Visit the Pixie Fountain, an iconic Cologne landmark with an intriguing backstory. Legends say that pixies came out from this fountain at night to do the work others were too lazy to complete. Study the intricate features and Disneyesque figures on this impressive fountain standing in a corner of the Roncalliplatz square.
Listen to the soothing sound of the trickling water that falls from an upper section into a lower basin. Peek through the fountain’s charming arched windows. Plants and colorful flowers surround the water, while the famous Früh brewery stands at its rear. Enjoy a beer at a table backing onto the fountain or get ice cream from the adjacent gelato shop.
Chat with locals about the full significance of the fountain and its legends. It was constructed in 1899 as a tribute to the so-called Heinzelmännchen, pixies who emerged in the evening to do all the work. The story says that, out of curiosity, a tailor’s wife tricked the pixies into revealing themselves, causing them to leave town and never return.
Spot the sculpted depictions of the tailor’s wife and the pixies from the story on the pillars of the fountain. Consider how this tale has served as a Cologne equivalent to “Curiosity killed the cat.”
Venture into the surrounding pedestrian square and visit the array of shops and restaurants overlooking the fountain. Admire the gothic spires and turrets of the Cologne Cathedral that rise high above the plaza.
The Pixie Fountain is in the southwestern corner of the Roncalliplatz in the northern part of central Cologne. Travel by tram to the Köln, Rathaus stop and walk north for a few minutes to get here. You can also drive and leave your car in one of the parking lots beside the plaza.
While in the city center, make sure to see the Römisch Germanisches Museum, the Cologne Cathedral and the Museum Ludwig.
