Hochstrahlbrunnen, Vienna Travel Guide

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A historic fountain in Vienna's Schwarzenbergplatz, commemorating the city's first alpine water pipeline with illuminated water displays. Open late March to late October.

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Hochstrahlbrunnen

The Hochstrahlbrunnen is an iconic fountain located on Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna, commemorating the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline in 1873, which significantly improved the city's water supply and public health. The fountain is a popular spot, especially in the evening when it is illuminated with vibrant colors.

A brief summary to Hochstrahlbrunnen

Schwarzenbergpl., Vienna, Landstraße, 1030, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hochstrahlbrunnen.

Visit in the evening to witness the fountain's stunning illumination, which typically starts around 8 PM and lasts until midnight.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Belvedere Palace gardens for a full cultural experience.
Take advantage of the excellent public transport connections; Karlsplatz station is a short walk away.
Check the operating season (late March to late October) to ensure the fountain is running during your visit.
Explore Schwarzenbergplatz to discover other monuments and historical landmarks surrounding the fountain.

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Explore Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Karlsplatz station (U1, U2, U4 lines), take the Resselpark exit and walk through Resselpark, passing Karlskirche on your right. Continue along Technikerstrasse to Schwarzenbergplatz. Alternatively, take tram lines 2, D, or 71 to the Schwarzenbergplatz stop. A single Vienna public transport ticket costs €2.40.
Walking

From the Belvedere Palace, walk north along Prinz Eugen-Straße towards Schwarzenbergplatz. The Hochstrahlbrunnen will be visible at the end of the street, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. No costs are associated with walking.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the city center (e.g., Stephansplatz) to Hochstrahlbrunnen at Schwarzenbergplatz typically costs between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific provider.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking in the city center is limited and subject to fees. The Garage Schwarzenbergplatz (Schwarzenbergplatz 5) is a nearby parking option. Hourly rates are approximately €4.50, with a daily maximum around €39.90. Evening rates (6 PM to midnight) are around €8. Short-term parking zones in the surrounding districts require a parking ticket, available at newsagents.

Discover more about Hochstrahlbrunnen

The Hochstrahlbrunnen, or “high-jet fountain,” stands as a testament to Vienna's commitment to progress and the well-being of its citizens. Located on Schwarzenbergplatz, it commemorates the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline in 1873, a major engineering feat that brought fresh water from the Styrian-Lower Austrian Alps to the city.The fountain was designed by Anton Gabriël and inaugurated in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Its architecture blends Baroque inspiration with Historicist interpretation, featuring a towering central arch adorned with sculptures representing Austrian rivers. The fountain's design, drawing inspiration from Roman triumphal arches, reflects the grandeur of the era and the significance of the project.Over the years, the Hochstrahlbrunnen has become a beloved landmark and a popular gathering spot. In 1906, it was transformed into an illuminated fountain, further enhancing its appeal. Today, the fountain is lit up at night, shining in blue, red, and green. The edge of the Hochstrahlbrunnen has a circle of 365 little fountains, representing the individual days of a year. Six medium-size fountains and a central island symbolize the seven days of the week. 12 high fountains symbolize the months of a year, and 24 small fountains for the hours of a day.The Hochstrahlbrunnen operates seasonally, typically from late March to the end of October. Its location near other iconic attractions like the Belvedere Palace and Karlskirche makes it an essential stop on any tour of Vienna.