Hellbrunn was built between 1612 and 1615 by Santino Solari for Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus as a summer residence, and it is one of the finest late Renaissance villas north of the Alps. Its fame rests on the trick fountains, the Wasserspiele, a set of water jokes that the archbishop used to soak his guests: hidden jets spray from stone seats, grottoes and the ground itself, and an 18th-century mechanical theatre of water-powered figures still moves to organ music. The guided fountain tours take about fifty minutes and run every fifteen to twenty minutes in season, and you should expect to get wet. Inside the palace the SchauLust exhibition tells its story, and the ticket includes the folklore museum in the park. The park is free, with Italian Renaissance ponds, an English landscape garden, a large adventure playground and the glass gazebo from The Sound of Music. This page links to the official Hellbrunn website.
How to visit: Hellbrunn is about five kilometres south of the old town. Take bus 25, cycle in around twenty-five minutes, or walk out along the 400-year-old Hellbrunner Allee. The Salzburg Card includes one entry in season, using the mobile audio guide on your phone. Salzburg Zoo is right next door.
What to expect in November 2026: the 2026 palace and trick fountain season ran from 28 March to 1 November, so the palace and fountains are closed for the winter and reopen in spring. The park stays open every day, and from mid-November the courtyard and old entrance host the Hellbrunn Advent market, one of the most atmospheric in the region, with stalls, lights and a forest of decorated trees. In snowy winters a cross-country ski trail is laid in the park, bring your own skis.
Making the most of it: from spring to autumn, arrive at opening to join an early fountain tour before the coach groups, and keep a spare layer handy for the soakings. In Advent, come at dusk, when the lights come on, and combine the market with a walk past the gazebo in the park.
What to expect
The experience
A guided trick-fountain tour and palace exhibition in season, plus a free park with ponds, playground and the Sound of Music gazebo all year.
Best time
Opening time from late March to early November; dusk during the Advent market from mid-November.
How long
Two to three hours including the park, longer if you add the zoo.
Tips
Expect to get wet on the fountain tour, and remember the palace and fountains are closed in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A playful, unusual palace visit and one of the region’s prettiest Advent markets.
- Families
- The trick fountains, the playground and the zoo next door make this the best family outing in Salzburg.
- Couples
- Walk out along the Hellbrunner Allee and back, or visit the Advent market after dark.
- Pair with
- The Sound of Music Tour, which also features the gazebo, or a morning at Salzburg Zoo.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is Hellbrunn open in November?+
The park is open every day, but the palace and trick fountains closed for the winter after 1 November 2026 and reopen in spring. The Advent market runs in the courtyard from mid-November.
How do I get to Hellbrunn from the old town?+
Take bus 25, cycle in about twenty-five minutes or walk along the historic Hellbrunner Allee. It is about five kilometres south of the centre.
Will I get wet on the trick fountain tour?+
Very probably, as surprise jets are the whole point. Bring a light layer and keep phones in a pocket.
Is the Sound of Music gazebo at Hellbrunn?+
Yes, the glass gazebo from the film stands in the Hellbrunn park. The park is free to visit.
Is Hellbrunn included in the Salzburg Card?+
Yes, one entry to the palace and trick fountains is included in season. Card holders visit using the mobile audio guide.
