Hochstrahlbrunnen, Vienna Travel Guide

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A historic Viennese fountain on Schwarzenbergplatz, celebrating the city's alpine water pipeline with captivating water and light displays.

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Hochstrahlbrunnen

The Hochstrahlbrunnen is a historic fountain located on Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna, Austria. It was built in 1873 to commemorate the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline, which brought fresh water from the Alps to the city. Today, it is a popular landmark known for its illuminated water displays.

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 begins around 8 PM and lasts until midnight.
Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Belvedere Palace gardens for a full cultural experience.
Check the operating season (late March to late October) to ensure the fountain is running during your visit.

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Schwarzenberg-Denkmal

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Kaiser-Franz-Joseph-Denkmal

Explore Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hochstrahlbrunnen, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Hochstrahlbrunnen is easily accessible via public transport. From Karlsplatz station (U1, U2, U4), take the Resselpark exit. Walk through Resselpark, passing Karlskirche on your right, and continue along Technikerstrasse to Schwarzenbergplatz. The fountain will be visible on the square. Tram lines D, 2, and 71 also stop at Schwarzenbergplatz. A single ticket for Vienna's public transport system costs €2.40.
Walking

If you are near 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. If you're already on Schwarzenbergplatz, simply walk towards the center of the square.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the city center (e.g., Stephansplatz) to Schwarzenbergplatz will typically cost between €6-€8 and take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
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, whose name translates to “fountain with tall jets,” is more than just a water feature; it symbolizes Vienna's commitment to progress and public welfare. The fountain was commissioned to celebrate the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline in 1873, a major engineering feat that brought fresh, clean water from the Styrian-Lower Austrian Alps to Vienna.Designed by Anton Gabrielli, who also headed the construction of the pipeline, the Hochstrahlbrunnen blends Baroque inspiration with Historicist interpretation. Its towering central arch is adorned with sculptures representing Austrian rivers, symbolizing the source of Vienna's water. The fountain has 365 small fountains, representing the days of the year; 12 high fountains for the months; 24 small fountains for the hours; six medium-size fountains and a central island to symbolize the weeks and 30 fountains that represent the days of a month.In 1906, the fountain was transformed into an illuminated fountain, enhancing its visual appeal. Today, the fountain is lit at night with a spectrum of colors, creating a captivating spectacle. The Hochstrahlbrunnen has witnessed numerous historical events and was even restored after sustaining damage during World War II. The fountain typically operates from late March to late October.