Willi Ostermann Monument
Willi Ostermann Monument
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 8 min walk
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4.0
38 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
18
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Bob K
Fairfax, VA2,212 contributions
Dec 2019
The Ostermann Fountain by Willi Ostermann 1.10.1876 - 6.8.1936, which was completed in 1939, stands on the Ostermannplatz square in Cologne’s old town. The figures depicted on the fountain are references to the songs of the Cologne lyricist and singer Willi Ostermann (1876 –1936). His music is still an indispensable part of carnival today, songs such as "Däm Schmitz sind Frau eß durchjebrannt", "Einmal am Rhein" and, of course, the Cologne anthem "Heimweh nach Köln" are among the best-known pieces. Allow ~15 min for your visit.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,808 contributions
Sept 2019
This memorial fountain was created as a memorial to Willi Ostermann, a German lyricist, composer and singer of carnival songs, sometimes about Cologne. There seems to be two memorials to Willi Ostermann. One which is rather nondescript by on the north side of the square and fallen into disrepair. The more significant one dominates the small square and features a large rock around which is carved semi-relief sculptures of characters from his songs. I suspect you'd have to be a fan to identify any of them. Regardless, the memorial is well executed ensemble of caricatures of individuals from all walks of life. All the characters are carved larger than life, much like Willi Ostermann and his song characters.
Worth a look if in the old fish market area.
Worth a look if in the old fish market area.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia44,656 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
During our walking tour of Cologne, we walked through the Ostermann Square in Old Town. Our guide told us Wilil Ostermann was a singer and song writer and wrote many songs about his home town of Cologne. In fact, many of his songs have been incorporated into Cologne’s Karnival. The location of the monument is in the middle of the city and is located in a small green. The figures shown on the monument are characters of his songs. One of his most popular songs is “Heimwih noh Kölle”; translated means home-sick for Cologne. The memorial was completed in 1939.
Written 14 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK829,297 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
We found this monument and fountain as we were visiting some of the magnificent brewpubs in the wonderful Old Town.
In honour of the famous lyricist and songwriter Willi Ostermann ( 1876- 1936 ).
His songs were most revered in Cologne and Germany in general and his most famous song Homesick For Cologne was very popular indeed.
The monument has some great sculpting on it and looks really cool and with it's great location in the Old Town is superb.
This monument is easily found on Ostermannplatz in an area teeming with pubs, bars and restaurants and some amazing architecture and a major tourist destination.
In honour of the famous lyricist and songwriter Willi Ostermann ( 1876- 1936 ).
His songs were most revered in Cologne and Germany in general and his most famous song Homesick For Cologne was very popular indeed.
The monument has some great sculpting on it and looks really cool and with it's great location in the Old Town is superb.
This monument is easily found on Ostermannplatz in an area teeming with pubs, bars and restaurants and some amazing architecture and a major tourist destination.
Written 29 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK829,297 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Located in a very cool looking and secluded square is this wonderful fountain and monument in honour of Willi Ostermann.
Willi Ostermann ( 1876-1936 ) was a songwriter ,composer and lyricist, most associated with Cologne's famous Carnival, he's best remembered for the song " Homesick For Cologne " ,the monument itself is superb ,the carved figures are characters from some of his famous songs ,its a very beautiful fountain and monument and most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area and easy to locate on Ostermannplatz .
Willi Ostermann ( 1876-1936 ) was a songwriter ,composer and lyricist, most associated with Cologne's famous Carnival, he's best remembered for the song " Homesick For Cologne " ,the monument itself is superb ,the carved figures are characters from some of his famous songs ,its a very beautiful fountain and monument and most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area and easy to locate on Ostermannplatz .
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harrison F. Carter
Auckland, New Zealand12,826 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
This was nice... Good to see, although not easy to find. Set in a lovely inner courtyard, you access by passing through an entrance. Lovely place to sit and eat.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,355 contributions
Oct 2019
As you are wandering round the AltStadt it is worth tracking down the Willi Ostermann Monument.
Located in a small square it is worth having a sit down and a rest before continuing your exploring.
Located in a small square it is worth having a sit down and a rest before continuing your exploring.
Written 25 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iolanda Guerra e Andrade
Lisbon, Portugal3,748 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
This rather secluded fountain is worth being looked at, not only because it depicts characters mentioned in some of the well known songs by singer and song writer Willi Osterman, many of which became favourite over Karnival but also because it is a symbolic way of honouring folklore.
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bukagirl
New Jersey4,215 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
Peaceful shady area with a quirky fountain and a huge beautiful tree.
Look at the fountain closely it tells a story of the towns carnival.
Look at the fountain closely it tells a story of the towns carnival.
Written 22 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YTCHENG
Hong Kong, China15,392 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
During our walk from the riverside to the Cathedral, we passed through a small square and found the Willi Ostermann Monument cum Fountain there. Willi was a local singer and song writer and some of his songs were very popular here.
Written 5 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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