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Hochstrahlbrunnen: Vienna's High-Jet Fountain

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Experience the magic of Vienna's Hochstrahlbrunnen, a historic fountain illuminating Schwarzenbergplatz with captivating water displays.

The Hochstrahlbrunnen, located on Schwarzenbergplatz, is more than just a fountain; it's a symbol of Vienna's history and innovation. Inaugurated in 1873, it commemorates the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline, which brought fresh water from the Alps to the city. The illuminated water jets create a captivating spectacle, especially in the evening.

A brief summary to Hochstrahlbrunnen

Eve
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 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

    If you are already in the vicinity of Schwarzenbergplatz, simply walk towards the center of the square. The Hochstrahlbrunnen is prominently located there. 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.

  • 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, which translates to “high-jet fountain,” is an iconic landmark in Vienna, gracing Schwarzenbergplatz with its presence. More than a mere water feature, it stands as a testament to the city's rich history and commitment to innovation. The fountain was commissioned to celebrate the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline in 1873, a pivotal moment that brought fresh, clean water from the Styrian-Lower Austrian Alps to Vienna, significantly improving public health and quality of life. The fountain's design blends Baroque inspiration with Historicist interpretation. Originally, the fountain had one central fountain, four medium ones, and 365 small fountains. In 1906, it was transformed into an illuminated fountain, a remarkable attraction for the Viennese. Today, the fountain is lit up at night, shining in blue, red, and green. The edge of the Hochstrahlbrunnen has a circle of 365 little fountains, representing the individual days of the year. Six medium-size fountains and a central island symbolize the seven days of the week. Twelve high fountains symbolize the months of the year, and 24 small fountains for the hours of a day. The Hochstrahlbrunnen has witnessed numerous historical events throughout its existence. Damaged during World War II, it was restored and resumed operation in 1952. The fountain operates seasonally, typically from late March to the end of October.

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