The Gänseliesel has stood on the market fountain in front of the Old Town Hall since 1901. The graceful figure is Göttingen's landmark.

The Gänseliesel is a tribute to the goose girls who were part of the cityscape back then. Many of these girls were called Elisabeth, which is why the diminutive "Liesel" became their job title.

For a long time, it has been a firm tradition that the newly qualified doctors of the Georg-August University pay a visit to the Gänseliesel. After the oral examination, equipped with a doctor's hat, they are driven to the market in a decorated handcart.

The task here is to climb the fountain with athletic effort and plant a kiss on the Gänseliesel. In return, she receives a bouquet of flowers as a thank you. This custom makes the Gänseliesel the most kissed girl in town - although she never kisses back.