Krokodil im Kanal

Freiburg is sometimes called the “Venice of Germany” due to its many little canals running parallel to the streets. These canals have underground sections, usually blocked off with iron bars to prevent junk from getting in and clogging them. Naturally, such structures have inspired local legends about creatures lurking beneath. The most popular legend is that of the canal crocodile, which is said to live in these tunnels and eat children who come too close.

In 2001, the legend became a bit more true when Berlin artist Ole Meinecke created a life-sized crocodile head and placed it in the canal. Meinecke created the piece as his master’s exam assignment for the Friedrich Weinbrenner School, which made him a master stonemason. 

Today, the crocodile is a beloved piece of Freiburg art, popular with both children and tourists. Some say it brings luck if you can land a coin on its head.