Free USA Shipping on Orders over $35!
Love at First Write
Shopping Cart Black Bar
x

The Best Luxury European Fountain Pens

The Best Luxury European Fountain Pens

November 19, 2019 - Posted by Kristin to Guides, Fountain Pens, Pens

Luxury European Fountain Pens

There’s nothing quite like writing with a fine fountain pen. It makes us feel a little more creative, a little more connected to history, and a little more in love with the written word—and that’s before we even notice how beautiful they are. Let’s take a look at what sets European fountain pens apart and explore our top recommendations from the continent.

Top Choice
Pelikan Souveran  Fountain Pen
The Pelikan Souveran is both practical and beautiful.
If you were to get only one pen, you could not go wrong with a Pelikan Souveran. It is the flagship series of piston filling fountain pens from the company that perfected the piston filling mechanism. The pens’ grip sections are short relative to their bodies, but the threads that hold their screw on caps in place are low profile enough that they caused us no discomfort. The pens are well balanced posted or unposted. If you do decide to post them, you’ll notice that the caps grip the bodies of the pens rather than the piston knobs.

The Pelikan Souveran isn’t just supremely functional—it is also remarkably handsome. Its nib is made of beautifully engraved 14k or 18k gold, depending on the model, and is pleasantly springy. Its finishes include the restrained elegance of the Pelikan Souveran Stresemann M405’s gray pinstripes, the sophisticated glamour of the Violet-White M600, and the refined precision of the Metal Striped M815. Each of these stunning pens shimmers subtly in the light. Their bill-shaped clips recall the brand’s namesake bird and their caps are crowned with the Pelikan logo.

The Souveran comes in a variety of different models, including the M805 and M815, M600, and M405. Smaller numbers indicate a smaller pen. The M405 is the smallest, most slender member of the Souveran family. It is perfect for those with small hands but is just as comfortable for those with large hands when posted. The M600 is slightly wider and longer, which makes it a good size for most people. The M805 and M815 are the largest of these three models. They are noticeably heavier, but not excessively so. The M815 is heftier than the M805 due to its brass pinstripes. People with bigger hands will enjoy the size of these pens, but they also work well for smaller-handed people who prefer wide pens when used unposted.

WHY EUROPEAN FOUNTAIN PENS?
Style
European fountain pens come in a wide range of styles.
European fountain pens come in a wide range of styles.
European fountain pens come in a wide variety of designs that reflect the diverse sensibilities and heritages of their home countries. This mosaic of continental style allows you to choose a pen that suits almost any taste. No matter whether you prefer modernism’s simple lines, restrained grandeur reminiscent of the old world, glamorous charm, or understated luxury, you can find a pen manufacturer who produces excellent examples of that style.
History
Pelikan Pison Filling Mechanism and Waterman Fountain Pen Feed
Pelikan and Waterman made significant contributions to fountain pen development.
One of the reasons that there are so many styles to choose from in Europe is that much of the development of fountain pens took place in the West. Innovations in pen technology and the increasing popularity of the fountain pen supported the growth of several brands, some of which still exist today. Waterman invented the modern fountain pen feed before it moved to France; German pen maker Pelikan perfected the piston filling mechanism. Not every European company can be credited with significant contributions to fountain pen design, but many have long and proud pen-making histories. This means that if you’d like the same brand of pen that your parents or grandparents used, there’s a good chance it will be from Europe.
Construction
European nibs are usually wider than Japanese nibs
Wider European nibs show complex inks like J. Herbin Caroube de Chypre to their full effect.
Although European pens can be quite different from one another, they generally share two characteristics that separate them from Japanese pens.

First, European nibs tend to be broader than Japanese nibs. This reflects the difference in European and Japanese writing systems. Japanese characters contain many details, so they must be written with thin lines to remain legible. The Western alphabet, in contrast, uses relatively simple shapes that can be clearly read without fine

details. Europeans also often write in cursive, which requires the pen to provide a rapid, continuous flow of ink, while Japanese writers frequently lift the nib from the paper as they form characters. This makes European nibs a good choice for people with larger handwriting, who write in cursive, or who simply enjoy using broader nibs to show ink colors to their full effect.

Second, many European pens use standard international cartridges. Some pens, including several Japanese models, use only proprietary cartridges. This limits cartridge users to only the colors produced by that brand. If you appreciate the convenience of cartridges, you’re likely to have many more colors to choose from if you use a European fountain pen.

