Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue), Munster
Discover the Traveling Merchant (Kiepenkerl Denkmal), a life鈥憇ized bronze statue situated in the heart of Munster鈥檚 Old Town. This iconic monument commemorates the travelling peddlers known as Kiepenkerle, who once traversed the Munsterland region carrying goods in a wicker basket, or 鈥淜iepe,鈥� on their backs, trading eggs, dairy, salt, and news between farms and the city.
The sculpture you see today was unveiled on September 20, 1953, a faithful bronze recreation by sculptor Albert Mazzotti Jr., commissioned after the original figure鈥攃reated by August Schmiemann in 1896 and made of plaster with copper plating鈥攚as destroyed by a US tank at the end of World War II. The original statue had famously survived Allied bombing in 1943 but was later demolished during the city鈥檚 liberation.
The Kiepenkerl is dressed in traditional attire鈥攁 blue linen smock, red neckerchief, cap, knotted walking stick, and a whistle鈥攃apturing the character and era of these folk traders. It stands not only as a tribute to their economic role but also as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and M眉nster鈥檚 roots in rural鈥憉rban exchange and community life.
Today, visitors can pause beside the statue for photos or reflection, then stroll through the vibrant Kiepenkerlviertel neighbourhood brimming with caf茅s, shops, and historic architecture. It鈥檚 an ideal starting point on a walking tour of Munster鈥檚 old town, combining cultural immersion with local charm. Guided tours frequently include the statue and explain its layered history, offering a window into the city鈥檚 past and spirit.
The sculpture you see today was unveiled on September 20, 1953, a faithful bronze recreation by sculptor Albert Mazzotti Jr., commissioned after the original figure鈥攃reated by August Schmiemann in 1896 and made of plaster with copper plating鈥攚as destroyed by a US tank at the end of World War II. The original statue had famously survived Allied bombing in 1943 but was later demolished during the city鈥檚 liberation.
The Kiepenkerl is dressed in traditional attire鈥攁 blue linen smock, red neckerchief, cap, knotted walking stick, and a whistle鈥攃apturing the character and era of these folk traders. It stands not only as a tribute to their economic role but also as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and M眉nster鈥檚 roots in rural鈥憉rban exchange and community life.
Today, visitors can pause beside the statue for photos or reflection, then stroll through the vibrant Kiepenkerlviertel neighbourhood brimming with caf茅s, shops, and historic architecture. It鈥檚 an ideal starting point on a walking tour of Munster鈥檚 old town, combining cultural immersion with local charm. Guided tours frequently include the statue and explain its layered history, offering a window into the city鈥檚 past and spirit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munster. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue) on Map
Sight Name: Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue)
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munster, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munster
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munster is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Munster's Religious Buildings Tour
Munster, a German city steeped in history and religious significance, boasts a myriad of places of worship that have withstood the test of time. Concentrated in the Old Town, they showcase the diversity of styles fit to impress anyone interested in religious architecture.
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Munster's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The centuries-long history of Munster, set in stone, is still very much alive. The carefully restored ancient homes, churches, and other 鈥� sometimes peculiar 鈥� pieces of architecture, abounding the city, 鈥渢ell鈥� the tales of its past rather eloquently, all the while setting a stage that makes every visit to Munster an exciting experience.
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Munster Introduction Walking Tour
The picturesque city of M眉nster is in Westphalia, the northwestern region of Germany. It resides along the river Aa and is situated not far from the Netherlands border. Munster's roots date back to A.D. 793, when Ludger, a Frisian missionary, was sent to the region by Charlemagne to evangelize the Saxons and found a monastery. Known as the founder of M眉nster, Ludger later became the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles