The Hubertusbrunnen is a majestic and historic fountain located on the eastern end of Munich’s Nymphenburg Canal in the Neuhausen area.
Though overshadowed by the grand Nymphenburg Palace nearby, this small fountain holds its own significance and charm and is certainly worth a quick look if in the area.
We’ve often jogged along the canal here and have appreciated many times the sight of this very interesting watery Munich Landmark.
Let’s find out more about the Hubertusbrunnen Fountain together shall we?
History of The Hubertusbrunnen
The Hubertusbrunnen was originally designed by the German sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand and constructed between 1903 and 1906.
The water feature was then erected in front of the National Museum (Bayerische Nationalmuseum) in Munich and was a gift to the city by the then Prince Regent of Bavaria, Luitpold, as celebration of his 85th birthday.
However, in 1937 the fountain was removed and did not find its way to its current location at the end of the Nymphenburg Canal until 1954.
This new placement gave the fountain greater visibility and allowed it to become an iconic part of the scenery around Nymphenburg Palace.
The fountain features a bronze deer statue on a shell limestone base, with water elegantly streaming out of its antlers.
The deer depicts Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters. Overall, the artistic romanticism and neo-baroque style make Hubertusbrunnen an architecturally significant landmark.
For Münchners, the fountain holds a special place on the city’s cultural landscape as its very location is so often used for meeting up, walking, relaxing and more!
The Nymphenburg Canal and Hubertusbrunnen’s Place
The long, straight Nymphenburg Canal provides a beautiful reflective backdrop, showcasing Hubertusbrunnen at one of its ends.
The scenic waterway invites jogging, cycling and long strolls along the path. We’ve often jogged the full length of the canal, catching sight of the fountain in the distance.
Surrounded by lawns and trees, the area around Hubertusbrunnen makes an excellent spot for picnics or just relaxing by the water.
Visitors can work up an appetite before satisfying it at one of the nearby beer gardens! Yes it’s Munich so they are everywhere!
The Figure of Hubertus and its Symbolism
The fountain is named after Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters and one of the most revered Christian saints in Germany.
According to legend, Hubertus encountered a stag with a luminous crucifix between its antlers while hunting on Good Friday. This vision spurred his conversion to Christianity. The deer depicted in the fountain references this legendary event.
The statue reminds us of Hubertus’ spiritual significance while also representing the cultural popularity of hunting in Bavaria.
As both a religious and cultural symbol, it reflects an important part of Munich’s history and heritage.
Above the mesh door to the Hubertusbrunnen you’ll note a symbol that is almost certainly the inspiration for the famous Jägermeister logo – indeed we can’t tell the difference!
The Surrounding Area and Attractions
Though not really a destination itself, the Hubertusbrunnen occupies an ideal location near some of Munich’s other landmarks and attractions.
Just down the street (or in this case canal) is the grand Nymphenburg Palace, once home to Bavarian royalty. The palace and its sprawling grounds are a must-see.
About a mile away from the fountain you’ll find Munch’s Hirschgarten which is a massive park housing Munich’s BIGGEST Beer Garden.
And just to the south is Grünwaldpark – the green lung of the area and an ideal family orientated park.
For dining, beer gardens and restaurants dot the area around Nymphenburg Canal. Visitors can eat, drink and be merry while appreciating the beauty of Hubertus Brunnen and the local area.
How To Get To The Hubertus Brunnen
The Hubertusbrunnen is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access.
TRAM: The closest tram stop is probably Neuhausen which is just south of Grünwaldpark a couple of hundred meters away. Visitors can take tram lines 12 and exit here then walk through the park.
TRAIN: For those coming from Marienplatz, taking the U1 or U7 subway line to either Gern (north) or Rotkreuzplatz (south) – the fountain is about an equidistance between them.
BUS: The 144 bus stops about 10 meters away from the fountain so is the closest public transport option although it is often faster taking the train and walking
With its proximity to both tram and subway lines, getting to this hidden landmark is straightforward. Visitors have plenty of public transit options to choose from and Getting Around Munich is a very easy task.
Final Thoughts On The Hubertusbrunnen | Absolute Munich
With its symbolic statue and well-placed location, Hubertusbrunnen has become a beloved Munich landmark especially because of its very picturesque location at the end of the canal.
Both a monument to a Christian saint and to the cultural heritage of Bavaria, the fountain has artistic, architectural, religious and cultural significance for the city.
Though often overlooked, this hidden gem is worth going out of your way to see, whether jogging along the canal or simply appreciating its beauty.
Come and check it out when you visit nearby Nymphenburg Palace – you won’t regret it!
Cheers and thanks for reading!
Read more about Munich Landmarks in this article HERE.
