Neptune Fountain: A Baroque Masterpiece at Schönbrunn

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A stunning Baroque fountain in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, featuring Neptune and mythological figures.

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Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen), completed in 1780, is a stunning Baroque fountain in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. Commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa, it features Neptune, Roman god of the sea, and mythological figures, embodying Habsburg grandeur.

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

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos with fewer people in the background.
Take the paths up the hill behind the fountain for a unique perspective and great photo opportunities of the palace.
Check the official Schönbrunn Palace website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and fountain operation.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From central Vienna, take the U4 metro line directly to the Schönbrunn station. The U4 runs frequently, and the ride is approximately 15 minutes from Karlsplatz. From the Schönbrunn station, it's about a 400-meter walk to the palace grounds and the Neptune Fountain. A single ticket for the Vienna public transport system costs €2.40.
Walking

From the Schönbrunn Palace main entrance, walk straight through the gardens towards the Gloriette. The Neptune Fountain is located at the foot of the Gloriette hill, serving as a visual endpoint to the Great Parterre. The walk from the palace to the fountain is a pleasant stroll through the gardens and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Vienna's city center to Schönbrunn Palace typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €14-€17. From the taxi drop-off point, follow the signs to the palace gardens and the Neptune Fountain.

Discover more about Neptune Fountain

Nestled within the opulent Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, the Neptune Fountain stands as a testament to Baroque art and the Habsburg monarchy's cultural influence. Empress Maria Theresa commissioned the fountain in the late 18th century as part of a redesign to emphasize the Schönbrunn Palace as a symbol of Habsburg power. The fountain, designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, was completed in 1780. The sculptural group, crafted from Sterzing marble by Wilhelm Beyer, centers around Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, holding a trident in a shell-shaped chariot. A nymph sits to his left, while the sea goddess Thetis kneels to his right, imploring Neptune to favor her son Achilles on his voyage to Troy. Tritons restrain sea horses at the base, adding to the dramatic scene. The Neptune Fountain is positioned at the foot of the hill beneath the Gloriette, serving as a focal point that complements the palace and gardens. The fountain operates from around April to mid-October, with water flowing from 10 am to 4 pm. The surrounding gardens are open from 6:30 am. Taking the paths behind the fountain provides magnificent views of the palace and gardens.

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