Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) is an early 17th-century pleasure palace on the southern edge of Salzburg, built for the Prince-Archbishop as a rural retreat. It is best known for its historic water features and landscaped grounds.

The estate’s most famous attraction is a series of engineered trick fountains and water-powered devices originally installed when the palace was built. These Wasserspiele operate as part of guided demonstrations and include concealed jets, grottoes and playful surprises designed to soak or surprise visitors.

The palace building itself contains period state rooms and a formal courtyard, while the surrounding park includes terraces, pavilions and tree-lined walks that extend across the estate. The combination of architecture and engineered waterworks makes Hellbrunn a frequent half-day excursion from Salzburg.

Hellbrunn lies on the southern outskirts of the city of Salzburg in Austria and is easily reached by car or public transport from the city center.

• Fountain tours: Guided tours of the Wasserspiele run on a schedule in the warmer months and are the primary way to experience the historic trick fountains.
• Proximity to Salzburg: The palace stands on the southern outskirts of Salzburg and is often visited as a short trip from the city center.

What to See #

• The Palace: Built as a pleasure palace and summer residence in the early 17th century, the main building contains state rooms decorated in period style and a formal courtyard.
• Trick Fountains (Wasserspiele): A collection of historic water-driven trick features dating from the palace's construction era, presented today as a guided attraction that activates hidden jets, grottoes and fountains.
• Gardens and Park: Extensive landscaped grounds and parkland with formal terraces, walkways and smaller ornamental pavilions surrounding the palace complex.