Nornenbrunnen

The Nornenbrunnen is a fountain in central Munich, made of Kirchheim limestone in the Art Nouveau style. It was designed by Hubert Netzer and completed in 1907. Three figures represent the Norns—Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld—leaning against a large bowl of water. Between them, water flows from three mouths into shallow basins below. The fountain stands in the Eschenanlage on Maximiliansplatz, a quiet green space in the city centre.

The fountain’s figures embody the Germanic goddesses of destiny, adding a mythological presence to the square. Originally it stood at the Stachus, Munich’s busy main square, before being moved in 1965. Its relocation preserved a piece of the city’s artistic heritage during modern redevelopment. The flowing water and sculpted figures create a calm centrepiece in an otherwise busy area.

Visitors find a quiet spot surrounded by trees, where the fountain’s gentle sound blends with the city’s rhythm. The Art Nouveau style and mythological theme make it a distinctive landmark. Its position in the Eschenanlage offers a contrast to the wider urban environment. The three basins catch the water, completing the fountain’s design.