St. Anna Rhine River Mermaid

This Rhine River mermaid is dorsal-finned and unusual in many ways. She is stunningly austere and ascetic, seemingly adapted perfectly to the strong currents of the Rhine River where it flows through Rheinfelden.

She has the strong and prominent dorsal fin, webbed hands and almost human legs that end in large fins. Additionally there is a suggestion of gills on the side of her torso, and maybe also by her cheekbones.  

Roland Kistner created the sculpture in 2007, depicting the mermaid who has saved a drowning girl from the river currents. A cavern named the St. Anna Hole in the riverbed creates strong turbulence and unusual currents, which over the years have surprised many swimmers, at times with fatal results.

The sculpture sits next to the Old Rhine Bridge near the St. Anna Hole, on the border between Switzerland and Germany.

You can see more history and photos on the St. Anna Rhine River Mermaid page.