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Fontaine Schwendi

Fontaine Schwendi

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Fontaine Schwendi

Recommended by 431 hikers out of 443

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Location: Kolmar, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

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Tips

Paul

March 26, 2024

Schwendi fountain, Fontaine Schwendi, Colmar
This fountain was built in 1898 and at the top is a bronze statue by Auguste Bartholdi depicting Lazare von Schwendi (1522-1583). After the fountain was ruined in 1940, it was rebuilt after the war. With a smaller water basin and a different orientation, the statue is now back on the site of the former customs office.
As a war leader in the service of the ruler Maximilian II, Lazare von Schwendi defeated the Turks in Hungary between 1564 and 1568, from where he brought the Tokaji grape with him. Auguste Bartholdi inspired this legend by depicting his Schwendi statue holding up a vine.
Text / Source: Tourist Office of Colmar and its region, Place Unterlinden, 68000 COLMAR – FRANCE
tourisme-colmar.com/de/entdecken/geschichte-kulturerbe/colmar-architektonisches-kulturerbe/F235008795_schwendi-brunnen-colmar

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Kristian

August 14, 2025

At the center of the Place de l'Ancienne Douane stands the Schwendi Fountain, more than just a picturesque fountain—it is a sculptural homage to one of Alsace's most fascinating historical figures: Lazarus von Schwendi, a 16th-century general, diplomat, and winemaker.

The fountain was designed in 1898 by Auguste Bartholdi, the famous sculptor from Colmar who also created the Statue of Liberty. It honors Schwendi not only as a general who fought alongside Emperor Charles V, but also—according to local legend—as the man who introduced the Tokay grape (a variety of Pinot Gris) to Alsace after campaigns in Hungary.

The bronze statue depicts Schwendi heroically, holding a sword in one hand and a vine branch in the other—a symbolic gesture celebrating Alsace's deep winemaking traditions. This branch has fueled the romantic myth that it introduced the grape to the region, although historians today debate the veracity of this story. For locals, however, it remains a proud cultural link between Colmar and its rich winemaking heritage.

Originally, the statue stood opposite the Old Customs House (l'Ancienne Douane) to emphasize its civic and artisanal history. The entire square, with its half-timbered facades and historic merchant houses, recalls Colmar's vibrant life in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

July 23, 2022

Romantic fountain, designed by Bartholdi.
On the fountain is the warlord Lazare de Schwendi who was in the service of Maximilian II. Lazare went to war against the Turks in Hungary. This was in the period 1564 - 1568.
Auguste Bartholdi was inspired by this legendary figure to incorporate a vine into the artful fountain

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Elevation 190 m

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Thursday 23 October

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8°C

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Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Location: Kolmar, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

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Fontaine Schwendi

1. Little Venice, Colmar – Poissonnerie district loop from Colmar

2. Covered market – Little Venice, Colmar loop from Colmar

3. Little Venice, Colmar – Poissonnerie district loop from Colmar

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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