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 to art and Habsburg imperial power.

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Neptune Fountain

Nestled in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, the Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen) is a stunning Baroque monument embodying Habsburg grandeur. Completed in 1780, it features Neptune, Roman god of the sea, surrounded by mythological figures, set against the backdrop of the Gloriette hill. Entry to the gardens is free, offering an unforgettable glimpse into imperial history.

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.

The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, where the Neptune Fountain is located, are open to the public year-round with free entry.
Visit in the early morning for fewer crowds and great lighting for photography.
Take the paths up the hill on either side of the fountain for a magnificent view of the palace.

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Getting There

Public Transport

Take the U4 metro line to the 'Schönbrunn' station. From the station, it's a 10-15 minute walk through the palace gardens to the fountain. Alternatively, take tram lines 10 or 60, or bus line 10A to the 'Schloss Schönbrunn' stop. From there, follow the signs through the gardens towards the Gloriette; the Neptune Fountain is located at the base of the Gloriette hill. A single public transport ticket costs €2.40 and is valid for one journey, including changes between different modes of transport.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Vienna. A taxi or ride-share from the city center to Schönbrunn Palace will typically cost between €15 and €25, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. From the taxi drop-off point near the main entrance, follow the signs through the gardens towards the Gloriette; the Neptune Fountain will be visible at the base of the hill.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking near Schönbrunn Palace can be limited and subject to fees. There is a parking area on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße that charges €3.90 per hour, up to a maximum of €39 per day. From the Schönbrunn Palace parking lot, walk through the gardens towards the Gloriette; the Neptune Fountain is located at the base of the hill.

Discover more about Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain, or Neptunbrunnen, is a captivating historical landmark within Vienna's magnificent Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. As one of Europe's most important Baroque masterpieces, this fountain embodies the grandeur and cultural sophistication of the Habsburg monarchy. Constructed in the late 18th century, the fountain exemplifies the artistic skill of its time and serves as a testament to Vienna's rich historical and cultural legacy.Commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa, the fountain's construction began in 1776 and was completed in 1780. It was designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg and features a grandiose central figure of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, holding a trident and surrounded by mythological figures. The design, influenced by classical mythology and Renaissance art, reflects the cultural aspirations of the Habsburg monarchy during the Enlightenment period.Neptune stands atop a grotto in a shell-shaped chariot. A nymph is seated to his left, while the sea goddess Thetis kneels to his right, begging Neptune to favor her son Achilles' voyage to Troy. Tritons, half-man, half-fish creatures, frolic at the grotto's base as part of Neptune's entourage, holding conch shell trumpets. The fountain was designed to be the crowning glory of the Great Parterre and is located at the foot of the hill behind the palace. The fountain operates from around April to mid-October, with water flowing.