The Ogre Fountain

The Ogre fountain

A stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the Ogre fountain is one of the most famous in the city. Its German name literally translates as the fountain of the devourer of children, which its statue illustrates unambiguously.

An enigmatic statue

It shows an ogre swallowing a naked child, while others await their fate around him, some sticking out of his sack. Dating from the sixteenth century, this fountain is surrounded by many interpretations. Several meanings are attributed to it, some controversial; historians have not established its exact origin.

What to see

Beyond its disturbing appearance, the Ogre fountain is a remarkable testimony of the Bernese Renaissance fountain art, listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance. Observe its colourful details and its singular silhouette, one of the strong images of the old town.

Practical information

The Ogre fountain is in Berne's old town, on the Kornhausplatz. Freely accessible, it can be seen at any time.

What does the Ogre fountain represent ?

An ogre devouring children; its exact origin and meaning remain debated by historians.

When does the Ogre fountain date from ?

From the sixteenth century; it is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance.