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Cooling off in Swiss towns and cities

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These fountains have interesting tales to tell, and their amazing designs astound passers-by. What’s more, they’re great for cooling off in on a hot day in the city.

In Basel: the ANIMATED fountain

The Jean Tinguely fountain, with its mechanical figurines, is located on the former site of Basel’s city theatre, right where the stage used to be. Swiss artist Jean Tinguely created this imaginative water feature in 1977. Wheels, runners, sprays and nozzles pump a total of 55,000 litres of water through the pipes of the ten figurines, producing a spectacular performance.

More information Common.Of In Basel: the ANIMATED fountain

In Zug: the beer fountain

This fountain in Zug dates back to the 17th century. Legend has it that well-known local character Margareth Schell, who the sculpture portrays, often had to bring her drunken husband home during Carnival. It’s since become almost a tradition to quaff a refreshing beer at the Greth Schell fountain.

More information Common.Of In Zug: the beer fountain

Lausanne: the fountain of justice

The Palud fountain in Lausanne consists of a statue of a young woman called Justitia, who is depicted with bound eyes, a sword and a set of scales in her hands. The sculpture and its twelve-cornered pool testify to the power of the growing city of Lausanne.

More information Common.Of Lausanne: the fountain of justice

Geneva: the selfie fountain

Of course, we mustn’t forget the king of all fountains. The Jet d’eau – a fountain that reaches 140m up into the air – is Geneva’s hallmark. 500 litres of lake water shoot upwards every second. It offers a unique way to cool off in the current heat. Stand on the pier that leads to the Jet d’eau and savour the refreshing spray, or run beneath the curtain of water.

More information Common.Of Geneva: the selfie fountain

St. Gallen: the water nymph fountain

The town’s households first received their water supply from Lake Constance in 1895. To commemorate this event, August Bösch built the Broder fountain in Lindenplatz, St. Gallen. The nymphs, surrounded by children riding on aquatic animals, make this magnificent fountain a real eye-catcher. The figures symbolise the life-giving properties of water.

More information Common.Of St. Gallen: the water nymph fountain

Lugano

Lugano, the largest town in the holiday region of Ticino, is not only Switzerland's third most important financial centre and a conference, banking and business centre, but also a town of parks and flowers, villas and sacred buildings. With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town.

More information Common.Of Lugano

Winterthur: the artistic fountain

If you’re looking for a way to cool off during a trip to Winterthur, jump into one of the three fountains designed by American artist Donald Judd. The three pools are of different heights and the water is kept permanently clean by an underground filter system.

More information Common.Of Winterthur: the artistic fountain

Zurich: the pioneer’s fountain

A fountain dating back to 1889 welcomes visitors to Zurich main station. The figure in the refreshing fountain represents railway pioneer Alfred Escher. Zurich has long been a key transport hub in Switzerland. Alfred Escher was also involved in founding today’s Federal Institute of Technology and Credit Suisse.

More information Common.Of Zurich: the pioneer’s fountain

Chur: the oldest fountain

The oldest fountain in Chur, the capital of Graubünden, can be found in the town’s historic centre. Located in Martinsplatz, it was built in 1556. The figure in the fountain is a Celtic warrior, and his shield bears the town’s coat of arms. He was created by sculptor Fideli Hundertpfundt.

More information Common.Of Chur: the oldest fountain

Bern: the politician’s fountain

Not a real fountain, but clearly an unusual way of cooling off, right in front of the Swiss parliament building. Its refreshing sprays offer a unique opportunity for people of all ages to beat the heat. The 26 water fountains in the heart of Bern represent the 26 cantons of Switzerland.

More information Common.Of Bern: the politician’s fountain

Solothurn: the boot fountain

The fountain outside the art museum in Solothurn features a boot that fills up with water every three minutes and then sprays it out of the heel. The water makes the boot swing like a pendulum above the pool. Swiss artist Roman Signer built this fountain with the aim of feeling how cold the water is.

More information Common.Of Solothurn: the boot fountain

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