Hellbrunn Palace and the Trick Fountains
Wet surprises at the prince-archbishop's pleasure palace
FamilySalzburg- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
Hellbrunn Palace on the southern edge of Salzburg is famous for its trick fountains, which have been surprising and splashing visitors for more than 400 years. This private tour is great fun for families and also reveals how the prince-archbishops lived.
Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus built Hellbrunn as a summer palace from 1612. He loved practical jokes: at the stone table in the garden, guests could suddenly get wet from below while his own seat stayed dry.
In grottoes, fountains and hidden jets, the water runs without electricity, driven only by natural gravity. A highlight is the mechanical theater with more than a hundred moving figures powered by water.
The large park is also home to the gazebo from The Sound of Music. Kids from about six solve small riddles, spot stone animals and guess where the next jet will spray. A towel never hurts.
Highlights
- Trick fountains full of surprises
- The prince's stone table
- Water-powered mechanical theater
- Sound of Music gazebo in the park
- Riddles and games for kids
The route
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1Palace courtyard
Arrival at the pleasure palace
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2Trick fountains
Grottoes and jets
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3Mechanical theater
Figures in motion
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4Palace park
Gazebo and ponds
Who this tour is for
Perfect for families with children from about 6, couples and anyone who likes a good laugh.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees and tickets for cable cars, trains, boats or tastings are not included and are paid on site. Your guide is happy to tell you in advance what to expect.
Is the price per person or per group?
This is a private tour with a licensed Austrian tour guide. The price is per group, not per person, so it is just you and your own party.
Do the trick fountains run all year?
The trick fountains are only open in the warmer months. In winter the park is accessible but the fountains are closed.
