Hammerquelle, Buedingen, Hessen, Germany

## Overview The Hammerquelle is a historic public drinking spring located in the town of Büdingen (Buedingen), in the Wetteraukreis district of Hessen, Germany. The spring was formally developed in 1914, when it was built out with a stone wall to channel and protect the natural water flow. Water emerges from pipes set into the hillside wall, making it easy for visitors to collect. The spring is always accessible and has long served as a local source of fresh water. Büdingen itself is a beautifully preserved medieval town, known for its impressive castle (Schloss Büdingen) and well-maintained old town center. The Hammerquelle sits on the outskirts, offering a quieter, more natural setting just minutes from the historic heart of the town. ## Directions **Nearest address:** Am Hammer, 63654 Büdingen, Wetteraukreis, Hessen, Germany 1. Head to the street called **Am Hammer** in Büdingen. 2. Drive past the houses along the road. As you continue, you will notice pipes emerging from the hillside on your right. 3. Park nearby and walk approximately 10 meters (about 30 feet) uphill from the road. 4. You will see where the water flows out of the built stone wall — this is the Hammerquelle. **Bonus stop nearby — Der Wilde Stein (The Wild Stone):** After visiting the spring, head back toward Büdingen and turn right onto **Am Wildenstein**. Follow this road uphill until it ends at a T-intersection near the hospital. Turn left here. A short distance ahead, you'll find **Der Wilde Stein**, an ancient ritual site. This atmospheric spot offers a wonderful view of Büdingen and its illuminated castle at night — a perfect place to sit and enjoy a glass of fresh spring water. ## What to Expect The Hammerquelle is a developed spring, meaning the water is channeled through pipes set into a stone retaining wall built into the hillside. The setup dates back to 1914 and gives the spring a charming, old-world character. Water flow is reported to be consistent, and the spring is open and accessible at all times — day or night. To reach the spring, you'll need to walk a short distance uphill (roughly 30 feet / 10 meters) from the road. The terrain is manageable but may be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The surrounding area is residential and quiet, with the hillside providing a pleasant, green backdrop. Visitors have historically used the Hammerquelle as a drinking water source, and it remains a popular spot for locals to fill bottles. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary over time, and no official testing data is currently available. Nearby, the ancient cult site known as **Der Wilde Stein** (The Wild Stone) on Am Wildenstein is well worth a visit. The stone is believed to be a pre-Christian ritual site, adding a layer of deep historical significance to the area. At night, the vantage point offers a striking view of the medieval Schloss Büdingen, beautifully illuminated against the sky.