Heinzelmännchen Fountain

A beloved fountain on Am Hof telling the legend of Cologne's ‘Heinzelmännchen' – a charming landmark right by the Früh brewpub.

Legend Old town Photo spot

The Heinzelmännchen Fountain on Am Hof, near the Früh brewpub and the cathedral, tells one of Cologne's best-known legends: that of the industrious Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes).

Source: Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-24

At a glance

Erected: 1899/1900
Location: Am Hof, near the cathedral and Früh brewpub
Theme: the legend of the Cologne Heinzelmännchen
Character: a popular photo and keepsake motif

The legend of the Heinzelmännchen

According to the legend, the Heinzelmännchen – small, industrious house gnomes – secretly did the work of Cologne's citizens at night. Until the curious wife of a tailor spied on them and scattered peas on the stairs, so that the gnomes slipped and fell. Ever since, it is said, they vanished for good – and the people of Cologne have had to do their own work again. The fountain keeps this endearing story alive to this day.