A unique bronze sculpture has been gracing the streets of Giessen, Germany for two decades, serving as both a historical reminder and a beloved tourist attraction. The Schlammbeiser statue, located between Market Square and Church Square, was officially unveiled on November 18, 2005, and has since become an integral part of the city's identity.
"Now I've been freezing at Church Square for 20 years. Those were the times," joked Axel Pfeffer, the local personality who inspired the statue's creation, when asked about the monument's milestone anniversary. Despite current events overshadowing this significant anniversary, the sculpture has been beautifying the cityscape for two full decades and continues to draw attention from locals and visitors alike.
The two-meter tall, two-ton bronze sculpture commemorates the historical work of the Schlammbeiser, a profession that played a crucial role in Giessen's sanitation before the advent of modern sewerage systems. The term "Schlammbeiser," which translates roughly to "mud biter," originally referred to workers who collected human waste and other refuse from buckets placed in front of houses during times when the city lacked proper sewage infrastructure. These workers, known as "Schlemp-Eiser," would use long iron rods with hooks to retrieve waste from containers between houses and empty them into carts. They also cleared blocked drainage channels throughout the city.
The statue's creation was spearheaded by Axel Pfeffer, who launched a fundraising campaign called "Fill the Schlammbeiser's Bucket." Through remarkable dedication, Pfeffer collected an impressive 43,000 euros in just 30 events within one year, making the ambitious project financially viable. His efforts were so closely associated with the cause that many residents initially noted the statue's resemblance to Pfeffer himself, who had become synonymous with the Schlammbeiser character through his performances as a carnival speaker during Giessen's Fastnacht celebrations.
Local master stonemason Hans-Ulrich Ehrhardt crafted the bronze sculpture based on a historical photograph of the last active Schlammbeiser in the city. The detailed artwork depicts the worker in authentic period attire, complete with boots and a "Batschkapp" (a traditional cap), along with the characteristic iron hook and bucket that were essential tools of the trade. The sculpture captures not only the physical appearance but also the historical significance of this unique profession that once served the community.
The statue's official unveiling ceremony drew significant attention from both city officials and residents. Then-Hessian Interior Minister Volker Bouffier, himself a Schlammbeiser (as longtime Giessen residents are affectionately called), served as patron of the project. He had the honor of unveiling the sculpture alongside Pfeffer and Giessen's Mayor Heinz-Peter Haumann, marking a momentous occasion for the university city.
Today, the Schlammbeiser statue has become an indispensable part of Giessen's urban landscape and serves as a popular highlight during city tours. Tour guide Peter Meilinger regularly brings the historical figure to life by assuming the role of the Schlammbeiser, educating visitors about the fascinating history behind this unique monument. The statue provides an engaging way to connect modern residents and tourists with the city's practical history and the working-class heritage that helped shape contemporary Giessen.
Looking toward the future, the city of Giessen plans to honor the Schlammbeiser's iconic status even further. Municipal authorities have announced plans to introduce new motifs for all pedestrian traffic lights around the Anlagenring, with the Schlammbeiser serving as one of the featured designs. The city is also encouraging citizens to propose additional motifs, ensuring community involvement in celebrating local heritage and identity through urban infrastructure.
