The Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, or Heinzelmännchen Fountain, is a whimsical monument in Cologne’s Altstadt that celebrates the city’s beloved folklore. Created in 1899 by sculptor Edmund Renard and architect Heinrich Renard, the fountain depicts scenes from the legend of the Heinzelmännchen—tiny house gnomes who secretly performed chores for the citizens of Cologne at night. According to the tale, their helpful magic vanished after a curious tailor’s wife tried to spy on them. The fountain’s bronze reliefs charmingly illustrate this story, showing the gnomes at work and the woman peeking through a keyhole. Located near the historic Farina fragrance house, the fountain is a favorite among locals and tourists, offering a playful glimpse into Cologne’s cultural imagination. Its detailed craftsmanship and storytelling charm make it not just a decorative feature, but a tribute to the city’s enduring love of myth, humor, and tradition.
Cologne GermanyThe Heinzelmännchenbrunnen is located at Am Hof 12-18 in Cologne’s Altstadt-Nord district, close to the city center and just a short walk from Cologne Cathedral. This charming fountain celebrates the local legend of the Heinzelmännchen, mythical house gnomes who helped the city's craftsmen at night. The fountain’s intricate sculptures depict these industrious little helpers engaged in various trades, making it a beloved cultural landmark. Nearby, visitors will find the historic city hall (Kölner Rathaus), popular breweries like the Früh brewery, and lively streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area often hosts seasonal events, including the vibrant Christmas market, making it an atmospheric and accessible spot for tourists exploring Cologne’s Old Town.
Museum Ludwig
Cologne
Roman-Germanic Museum
Cologne
Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud
Cologne
Schnütgen Museum
Cologne
Museum für Angewandte Kunst
Cologne
Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst
Cologne
Domschatzkammer
Cologne
EL-DE Haus
Cologne
Cologne City Museum
Cologne
Fragrance Museum
Cologne
German Sports and Olympic Museum
Cologne
Odysseum
Cologne
Cologne Carnival Museum
Cologne
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Cologne
Puppenmuseum
Cologne
Radio Museum Köln e.v.
Cologne
Kolumba
Cologne
Medizinhistorisches Museum Köln
Cologne
Jüdisches Museum im Archäologischen Quartier Köln
Cologne
Rhenish Industrial Railway Museum
Cologne
Rail museum Thielenbruch
Cologne
Biermuseum
Cologne
Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum
Cologne
Käthe Kollwitz Museum
Cologne
National Socialism Documentation Center of the City of Cologne
Cologne
SK Stiftung Kultur
Cologne
Sammlung Zander
Cologne
Dom Treasury
Cologne
Das Museum des Schmerzes und der Liebe
Cologne
Römisch-Germanisches Museum im Belgischen Haus
Cologne
Schauspiel Köln
Cologne
Theater im Bauturm
Cologne
Senftöpfchen-Theater
Cologne
Horizont Theater
Cologne
Hänneschen-Theater
Cologne
Gloria-Theater
Cologne
Scala Theater Köln
Cologne
Theater Tiefrot
Cologne
Urania Theater
Cologne
Theater in der Filmdos
Cologne
Gallery Ehren Art
Cologne
30works Galerie
Cologne
Galerie Mensing Cologne
Cologne
Galerie Zander Susanne
Cologne
Galerie Timeless Art
Cologne
Philipp Von Rosen Galerie
Cologne
Van der Grinten Galerie
Cologne
Galerie Biesenbach
Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne
Kranhäuser im Rheinauhafen
Cologne
Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
Cologne
Fort X
Cologne
Volksgarten Köln
Cologne
Rheinpark
Cologne
Forstbotanischer Garten und Friedenswald
Cologne
Malakoffturm
Cologne
Römerbrunnen
Cologne
Exhibition Tower
Cologne
Cologne Zoo
Cologne
Hahnentor
Cologne
Edith Stein Denkmal
Cologne
Petrusbrunnen
Cologne
Hiroshima-Nagasaki-Park
Cologne
Equestrian monument to King Frederick William III of Prussia
Cologne
Friedenspark Cologne
Cologne
Willi-Ostermann-Brunnen
Cologne
Time Ride
Cologne
Equestrian Statue of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Cologne
Old Market Cologne
Cologne
Römerturm
Cologne
Romans' Northern Gate
Cologne
Rheinboulevard
Cologne
Ulrepforte
Cologne
Cologne View
Cologne
Great St. Martin Church
Cologne
Pegel Köln
Cologne
Bastei Köln
Cologne
Kaskaden
Cologne
Basilica of St. Gereon
Cologne
Hohenzollern Bridge
Cologne
Stadtwald
Cologne
Schloss Arff
Cologne
Trödel- und Antikmarkt an der Rheinpromenade
Cologne
Flohmarkt an der Galopprennbahn
Cologne
Flohmarkt & Antikmarkt Kölner Altstadt
Cologne
Flohmarkt RheinEnergieStadion
Cologne
Flohmarkt an der Südbrücke
Cologne
St. Maria im Kapitol
Cologne
Roonstraße Synagogue
Cologne
Basilica of St. Kunibert
Cologne
Schmitz Column
Cologne
Jan von Werth Monument
Cologne
Forstbotanischer Garten Köln
Cologne
Beethovenpark
Cologne