Hellbrunn Palace

The archiepiscopal pleasure palace and its water features

Excursion destinations for the whole family in Salzburg

In addition to Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn is the most famous palace in the city of Salzburg. The idyllic facility with the magnificent late Renaissance style, the bold water features and the huge park are definitely some of the must-sees when on holiday in Salzburg. Be enchanted by its history and prepare yourself for some unexpected splashes!

Our recommendation

Combine your excursion to Hellbrunn Palace with a visit to the nearby Salzburg Zoo – this way the day will also be an experience for smaller children.

Schlosspark & Wasserspiele

In 1612, Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus decided to have a summer residence built in the south outside of the city of Salzburg. Modelled after Italian Mannerist stately homes, it was to be a place of pleasure and recuperation for the Prince-Archbishop and his guests.

The famous Hellbrunn water features

As a special attraction, he had water features incorporated, whose unique qualities have not been surpassed in the Alpine region to this day. The machines work entirely using hydraulic power and are driven by the water of the nearby Untersberg. A guided tour through the water features brings you to enchanting grottos with mechanical figures, shows you the crown dancing on the water jet and lets you sit at a stone table where the Prince-Archbishop once entertained his guests and had fun doing so.

Attractions in the castle park

Behind Hellbrunn Palace, an extensive park facility with boulevards, meadows, playgrounds and a Kneipp facility are spread out. Here you can go for a walk, play sports or simply enjoy the outdoors. You can also find a whole range of sights here:

the Theatrum (Roman theatre)
the princely table made of marble
the wine cellar is made of raw limestone
the Sternweiher and other ponds with capital carps
magnificent fountains
eight imposing grottos

Romantic Advent market

In the pre-Christmas period, the yellow facade of Hellbrunn Palace offers a romantic backdrop for the Christmas market. During this time, different booths nestled among a multitude of Christmas trees invite you to take a look and enjoy – a pure Advent feeling.

Salzburg Zoo

Salzburg’s zoo is also located in Hellbrunn for families and animal lovers, which thrills with its beautiful facility at the foot of the Hellbrunn mountain close to nature. Around 1,200 animals from 140 species live there in the extensive enclosures, from Alpine species to animals from Africa, America and Australia. You can reach Hellbrunn in around half an hour from Hotel Scherer by bus. Those who want to be more adventurous can travel with the Salzach ship, which stops in the inner city by the Makartsteg.

The family hotel in the middle of Salzburg

Salzburg with its beauties and sights is a unique tourist magnet in Austria – a visit to Hellbrunn Palace and the trick fountains is a must with every stay in the city of Mozart. You can find out more information from the team at Hotel Scherer, which forms the ideal starting point for sightseeing with its central location. Ask for a non-binding offer now or book your room online!