Located in the old town of Munich right in front of the main entrance of the New Town Hall on Marienplatz, the Fischbrunnen is a historic fountain with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. Set on a site that once held a 1343 "citizen's fountain," the current structure was created by Josef Henselmann in 1954.
He rebuilt the fountain following its almost complete destruction during World War II, utilizing three remaining butcher figures from Konrad Knoll's destroyed neo-gothic 1860s design. Today, you will see a Nagelfluh basin topped by a central column featuring a bronze fish by Otto Kallenbach—a nod to the square's history as a market where fishmongers kept live fish in the cool water.
Water continuously flows into the basin from buckets poured by three butcher figures, playing on the historic "Metzgersprung" tradition. Beyond its rich past, the fountain remains a central focal point for local customs and is widely known as one of the most popular meeting places in Munich for visitors and regional locals alike.
What to see at Fischbrunnen
- Nagelfluh basin crowned by a bronze fish sculpture
- Three historic bronze butcher figures pouring water buckets
- Site of the traditional Ash Wednesday wallet-washing custom
- Location of the historic triennial Metzgersprung butcher jump
- Equipped with a ground-water drinking point for dogs
Visiting tips
Keep an eye out for the engraved year 1884 on the basin, which marks when water from the Mangfall Valley first flowed into the fountain.
How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: Ash Wednesday morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Fischbrunnen is easy to reach on Munich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Munich travel guide.
See the full Munich travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.