Albrechtsbrunnen

Albrechtsbrunnen is a historic fountain on Albrechtsplatz, off Marktgasse in the old town of Rheinfelden, in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It sits about 320 m above sea level and is one of the most photographed spots in the town centre.

What is the Albrechtsbrunnen?

The fountain began life as the hospital fountain (Spitalbrunnen). The Aargau heritage inventory dates it to the early 14th century, the time of the town hospital, with the first documented mention in 1442. The name refers to Archduke Albrecht VI of Habsburg, whose name the square carries.

What will you see?

A life-size armoured standard-bearer stands on the column, turned to face the square. His raised right hand holds the city banner, while his left arm is tucked behind his back, hiding the sword at his belt. He has a bearded face and a feathered beret, and a lion lies at his feet as a symbol of strength. Both figure and base carry bold polychrome paint.

Below him is a Renaissance stock with an octagonal middle section and two spouts decorated with lion masks. The squat shaft of the base is carved with child musicians and topped by a Mannerist volute capital. Water runs into a double limestone trough with bevelled edges.

How has it changed over the centuries?

• 1539: Rheinfelden stonemason Velti Gessler supplied a new trough, and in 1541/42 he replaced the stock and related stonework.
• 1618: Balthasar de Clarin of Brugg made an octagonal trough of Mägenwil stone.
• Around 1850: the present double trough was installed.
• 1901: new pedestal for the stock and replacement spouts.
• 1958/59: the figure, capital and shaft were copied, and the restored original went to the Fricktaler Museum.
• 2008: another restoration.

The fountain has been under full cantonal protection since 1963 and is rated priority B, meaning regional significance.

How do you get there and when should you go?

The fountain stands in the centre of the old town, so the easiest way is on foot from anywhere in the historic core. Access is free and there are no opening hours, as it stands on an open square. Daylight shows off the colours of the painted figure best, and the square makes a pleasant stop on a stroll through Rheinfelden's lanes in any season.

What else is nearby?

The old town has several other fountains on the heritage inventory, including one on Kaiserstrasse (1835) and one on Jagdgasse. Walking from one to the next is an easy way to see the town.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Albrechtsbrunnen? On Albrechtsplatz by Marktgasse, in the old town of Rheinfelden, Aargau.

Is the statue on the fountain the original? No. The current figure, capital and shaft are copies made in 1958/59. The restored original is held by the Fricktaler Museum.

How old is the fountain? It was first mentioned in 1442, and the heritage inventory dates its origins to the 14th century. The present trough dates from around 1850 and the stock from 1901.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the fountain is freely accessible on a public square.