Neptune Fountain, Vienna Travel Guide

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Experience Baroque splendor at the Neptune Fountain in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. A majestic monument of art and imperial power.

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Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen), completed in 1780, is a stunning example of Baroque art located in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. Commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa, it features Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and symbolizes Habsburg power and cultural sophistication.

A brief summary to Neptune Fountain

Rustenallee, Vienna, Hietzing, 1130, AT
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Monday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Combine your visit to the Neptune Fountain with a walk up to the Gloriette for panoramic views of the palace and Vienna.
Check the official Schönbrunn Palace website for fountain operating times, as they may vary depending on the season.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Vienna city center, take the U4 metro line to the 'Schönbrunn' station. From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk through the palace gardens to the Neptune Fountain. Alternatively, take tram lines 10 or 60, or bus line 10A to the 'Schloss Schönbrunn' stop, which is closer to the main entrance of the palace grounds. A single tram fare is approximately €2.40.
Walking

If you are already within the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, walk towards the main path leading to the Neptune Fountain. The fountain is located at the end of the gardens, at the foot of the Gloriette hill. The gardens are open from 6:30 AM, and entry to the gardens is free.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-sharing service from central Vienna to Schönbrunn Palace will cost approximately €20-€30, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you off at the main entrance (Schönbrunner Schloßstraße). From there, walk through the gardens towards the Gloriette hill to find the Neptune Fountain.
Driving

If driving, parking is available on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße. Parking fees are approximately €3.90 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of €39. From the parking area, walk through the gardens towards the Gloriette hill to find the Neptune Fountain.

Discover more about Neptune Fountain

Nestled within the expansive Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, the Neptune Fountain stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty and their appreciation for the arts. Completed in 1780, the fountain was commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa as part of her redesign of the gardens. Designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg and sculpted by Wilhelm Beyer, the fountain depicts a scene from Roman mythology, with Neptune at its center.Neptune, the god of the sea, is portrayed with a casual yet commanding presence, leaning on his trident. The goddess Thetis kneels before him, pleading for the safety of her son Achilles before he departs for the Trojan War. Tritons and sea horses add to the dramatic effect, symbolizing the power of the rulers. The fountain was intended to be the crowning monument of the Great Parterre. The Neptune Fountain is not only the most important piece in the garden, it also helps keep the nearby grounds cool in the summer heat.The Neptune Fountain is more than just a beautiful water feature; it is a symbol of Vienna's rich history and artistic heritage.