"Steinhuder Nymphe (Steinhude's Nymph)" by Stephan Gesa

The sculpture “Steinhuder Nymphe” by Romanian artist Stephan Gesa embodies both artistic ambition and local heritage. Created in 1977, the artwork stands proudly on the Ratskellergelände, just by the promenade in Steinhude, where it has long been a familiar sight to visitors strolling along the picturesque lakeside. Gesa originally intended to craft the piece from acrylic glass and place it in the water to create a vivid interplay between sculpture and nature. In the final design, however, the “Nymphe” was realised in plaster, giving it a distinct expressive texture, though making it unsuitable for permanent exposure to the elements. Over time, weathering took its toll, but thanks to careful restoration, the sculpture regained its elegance and has been gleaming once again since 2022. Today, the “Steinhuder Nymphe” is more than just a work of art—it is a symbol of cultural continuity at the Steinhuder Meer, connecting creativity, history, and the natural beauty of the region. Whether discovered during a relaxed lakeside walk or visited as part of an art-inspired outing, this restored piece invites moments of reflection and appreciation amidst one of Lower Saxony’s most beloved coastal landscapes.