Bernd the bread

If you find yourself in the city center of Erfurt, you will likely notice a very unusual character on the main square, Fischmarkt. Bernd das Brot (Bernd the Bread) is a two-meter plastic statue of a cult hero from German children's television who, contrary to all genre tropes, is always in a bad mood.

Bernd the Bread. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This grumpy loaf, weighing about 125 kg, has become a true pop culture icon in Germany. Unlike cheerful mascots, Bernd is known for his sarcasm, short arms, and fatalistic outlook on life, making him a favorite for both children and adults. The statue was installed in 2007 to celebrate the anniversary of the KiKA television channel, which is headquartered right here.

Today, the gloomy bread standing next to the majestic Town Hall is one of the most popular selfie spots. He kicks off a series of famous TV character figures decorating the city streets, reminding tourists that even in the most serious historical locations, there is always room for a bit of kind irony.

To find out more about the location of the figures or city events, you can contact the tourist center or check the details on the official city portal.

The main ritual at the Bernd das Brot monument is, of course, a photo session. Tourists of all ages try to copy his signature grumpy scowl and folded "arms" to capture a funny shot against the elegant architecture of Fischmarkt square. This is a place where you can forget about being serious for a minute and just goof around next to a national icon.

After meeting Bernd, it's worth looking around: the statue serves as an excellent starting point for a mini-quest. Other KiKA characters, such as the Sandman (Sandmännchen) or Pittiplatsch, are hidden in different parts of the city, and searching for them turns an ordinary walk into an exciting adventure, especially if you are traveling with family.

Since Bernd stands on the central market square, the area is always buzzing with life. You can stop by one of the nearby bakeries and buy fresh pastries (perhaps a bit more cheerful than Bernd himself) or sit in a cafe, watching street musicians and fairs that often take place right at the foot of the Town Hall. It is a great spot to feel the rhythm of Erfurt before heading deeper into the old town.

Finding the grumpy bread is easy, as he has "settled" at Fischmarkt 19, right in the heart of the historical center. If you arrive at the main railway station, Erfurt Hauptbahnhof, the walk to the square takes only 10–15 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, tram lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 are suitable—you should get off at the Fischmarkt or Anger stop.

If your journey to Erfurt begins at Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERS), a taxi or bus ride to the city center will take about 30–40 minutes. Drivers should note that the city center is a pedestrian zone, so it is best to leave your car in one of the Park & Ride lots or in the underground garage at the Town Hall.

From the famous Cathedral Square (Domplatz), you can reach Bernd in just 5 minutes by following the spire of the Neo-Gothic Town Hall. The statue is outdoors and visible from a distance, so you definitely won't miss this unusual monument.

The story of this unusual character began quite simply in 2000: Bernd's creators, Tommy Krappweis and Norman Köster, were having dinner at a pizzeria and, while looking at a bread basket, sketched the first draft right on a napkin. The KiKA channel was looking for a new symbol, and although a sheep was originally planned, the authors convinced the management that "bread is funny." Thus was born the eternally dissatisfied loaf with facial features ironically borrowed from Köster himself.

The statue in Erfurt was ceremoniously installed in 2007 to mark the tenth anniversary of the KiKA channel. Bernd was the pioneer: after him, other heroes of popular children's shows began to decorate the city streets, turning a walk through the center into a real quest for tourists of all ages. Despite his pessimistic nature, Bernd quickly became one of the city's most photographed objects.

In 2009, a nearly detective-like story occurred with the monument—the statue was kidnapped. The search lasted for several days, and eventually, Bernd was found safe and sound in the basement of abandoned barracks in the nearby town of Nohra. This incident caused a huge media stir and only added to the character's popularity. Today, Bernd das Brot is not just a plastic figure but a true cultural symbol celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025.

To say hello to Bernd and take a couple of funny photos, 15–30 minutes will be quite enough. It is an ideal "quick stop" during a walk through the historical center.

If you decide to go on a full hunt for all the KiKA characters scattered around the city and want to slowly enjoy a coffee at Fischmarkt square, allow about 1 hour. This will be enough time to soak in the atmosphere and admire the details of the Neo-Gothic Town Hall standing right behind Bernd.

Since Bernd das Brot is located in an open public square, he is available to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can drop by in the early morning when the square is still quiet, or late in the evening when the monument looks striking in the city lights.

Access to the attraction is completely free. However, before your trip, it is worth checking the official city website to see if any major festivals or fairs are being held at Fischmarkt at that time, which might limit access to the statue.

The statue's location on Fischmarkt square makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the old town's main treasures. Just steps away from the "world's saddest bread," views open up that make tourists lose track of time.

A walk around the area will allow you to see medieval architecture, unique bridges, and the majestic cathedrals that Erfurt is so proud of.