Schwendi Fountain is a monumental public fountain at 12 Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France, in the historic Old Town beside the former Customs House and the Petite Venise quarter. Designed in 1898 by Colmar-born sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, it honors the 16th-century military commander Lazare de Schwendi. Travelers come to see its bronze figure, study a landmark of Alsatian civic sculpture, and photograph one of Colmar’s most recognizable squares.
What to Expect at Schwendi Fountain
The fountain is an outdoor monument rather than a museum, so the experience is brief and close-up. At its center stands Bartholdi’s bronze Schwendi, shown in armor with a sword and a vine cutting. The detail refers to the enduring local story that Schwendi brought Tokay grapevines back to Alsace from Hungary after his campaigns. Historians dispute that origin story, but the vine remains a significant symbol of the region’s wine identity.
Look beyond the statue to the fountain’s layered stone base, broad basin, and setting on Place de l’Ancienne Douane. The square is framed by the Koïfhus, Colmar’s former customs house and one of the city’s oldest public buildings, while the Quai de la Poissonnerie and its canal are only moments away. The original 1898 fountain was destroyed during the Second World War; the monument seen today was reconstructed after the war, giving it a particular place in Colmar’s recovery story.
- Bronze Schwendi figure: Bartholdi depicts the general in armor, holding a sword and a vine cutting.
- Auguste Bartholdi design: See work by the Colmar sculptor also known for creating the Statue of Liberty.
- Wine-country symbolism: The vine refers to the Tokay legend and Alsace’s long viticultural tradition.
- Postwar reconstruction: The current monument replaced the fountain destroyed during the Second World War.
- Koïfhus setting: The former customs house provides the fountain’s historic architectural backdrop.
Schwendi Fountain at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 12 Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France |
| Neighborhood / Area | Old Town, beside the Koïfhus and a short walk from Petite Venise |
| Operating Hours | Outdoor public monument; viewable daily at all hours |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Free public admission; no tickets or reservations required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 25 minutes, or longer when combined with Old Town walks |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Théâtre bus stop is about a 5-minute walk; Parking Montagne Verte is about a 6-minute walk |
| Official Website / Phone | Colmar Tourism official listing; +33 3 89 20 68 92 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early in the morning for the clearest photographs and more room around the basin; midday and late afternoon bring walking tours and heavy foot traffic through the square. There is no ticket office, timed entry, or booking process. Because the fountain is lit by surrounding shopfronts and street lighting after dark, it can also be included on an evening Old Town stroll, though architectural details are easiest to inspect in daylight.
From Colmar’s rail station, the Old Town is roughly a 20-minute walk; local buses stopping at Théâtre shorten the approach. Drivers can use Parking Montagne Verte and continue on foot through pedestrian streets. The fountain itself is at street level, but the surrounding historic center has uneven cobbles and crowded, narrow walking routes; wheelchair users and strollers will find the smoothest access by approaching via wider streets around Place des Six Montagnes Noires and allowing extra time. Pair the stop with the Koïfhus directly behind it, the covered market at Marché Couvert Colmar about 7 minutes away, and the canal-side houses of Petite Venise, around 5 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hours to visit Schwendi Fountain?
The fountain is an outdoor public monument and can be viewed daily at any time. Visit early morning for quieter photos, or stop during an Old Town walk before or after exploring Petite Venise. Daylight is best for seeing the bronze figure and stonework.
Is there an admission fee or reservation requirement?
No. Viewing Schwendi Fountain is free, and reservations are not required. It stands in Place de l’Ancienne Douane, a public square. Check the official Colmar Tourism listing for destination information.
How much time should I budget for the fountain?
Allow 15 to 25 minutes to view the statue, read the visual symbolism, and take photographs. Plan 60 to 90 minutes if combining it with the Koïfhus, the covered market, and the Petite Venise canal route.
Is Schwendi Fountain suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can visit freely and children can view the fountain from the surrounding square. The monument has no interior or stairs, but Old Town cobblestones can be bumpy for wheelchairs and strollers. A step-free street-level approach is possible, with extra care needed in busy periods.
When planning your Colmar travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Colmar, pair this stop with standout local spots including PAUL & PIA hôtel Colmar, Hotel Primo Colmar Centre, Unterlinden Museum, and Place de l'Ancienne Douane (nearby).
