Bear Fountain - Bernkastel

This fountain, inaugurated on July 6, 1968 , is a creation of the sculptor Hanns Scherl from Wittlich.

The artwork consists of two life-size bronze bears , placed on a solid base of basalt lava . These bears symbolize the coat of arms and city symbol of Bernkastel-Kues.

The current fountain replaces an older water pump, known as the "Bärenpütz" or "Rauschepütz", which stood at the same location until 1899. This original pump featured a cast iron bear figure, which today adorns a balcony at Graacher Straße 25.

According to local legend, the name "Bernkastel" is derived from "Bärenkessel" , which explains the presence of the bear in the city's coat of arms and in various places in the city.

Willem Vandenameele