Recommendations
Eye-Catching Fountain Pens
Waldmann Xetra Vienna Fountain Pens
Hand-engraved Waldmann Xetra Vienna Fountain Pens shine with old world charm.
Sterling silver Waldmann Xetra Vienna Fountain Pens exude old world sophistication. Their highly polished lacquer barrels and shiny silver trim provide understated beauty, which is set off by the cap’s dramatic Vienna pattern. The glossy lacquer cap is hand-carved with an abstract, slightly floral design that displays the glittering silver underneath to stunning effect.

Waldmann Xetra Vienna Fountain Pens are slender and comfortable to hold, with a solid silver build and stainless steel nib. They become top heavy when posted, but are perfectly weighted when unposted. They can use either converters or standard international cartridges.

Faber-Castell Design Ondoro Fountain Pen
The Faber-Castell Design Ondoro makes a statement with contrast.
The Faber-Castell Design Ondoro’s bold design demands attention, yet is surprisingly simple. It features a chunky, hexagonal body made of lightweight resin or wood, juxtaposed with a chrome-plated cap. The matte resin graphite version is the most subdued option, providing a slightly subversive option for conservative environments. To make a stronger statement, go with the glossy orange pen. The smoked oak edition is slightly heavier due to its pleasantly textured wood barrel, which provides a strong contrast to the highly reflective cap.

Despite its size, the Ondoro is surprisingly light when used unposted. We prefer not to post it due to the cap’s weight, but it does fit securely on the back of the barrel. The snap-on cap closes securely. The grip section is short but comfortable, with a deep curve that cradles your fingers and prevents them from slipping. The steel nib bears Faber-Castell’s typical dot pattern. The Ondoro comes with a converter and can use standard international cartridges.

Executive Fountain Pens
Waterman Expert Fountain Pens
The Waterman Expert comes in a variety of finishes to suit every personality.
The Waterman Expert proves its professional credentials by pairing a classic cigar shape with smart palladium trim and polished lacquer. Its quietly elegant design culminates in a tailored, stainless steel nib. The Taupe edition shines in even the most conservative environments, while the bolder Blue Obsession and Deluxe White editions show off your personality while remaining appropriate for any business.

Although the cap posts with a secure snap, we prefer to use the light-bodied Waterman Expert unposted for the best balance. It can use several kinds of converters and all standard international cartridges.

Waldmann Edelfeder Fountain Pens
If you’d like a little more shine, you’ll find it in the Waldmann Edelfeder. This graceful pen combines high-gloss lacquer barrels with gleaming, rhodium-plated silver caps. The caps are embellished with distinguished barley-patterned stripes and crowned with a quill logo in honor of the pen’s name, which means “Noble Feather” in German.

The grip section is equally bright and smooth, but its thoughtful hourglass shape keeps your grip secure. We prefer using it unposted, as the cap is quite heavy. The relatively light weight of the

unposted body is comfortable to use for extended periods. The Waldmann Edelfeder is especially suitable for gift-giving, as the cap comes with a space for engraving. If you prefer warmer colors, the Waldmann Tuscany features similar styling with a pinstriped cap and rose gold trim. The Edelfeder has a stainless steel nib, while the Tuscany is available with either a stainless steel or 18k gold nib. Both can use either converters or standard international cartridges.

Modern Fountain Pens
Lamy 2000 Fountain Pens
The undeniably modern Lamy 2000 appears almost seamless.
Lamy’s flagship fountain pen, the Lamy 2000, is a triumph of German Bauhaus design. Its simple, functional form reflects modern design principles. Every part of the pen is masterfully integrated to appear as one piece, from the almost invisible knob that operates the high-capacity piston filling mechanism to the grip section and semi-hooded 14k gold nib. This nib design continues the curved line of the pen down to the tip and helps prevent it from drying out.

Due to its seamless design, the Lamy 2000 has no threads to interfere with your preferred finger placement. There are small tabs that snap the cap securely in place, but they are easy to avoid. The four thin windows near the grip section allow you to check the pen’s ink level so that you can write uninterrupted. It is comfortable posted or unposted.

The iconic black version of the Lamy 2000 is made of Makrolon, a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate that gives it a pleasant texture and lightweight durability. It is also available in brushed stainless steel.

