Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg from the front, while the sun shines behind it into the inner courtyard © Tourismus Salzburg
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Hellbrunn Palace

The archbishop's pleasure palace with its fountains

Excursion destinations for the whole family in Salzburg

Alongside Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn Palace is the most famous palace in the city of Salzburg. The idyllic complex with the magnificent late Renaissance building, the cheeky trick fountains and the huge park is definitely one of the must-sees on holiday in Salzburg. Be enchanted by its history and be prepared for wet surprises at the Hellbrunn trick fountains!

People at a table, surrounded by a historic fountain and water features.
Unique historical experiences with playful water effects in the heart of Salzburg.

Castle Park & Water Features in Salzburg

In 1612, Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus decided to have a summer residence built in the south, outside the city of Salzburg. Modelled on Italian Mannerist stately homes, the aim was to create a place of pleasure and relaxation for the prince-archbishop and his guests. Today, visitors can experience the trick fountains at Hellbrunn Palace with a guided tour or explore them on their own.

Experience the famous Hellbrunn Water Games on a guided tour

Experience the famous Hellbrunn trick fountains on a guided tour through Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg. These water features, unique in the Alpine region, were built by the prince-archbishop as an entertaining spectacle for his guests, powered entirely by hydraulics using water from the nearby Untersberg.

The tour leads through elaborately designed grottoes with mechanical figures, showcases the crown dancing on the water jet, and stops at the famous stone table, where the prince-archbishop once surprised his guests with amusing water effects. Especially in autumn, the famous Hellbrunn Palace trick fountains take on a special charm when combined with the colourful palace park, ideal for visitors who want to discover Hellbrunn Palace and Hellbrunn Salzburg outside the peak season.

Attractions in the Palace Park at Hellbrunn

Behind Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg lies an extensive park with avenues, meadows, playgrounds and a Kneipp facility. Here you can go for a walk, be active, or simply enjoy nature. The park is also home to a whole range of attractions:

  • the Theatrum (Roman theatre)
  • the marble Prince's Table
  • the wine cellar carved from raw limestone, the Star Pond and other ponds with impressive carp
    magnificent fountains
  • eight impressive grottoes
Historic castle with extensive, green park surrounded by lush nature.
An exclusive experience in the midst of historical elegance and a green oasis right in Salzburg.

The Romantic Hellbrunn Advent Market at Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg

The Hellbrunn Advent Market offers a charming pre-Christmas atmosphere in the palace park at Hellbrunn in Salzburg. When snow conditions permit, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise in winter. Especially during Advent, the palace's magnificent facade becomes a picturesque backdrop for the atmospheric Hellbrunn Advent Market. Among lovingly decorated fir trees, numerous stalls invite you to stroll, marvel and indulge, a true highlight of the Christmas season, promising pure festive spirit.

Child feeding deer through a fence in the forest, accompanied by an adult.
Experience incomparable animal adventures for the whole family, right near Salzburg.

Salzburg Zoo

For families and animal lovers, Hellbrunn is also home to Salzburg's zoo, which impresses with its beautiful, near-natural grounds at the foot of Hellbrunn Mountain. Around 1,200 animals from 150 species live there in spacious enclosures, ranging from Alpine inhabitants to animals from Africa, America and Australia.

Hellbrunn can be reached in around half an hour by bus from Hotel Scherer. If you prefer a more adventurous experience, you can take the Salzach boat, which departs from the Makartsteg in the city centre.

City Hotel Scherer in the centre of Salzburg

Discover Hellbrunn Palace and its special attraction, the trick fountains. Spend the night in the family-run 4-star hotel, which is the ideal base for exploring the many sights of the city of Salzburg.

Would you like to visit Hellbrunn Palace? Then send us a non-binding inquiry now or simply book online and secure yourself an unforgettable holiday in the city of Salzburg.

Hotel Scherer