🏛️LandmarkOpen now · Closes 12:00 AMFree

Neptune Fountain

Name: Neptune Fountain
Rating: 4.5

4.5 ·

Discover the Neptunbrunnen, a grand bronze fountain standing between Rotes Rathaus and Alexanderplatz. Admire Neptune enthroned above four river goddesses representing the Rhine, Elbe, Vistula, and Oder, with fish and crabs detailed at the base.

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Reasons to go

The fountain was designed by sculptor Reinhold Begas and unveiled in 1891 after being conceived over a decade earlier, in 1878/79.
Its granite basin spans roughly 18 meters across with a total height of about 10 meters, making it one of the largest sculptural fountain complexes built at the time.
The four bronze women around Neptune personify the Rhine, Elbe, Vistula, and Oder rivers, turning the fountain into a symbolic map of the German Empire's territorial reach.

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Full description

Completed in 1891, the Neptunbrunnen depicts Neptune enthroned above four female figures personifying the Rhine, Elbe, Vistula, and Oder rivers — a symbolic map of the German Empire's reach at the time — cast in bronze with elaborate detail down to fish and crabs at the base. It originally stood in front of the Berliner Schloss before being relocated to its current spot near Rotes Rathaus, where it now anchors a small, popular gathering plaza.

Reviewers praise the sculptural detail, though the fountain is occasionally switched off outside the warmer months, disappointing some visitors expecting it running. At about 15 minutes, it's an easy addition to any walk through central Mitte.

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Address

Rathausstraße 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany · Mitte

Website

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

15 min

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Check that the fountain is actually running, as it's typically switched off in colder months
visit alongside Rotes Rathaus and St. Mary's Church, both just steps away
early morning offers the best chance of photos without crowds passing through.

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Reviews

The Neptune Fountain is a stunning piece of Berlin history! The bronze statue of Neptune surrounded by the four river goddesses is beautifully detailed, and the fountain itself is a peaceful, picturesque spot right near Alexanderplatz. Perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s historic charm definitely worth a…

Ebby Tekin

1/5

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