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Hochstrahlbrunnen: Vienna's High-Jet Fountain

A historic Viennese fountain on Schwarzenbergplatz, commemorating the city's first alpine water pipeline with captivating water displays.

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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

Local tips

  • 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 the nearby Belvedere Palace gardens for a full cultural experience.
  • Take advantage of the excellent public transport connections; Karlsplatz station is a short walk away.
  • Check the operating season (late March to late October) to ensure the fountain is running during your visit.
  • Explore Schwarzenbergplatz to discover other monuments and historical landmarks surrounding the fountain.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Karlsplatz station (U1, U2, U4), take the Resselpark exit. Walk through Resselpark, passing Karlskirche on your right. Continue along Technikerstrasse to Schwarzenbergplatz. The Hochstrahlbrunnen will be visible on the square. A single ticket for the Vienna public transport system costs €2.40 and is valid for a single journey, even with changes.

  • Tram

    Take tram lines D, 2, or 71 to the Schwarzenbergplatz stop. The Hochstrahlbrunnen is located directly on the square. A single ticket for the Vienna public transport system costs €2.40 and is valid for a single journey, even with changes.

  • Walking

    From 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. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the city center (e.g., Stephansplatz) to Schwarzenbergplatz will typically cost between €10 and €15 and take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific service.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Hochstrahlbrunnen

The Hochstrahlbrunnen, whose name translates to “fountain with tall jets,” is more than just a beautiful water feature; it symbolizes Vienna's progress and commitment to public welfare. The fountain was designed by Anton Gabriël and inaugurated in 1873 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Its construction celebrated the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline, a major engineering feat that brought clean water to Vienna from the Styrian-Lower Austrian Alps, improving public health and quality of life. The fountain's design blends Baroque inspiration with Historicist interpretation. Its towering central arch is adorned with sculptures representing Austrian rivers and mythological figures. In 1906, the fountain was transformed into an illuminated spectacle with electric lights installed to create colorful nighttime displays. Today, energy-efficient LED spotlights maintain this captivating tradition. The Hochstrahlbrunnen has witnessed many historical events and has become a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists. The fountain operates seasonally, typically from late March to the end of October. The fountain's illuminated water jets provide a captivating spectacle, especially during special events and festivals.

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