Buchhorn Fountain

We have arrived here at Rathausplatz, the centre of former Buchhorn and today, Friedrichshafen. You have most probably noticed the unique fountain in the middle, right? The figures portray certain details from the history of the city that you have already heard about today!

The gearwheel represents the famous company ZF in Friedrichshafen that manufactures gearwheels. The motor represents the aircraft engine manufacturer Maybach, and the propeller Dornier, the plane manufacturer from Friedrichshafen.

And the strange creature here on the front? That, in the middle, is a fish, because of Lake Constance. Behind it is a Zeppelin, and at the front, the face of King Frederick of Württemberg, whom the city is named after. He was also known as “fat Frederick”. He supposedly had such a fat belly that his table needed a semi-circular opening for him to be able to sit down at it. He was also unpopular with his people. He had sent children from his region as soldiers into war. The people therefore always said that he had fat and blood on his hands – like a fat black pudding.

All the companies of Friedrichshafen that are displayed on this fountain were both a blessing and a curse for the city. Through them, Friedrichshafen became rich and known, but also helped to build all the vehicles and planes used in the Second World War. And as a result, the city became an important target for enemy troops, who bombed the old town down to the ground.
There was barely one house that survived the bombing. That’s why you don’t see any old buildings or an old town in Friedrichshafen like you do in many other cities.

The war, followed by the laborious rebuilding caused troubled times in the lives of the people of Friedrichshafen. Therefore the “Seehasenfest” was started to give the children a reason to celebrate. Children received sweets from the mayor and there were parades, sport competitions, plays, fireworks and a fairground. The Seehasenfest of 1949 was a big success, attracting over 90,000 visitors. The Seehasenfest has traditionally been celebrated ever since, every year in July.
Can you find the “Seehasen”? They are jumping around the edge of the fountain.