Moses Fountain (Mosesbrunnen)

The basics

The fountains of Bern are fun to find, but you don’t need to seek them all out to feel like you’ve experienced the City of Fountains. Since Münsterplatz is a popular spot for many tourists, you’ll likely see the Moses Fountain as you wander the city. The statue was sculpted in the late 18th century by Nikolaus Sporrer, and you’ll notice two rays of light radiating from the top of Moses’ head. You can learn more about Mosesbrunnen, and all of the city’s fountains, with a guided tour led by a local expert.

Things to know before you go

• A Christmas market pops up on this square each year.

• The water is safe to drink directly from your water bottle.

• The statue points to the second commandment on the tablets.

How to get there

The Mosesbrunnen is located in Münsterplatz along the Münstergasse. The Cathedral of Bern is right across the street. If you’re using the Zytglogge mechanical clock tower as a starting point in the Old City, head east on the Kramgasse, then cut south through the Münstergasschen. You’ll find the Münsterplatz and Mosesbrunnen at the end of the tunnel.

When to get there

The Moses Fountain, like many of the fountains throughout Bern, is open to the public around the clock. Visit in the daytime when the square is bustling or wander over at night when fewer crowds fill the platz. The Märitbeizli is beside the fountain, offering a way to dine beneath the gaze of Moses.

Finding all of the fountains in Bern

You won’t go thirsty in Bern. The city has dozens of public fountains in the Old City alone. Eleven of them, including the Moses Fountain, are ornately decorated with religious, allegorical, and cultural figures. Search the city and you’ll find an ogre eating children, Lady Justice, a bagpiper, and the Bible’s Samson.