Luther fountain in Ludwigshafen is bubbling again: celebratory reopening!

Luther fountain in Ludwigshafen is bubbling again: celebratory reopening!

In Ludwigshafen, the Luther Fountain is bubbling again and bringing new life to the square at the former Luther Church. On Monday morning, Mayor Jutta Steinruck (independent) put the fountain, which had been extensively renovated since the end of March 2025, back into operation. A child was allowed to press the decisive button, and the students of the Wittelsbach primary school sang a specially composed fountain song with joy. The entire reopening was designed by the children, which gave the event a special charm.

The 33-year-old well had to be renovated because it was heavily calcified. In a complex operation, modern techniques, including laser cleaning, were used to remove stubborn limescale deposits from the valuable bronze parts of the fountain. The deposits that had accumulated over three decades were removed by hand using this innovative method, where the laser reached its limits. This thorough care also clearly demonstrated the craftsmanship of the original, which was created by Gernot and Barbara Rumpf and is reminiscent of the reformers Martin Luther and his wife Katharina von Bora. SWR reports on this touching ceremony.

A sign of community

The total costs for the renovation amounted to 35,000 euros, which were raised through a fundraising campaign led by the former city dean Friedhelm Borggrefe. This commitment from citizens shows that the Luther Fountain is an important symbol for the people of Ludwigshafen that goes well beyond simply donating water. The fountain has taken its place exactly where the altar of the Luther Church once stood, which was destroyed by fire during the Second World War. The Rhine Palatinate highlights how important the preservation of such memorabilia is for local identity.

The Luther Church, which was badly damaged and ultimately destroyed by fire bombs in September 1943, was an important place for the community for many years. The history of the church and the cultural significance associated with it make the return of the fountain a special moment for the city. The fountain is not only a water feature, but also a monument that keeps the memory of the past alive while looking into the future. That's why the people in Ludwigshafen are happy about the reopening, which is not only an aesthetic upgrade of the square, but also a sign of community cohesion. The history of the Luther Church shows the connection between faith and community that can still be felt today.