaired the railing during that time. Leipold was the one who furnished the railing with the well-known lucky ring that was to be turned three times. Perhaps Leipold found it amusing to add such an interesting myth to an otherwise “plain” monument. Perhaps Leipold was a sentimental man that thought to bring happiness to all the onlookers of Schoner Brunnen. Perhaps the artists were adept at marketing and wanted to draw tourists to their main square. This may be the case since the original golden ring was not so easily seen in its placement high up on the railing. A second ring was later added for better visibility. As the original ring was the same color as the railing, the second was, of course, made of a shiny golden metal to make it more appealing and visible to tourists.
As well as the protective railing, the sandstone figures were also replaced by shell lime statues between 1897 and 1902. To be sure, the Schoner Brunner fountain is a must see when traveling through Germany. Be sure to make your wishes and turn the golden ring – make its legend come alive.