Lamy Dialog 3 Fountain Pens
Lamy Dialog 3 Fountain Pens are fully retractable.
If you often pull your pen out to take notes or have a tendency to lose pen caps, the retractable Lamy Dialog 3 is for you. It is about the same size as the Lamy 2000 but has more heft and is completely straight. When not in use, the slender 14k gold nib nib retreats behind a shiny metal ball valve. This door protects it from drying out.

Two parallel pinstripes run the length of the pen when the door is safely closed. A simple twist of the barrel extends the nib and breaks the pinstripes. The Dialog’s clip also retracts

just enough to prevent it from being used while the nib is out. Both this and the visual cue of the stripes are useful reminders to completely close the pen when you retract the nib. We find the Dialog 3 too heavy near the tip for extended writing, but it’s perfect for quick notes. It can use proprietary cartridges and comes with a converter.

Pocket Fountain Pens
Kaweco AC Sport Carbon Fountain Pens
The Kaweco AC Sport Carbon Fountain Pen is a dramatic choice for everyday carry.
The Kaweco AC Sport Carbon Fountain Pen is a jazzed-up version of Kaweco’s classic Sport that combines velvety aluminum with a slick carbon fiber finish for a look that’s reminiscent of a high-end sports car. It’s a highly compact pen that fits easily into a pocket while extending to a comfortable length when posted. The metal and carbon construction makes it durable and reliable enough to stand up to everyday carry, and the design is both dapper enough for the office and rugged enough for the garage. The octagonal cap’s flat sides render it instantly recognizable and prevent it from rolling away. These portable pens can take Kaweco’s mini converters and standard international short cartridges.
Waldmann Pocket Fountain Pen
The diminuitive Waldmann Pocket Fountain Pen features full-length pinstriping.
If you prefer a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic, Waldmann's Pocket Fountain Pen delivers in spades. Its polished sterling silver body is accented with pinstripes that give it the classic elegance of a Greek column. Its silver construction gives it satisfying heft and its short length allows it to slip into any pocket or purse. It’s especially suited for quick note taking as the snap-on cap is easy to remove and post. The Waldmann Pocket Fountain Pen has a steel nib and can accommodate both mini converters and standard international short cartridges.
Beautiful Fountain Pens
Visconti Van Gogh Fountain Pen
The Visconti Van Gogh Fountain Pen captures the hues of Van Gogh's most famous paintings.
The Visconti Van Gogh fountain pen series celebrates the works of the visionary Dutch painter. Their swirled resin bodies capture the hues of his most famous paintings, mixed together as if on the artist’s palette. Eighteen facets run the length of each pen’s barrel and cap. These are thin enough that the pens handle as if they were round, but the flat faces catch the light with every turn and give the barrels an intriguing, almost textured feel.

Visconti Van Gogh pens feature magnetic caps that are quick to open and close without the risk of uncapping in your pocket. They post easily. We found the pens’ balance slightly better unposted, but they are comfortable either way. The caps are equipped with prominent yet graceful spring-loaded clips. Their distinctive arch is inspired by the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in Visconti’s home city of Florence, Italy. Visconti Van Gogh fountain pens have beautifully engraved steel nibs with crescent-shaped breather holes. They are compatible with standard international cartridges and converters.

Montegrappa Fortuna Fountain Pen
The Montegrappa Fortuna has a unique cap and glamorous trim.
The Montegrappa Fortuna marries classical and modern design elements for a style appropriate for its namesake: the Roman goddess of luck. The simple white resin body is set off by your choice of polished rose gold or boldly black ruthenium trim. The slightly tapered barrel meets a rounded cap with a strong clip equipped with a wheel to make it easier to attach to pockets. It is well balanced whether posted or unposted. The large, stainless steel nib is plated to match the pen’s trim and decorated with an impressive geometric motif that is repeated throughout the Fortuna’s packaging. It comes with a converter and can use standard international short cartridges.
Everyday Fountain Pens
Aurora Ipsilon Lacquer Fountain Pen
The Aurora Ipsilon is comfortable to hold.
The sophisticated Aurora Ipsilon was conceived as a loyal daily writing companion for professionals and students. It lives up to this commission with a slim, tapered resin body that sits comfortably in the hand for long writing sessions. The snap-on cap allows you to start writing as soon as inspiration strikes and posts securely with a satisfying “click.” The pen is well balanced whether you write with it posted or unposted.

