Neptune Fountain

★ 4.5 (12,286)Free

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.

✨ Reasons to go

1The fountain was designed by sculptor Reinhold Begas and unveiled in 1891 after being conceived over a decade earlier, in 1878/79.
2Its 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.
3The 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.

💡 Good to know

1Check that the fountain is actually running, as it's typically switched off in colder months
2visit alongside Rotes Rathaus and St. Mary's Church, both just steps away
3early morning offers the best chance of photos without crowds passing through.

⏱️ Typical visit

15 min

🚶 Walking intensity

Easy pace

📍

Address

Rathausstraße 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany · MitteGoogle Apple

🎫

Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"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 visit!"

— Ebby Tekin

Visit website ↗