Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
A Renaissance villa famed for its playful trick water fountains, enchanting gardens, and a delightful children's playground.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Renaissance villa famed for its playful trick water fountains, enchanting gardens, and a delightful children's playground.
"The trick fountains are one of the highlights of our visit to Salzburg!
"🎒 Pack for a Splash!
You WILL get wet on the trick fountain tour. Bring a change of clothes or wear quick-drying attire.
⏰ Arrive Early for Fountains
Be there at opening to snag a spot in the first trick fountain tour groups.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Infamous Trick Fountains
Gardens
Experience playful water jets, hidden mechanisms, and surprising splashes that have delighted visitors for centuries. Pure Renaissance fun!

The Enchanting Gardens
Palace Grounds
Wander through meticulously landscaped grounds, discover hidden grottos, and enjoy serene duck ponds. A peaceful escape.

The Children's Playground
Palace Grounds
A fantastic, expansive playground that keeps younger visitors entertained for hours. Perfect for families with toddlers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Splash!
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips please!
🎒 Pack for a Splash!
You WILL get wet on the trick fountain tour. Bring a change of clothes or wear quick-drying attire.
⏰ Arrive Early for Fountains
Be there at opening to snag a spot in the first trick fountain tour groups.
1 Day Alone in Salzburg--looking for the less popular locations
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens; restaurants can be pricey.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
After the initial guided part, you can wander freely through the fountain areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for a Splash!
You WILL get wet on the trick fountain tour. Bring a change of clothes or wear quick-drying attire.
⏰ Arrive Early for Fountains
Be there at opening to snag a spot in the first trick fountain tour groups.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens; restaurants can be pricey.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
After the initial guided part, you can wander freely through the fountain areas.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Professional photos are taken, but consider capturing your own surprise moments!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hellbrunn Palace is celebrated for its ingenious and fun Trick Fountains, offering a unique, splash-filled experience that delights visitors of all ages. The beautiful gardens and excellent playground are also major draws, making it a perfect family outing. While the palace interior museum is considered smaller by some, the overall experience is highly positive, especially during warmer months.
"Must see attraction reflecting Austrian culture and finesse’ each sculpture, Fountain and Artwork is exemplary and enjoyable for a connoisseur.
Reaching there is easy too. Just take bus 25 from HH central bus station. Have a great day when u visit…
Best season between April to September."
S K
"Beautiful place to visit, main attraction is the trick fountains that you can only visit in groups every 30 min. The smaller interior can be visited any time and is not timed.
Be mindful that you will most likely get wet or surprise your friends and keep it secret.
I recommend being there when they open so you guarantee to be the 1st or 2nd group"
Finite Trips
"Had a great time visiting this gorgeous museusm / castle / park! Two things were particularly great: the Trick Fountains and the Children Playground as we were visiting with our 3yo toddler. We will definitely be back for the playground during our stay in Salzburg !"
Hugo Pelland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take bus number 25 from the main bus station (Hauptbahnhof) in Salzburg. The journey is direct and takes about 20-30 minutes.
Yes, there is parking available at Hellbrunn Palace, which can be convenient if you are arriving by car. Fees may apply.
While possible, it's a significant walk (around 5-6 km or 3-4 miles) and might take over an hour. Taking public transport is generally recommended for most visitors.
Alight at the 'Hellbrunn' stop. The palace and its attractions are clearly signposted from there.
Yes, there are pleasant cycling routes along the Salzach River that can lead you towards Hellbrunn Palace, offering scenic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are required for the Trick Fountains tour, which operates on a timed entry system. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Typically, a ticket includes access to the Trick Fountains tour, the palace interior museum, and the extensive gardens.
Opening hours vary seasonally, generally from April to September/October. The Trick Fountains usually start tours around 9 AM and run until late afternoon. Always check the official website for current hours.
Yes, you can usually visit the museum inside the palace interior at any time without a timed ticket for the fountains. However, the main draw is the fountains.
Discounts may be available for children, students, seniors, and groups. The Salzburg Card often includes free entry or discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the Trick Fountains, the palace interior, and the gardens. Some families stay even longer, especially with the playground.
Absolutely! The Trick Fountains are designed to surprise and drench visitors with playful water jets. It's part of the fun!
Yes, it's very family-friendly! The Trick Fountains are a huge hit with kids, and there's an excellent playground.
You can take photos, but be mindful of your electronics getting wet. The guides often pause for photo opportunities. A professional photo is also taken.
The main garden paths are generally accessible, but some of the more intricate grotto areas might have uneven terrain. The playground is also a great accessible feature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available within the palace grounds, including restaurants and cafes. However, some visitors recommend bringing a picnic.
You can typically find Austrian cuisine and lighter snacks at the cafes and restaurants on-site.
Bringing a picnic is often recommended for a more budget-friendly and relaxed experience in the gardens.
Most restaurants in Salzburg and at tourist attractions will offer some vegetarian options. It's always best to inquire about vegan choices directly.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in the expansive gardens of Hellbrunn Palace.
📸 📸 Photography
The Trick Fountains themselves offer unique and dynamic photo opportunities. The formal gardens, the Neptune Fountain, and the palace facade are also picturesque.
It can be challenging due to the water and the fast-paced nature of the tour. Be prepared for splashes and try to protect your camera or phone.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and palaces to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. Check local regulations.
Generally, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas. Inside the museum, flash photography might be prohibited. Always look for signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the palace and gardens. Midday sun can be harsh, but it's perfect for capturing the action of the fountains!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of the Trick Fountains
The experience is designed to be interactive and often results in visitors getting thoroughly soaked, which is part of the charm, especially on a warm day. The tour guides are adept at building anticipation and revealing the next watery surprise. While the interior of the palace offers a glimpse into historical living spaces, the Trick Fountains are undoubtedly the main attraction and the reason most visitors flock to Hellbrunn. The sheer creativity and audacity of the design make it a unique and memorable experience, reflecting a different era of entertainment and aristocratic leisure.
Exploring the Palace and Gardens
The palace gardens are an expansive and beautifully maintained area perfect for leisurely strolls. Visitors can wander past manicured lawns, discover hidden grottos, and admire the various water features and sculptures scattered throughout. A particular highlight for families is the large and well-equipped children's playground, which has received rave reviews for keeping kids entertained for hours. The combination of historical architecture, playful water features, and ample green space makes Hellbrunn a versatile destination suitable for a range of interests, from history buffs to families seeking outdoor fun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit