Obelisk Fountain, Vienna Travel Guide

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A majestic 18th-century fountain in Schönbrunn Palace gardens, featuring an obelisk adorned with mythological figures and symbolic hieroglyphs.

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Obelisk Fountain

The Obelisk Fountain, constructed in 1777, is a striking monument in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace gardens. Adorned with mythological figures and pseudo-hieroglyphs, it embodies the Habsburg dynasty's artistic ambitions and claim to enduring dominion.

A brief summary to Obelisk Fountain

Sp-Turn Union 26, Vienna, Hietzing, 1130, AT
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Monday 6:30 am-9 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-9 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-9 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-9 pm
Friday 6:30 am-9 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-9 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and optimal lighting for photography.
Take a leisurely walk around the fountain to appreciate the intricate details of the surrounding sculptures.
Combine your visit to the fountain with a tour of Schönbrunn Palace for a full day of imperial history.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From central Vienna, take the U4 subway line to the Schönbrunn station. The U4 line runs directly to Schönbrunn. From the station, it's a short walk to the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, where the Obelisk Fountain is located. A single metro ticket costs €3.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A taxi ride from the city center to Schönbrunn Palace typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare ranges from €11 to €17.
Walking

From Hietzing station, walk southeast down Elisabethallee until you reach the entrance to the car park on your left. Enter the car park and walk to the far end, which leads to a marked entrance into Schönbrunn park on the right. Continue down the lane until you reach a crossroads. From there, the Obelisk Fountain will be in sight.

Discover more about Obelisk Fountain

Located at the foot of Schönbrunn Hill, the Obelisk Fountain serves as a visual focal point within the palace gardens. Designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, the fountain was erected in 1777. The statuary, featuring river gods and other mythological figures, was crafted by Benedikt Henrici.The obelisk itself is supported by four turtles, symbolizing stability. Covered in hieroglyphs, the obelisk was intended to narrate the history of the Habsburg dynasty, though the hieroglyphs are not authentic, as they predate the decipherment of hieroglyphics in 1822. The golden sphere atop the obelisk represents the sun, with the obelisk symbolizing the path of the sun's rays to earth.In Baroque iconography, the obelisk symbolized princely steadfastness and stable government. The eagle perched on the sphere represents the ruler mediating between heaven and earth. The fountain, with its cascading water and intricate sculptures, offers visitors a serene and picturesque experience within the expansive Schönbrunn gardens.