The Aurora Ipsilon features a distinguished marbled lacquer finish, set off with polished metal trim. The nib is made of 14k gold. The clip alludes to the name of the pen, with a design that resembles an elongated capital "Y"—"ipsilon" in Italian. This pen can use either a converter or cartridges, both proprietary.

Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen
The Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen is comfortable and light.
The Parker Sonnet is best known as an executive pen, but it is an excellent daily writer as well. It’s quite light despite its sturdy metal body and has a classic shape that is comfortable to hold. We found that we simply didn’t think about the pen when writing—instead, it faded into the background as we wrote sentence after sentence without fatigue. We did prefer using the Sonnet unposted due to the added weight of the snap-on cap, but it is not unduly heavy.

The Parker Sonnet is available with smooth steel or 18k gold nibs. The steel nib pens have simpler designs and plastic grip sections, while the gold nib pens feature more striking trim and metal grip sections. Both use proprietary converters and cartridges.

Leather and Wooden Fountain Pens
Staedtler Initium Lignum Fountain Pens
The Faber-Castell Ambition's wood barrel has a natural feel.
The Faber-Castell Ambition is a study in simplicity. Its lightly textured barrel continues straight into the metal cap to form one continuous cylinder. A metal end piece on the rear of the barrel provides symmetry and a place to post the cap, although we preferred the balance of the unposted pen. The Ambition comes in two wooden finishes: red pear wood and zebra-striped coconut wood. The warmth of the wood provides a pleasant counterpoint to the shiny metal trim.

The Ambition is designed to be most comfortable when held with your fingers on the barrel above the short metal “grip” section. We found that this works well, but people who prefer holding their pens closer to the nib may find the step from the barrel to the section too steep. The Ambition has a stainless steel nib decorated with Faber-Castell’s signature dot pattern and can use standard international cartridges and converters. If you like the look of the Faber-Castell Design Ambition but not the wooden barrels, it is also available in resin and stainless steel versions.

Waldmann Solon Fountain Pen
The Waldmann Solon has a soft leather barrel.
The Waldmann Solon's name and refined style honors the Athenian statesman who laid the groundwork for the rise of Greek democracy. It features a sterling silver barrel clad in black calf leather and a distinguished pinstriped cap. The highly polished silver trim stands out, but the pen is far from ostentatious. The Solon is most comfortable to use unposted. The smooth grip section is slightly shaped to make it easier to hold, and the leather feels beautifully soft to the touch. This pen comes with a stainless steel nib and can use a variety of converters and standard international cartridges.
Compare These Pens

Do you want to review all of our recommended luxury European fountain pens at once? Use our comparison tool to see their specifications side by side.

HOW WE APPROACH RESEARCH & TESTING

Our writers draw on their personal expertise, consult our in-house subject matter experts, and do extensive research to make our guides as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We then test every finding that makes it through the research stage. Only the techniques and tools whose performance we personally confirm make it into our guides as recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Luxury European fountain pens offer a fascinating variety of styles and draw on the long history of fountain pen development on the continent. Do you have a favorite European fountain pen? Tell us about it in the comments below!

PenCategory/StyleFilling SystemNib SizesNib Material
Aurora IpsilonEveryday Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 1.2 mm Italic14k Gold
Faber-Castell Design AmbitionLeather and Wooden Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, BroadSteel
Faber-Castell Design OndoroEye-Catching Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, BroadSteel
Kaweco AC Sport CarbonPocket Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, BroadSteel
Lamy 2000Modern Fountain PensPiston FillExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Oblique Medium, Oblique Broad, Oblique Double Broad14k Gold
Lamy Dialog 3Modern Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterExtra Fine, Fine, Medium14k Gold
Montegrappa FortunaBeautiful Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, BroadSteel
Parker Sonnet Everyday Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium18k Gold, Steel
Pelikan SouveranTop ChoicePiston FillExtra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad14k Gold, 18k Gold
Visconti Van GoghBeautiful Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, Broad, StubSteel
Waldmann EdelfederExecutive Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, BroadSteel
Waldmann PocketPocket Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, BroadSteel
Waldmann SolonLeather and Wooden Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, BroadSteel
Waldmann Xetra ViennaEye-Catching Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, Medium, BroadSteel
Waterman ExpertExecutive Fountain PensCartridge, ConverterFine, MediumSteel