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Schwendi Fountain

Schwendi Fountain

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Schwendi Fountain

Recommended by 436 hikers out of 448

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Location: Kolmar, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

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Tips

Paul

March 26, 2024

Schwendi Fountain, Colmar

This fountain was erected in 1898 and is topped with a bronze statue by Auguste Bartholdi depicting Lazare von Schwendi (1522-1583). After being ruined in 1940, the fountain was rebuilt after the war. With a smaller basin and a different orientation, the statue now stands once again in the site of the former customs house.

As a military leader in the service of Emperor Maximilian II, Lazare von Schwendi defeated the Turks in Hungary between 1564 and 1568, from where he brought back the grape variety of Tokaji. Auguste Bartholdi was so inspired by this legend that he depicted his Schwendi statue holding aloft a grapevine.

Text / Source: Colmar and Region Tourist Office, Place Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar – France

tourisme-colmar.com/en/entdecken/geschichte-kulturerbe/colmar-architektonisches-kulturerbe/F235008795_schwendi-brunnen-colmar

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Kristian

August 14, 2025

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

The fountain was designed in 1898 by Auguste Bartholdi, the renowned sculptor from Colmar who also created the Statue of Liberty. It honors Schwendi not only as a military commander 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.

In the bronze statue, Schwendi is depicted heroically, with a sword in one hand and a vine branch in the other—a symbolic gesture that celebrates Alsace's deep winemaking traditions. This branch has fueled the romantic myth that it brought the grape to the region, although historians now debate the veracity of this story. For the 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, evokes the vibrant life of Colmar during 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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Details

Informations

Elevation 190 m

Weather

Tuesday 9 December

13°C

7°C

31 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: Kolmar, Colmar-Ribeauvillé, Alsace, France

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Schwendi Fountain

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