Berlin’s Fountains Spring Back to Life: 184 Water Features Activated Across the City
Berlin, April 8, 2026 – The vibrant city of Berlin is once again embracing its ornamental fountain season, as 184 decorative fountains, water features, and waterways in eleven of its districts are progressively being switched on. The official kickoff took place at the fountain on Clara-Zetkin-Platz in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, marking the gradual return of these beloved water installations by mid-May.
Berliner Wasserbetriebe, the city’s water utility, made the announcement at the season’s opening, emphasizing the significance of these water features for the capital’s almost four million inhabitants. Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD), who also chairs the supervisory board of the water utility, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of these installations.
“This is important for the nearly four million people living here in the city,” stated Senator Giffey. She further elaborated that beyond their aesthetic appeal, the water facilities play a crucial role in improving air quality and enhancing the overall quality of life for Berliners.
Extensive Network and Ongoing Renovations
Berliner Wasserbetriebe is entrusted with the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of a substantial network of 234 ornamental fountains, wading pools, and other water features across all districts of the capital, with the sole exception of Mitte. However, not all of these will be operational this season.
Stephan Natz, a spokesperson for the water utility, confirmed that fifty of these installations are currently undergoing long-term renovation. Among these, thirty-five fountains, including the iconic Globe Fountain at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz – affectionately known as the “Wasserklops” – and the fountain at Strausberger Platz, will remain dry throughout the year. This is attributed to the extensive nature of the renovation work required or their location within active construction zones.
District Distribution and Additional Water Infrastructure
According to data provided by the water utility, the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg boasts the highest number of fountains, with a total of 60 installations. Seventeen of these are deep wells that draw groundwater, contributing to the district’s water features. Marzahn-Hellersdorf follows closely, ranking second with 38 water facilities.
Beyond the ornamental fountains, Berlin’s water infrastructure includes an extensive network of 2,091 so-called swing pumps, which serve as crucial emergency wells. Additionally, the water utility maintains 238 drinking fountains throughout the city. It is important to note that water is only safe for consumption from fountains explicitly marked with signs, and not from other facilities.
The annual activation of Berlin’s fountains is a cherished tradition, symbolizing the arrival of spring and contributing to the city’s unique charm and liveability. While some popular landmarks will remain dry due to necessary renovations, the vast majority will once again provide refreshing visual and environmental benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Source: https://www.berlin.de/en/news/10308478-5559700-fountains-in-berlin-are-switched-on-agai.en.html
