Many people quite deservedly perceive Austria as a treasure trove of architectural attractions. Ancient castles and elegant houses have been pleasing tourists for many centuries. Of particular interest is Hellbrunn Castle. The main feature of the castle complex is that it managed to preserve the original furniture, decorative elements,and decoration. A unique detail of the castle is the wall and ceiling frescoes that adorn the guest hall, where cultural events are held. What other surprises did the old palace have in store? Believe me, there are plenty of them here.
General information about Hellbrunn Castle in Salzburg
Apparently, the owner of the castle was very fond of water. Otherwise, how to explain the fact that the park surrounding the attraction is filled with fountains and artificial reservoirs. However, this is not the only feature of the attraction built at the foot of the Alps.
According to tourists and experts in the field of architecture, the Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg is art in its purest form, this statement applies to the exterior design of the building and interior decoration. The park area was created for three years — here you can relax near lakes, ponds, visit amazing grottoes, caves and admire fountains.
Interesting fact! Water jets that can appear in the most unexpected place and at an unexpected time are called Funny Fountains. Thanks to this wonderful entertainment, the castle has become a favorite holiday destination for the entire imperial family.
However, the popularity of the palace in Salzburg has not changed at all over the centuries. Children and adults enjoy swimming under the fountains. The fun of fountains is that they all look like ordinary statues or sculptures, from which water jets periodically beat, and immediately disappear. Sometimes, tourists don’t even understand where the water came from. There are also funny fountains in Peterhof.
Historical background
Salzburg Archbishop Markus von Hohenms has decided to build his own summer residence next to the Hellbrunn Mountain. The castle was built for seven years – from 1612 to 1619. As a child, Markus was sent to Italy with his uncle, where he studied law. It was in Italy that Markus enjoyed Italian architecture, fountains, firecrackers and sculptural compositions. That is why the palace project is made in the late Renaissance style, its appearance resembles the famous sights of Rome and Venice. Many historians and architects note that the castle is the embodiment of the best traditions of Italian Mannerism.
In the 17th century, a wonderful park opened near Salzburg, where people came to relax and have fun. It was believed that water in fountains, artificial reservoirs helped to find a sense of harmony and balance, to revive the senses. During the Enlightenment, interest in fountains and sculptures was lost, the park was called mediocre and worthless. However, today the attraction is again visited by millions of tourists, because the castle still presents unexpected surprises.
Today, Hellbrunn Castle is one of the best buildings of the late Renaissance period. Nevertheless, despite the external luxury, the archbishop’s apartments are laconic and quite simple. Their main feature is that they do not have a sleeping place, since Marcus Zitticus himself, as well as all his heirs, did not stay overnight in the castle, but only spent the day in it.
In 1730, the park part was reconstructed, the author of the project was Franz Anton Dunreiter, who held the position of inspector of the palace gardens. He managed to preserve all the sculptural compositions, the general concept of garden design. However, Dunreiter used many additional details in the Rococo style. The mechanical theater was built in the park in 1750.
What to see on the territory
Hellbrunn Castle in Salzburg is a palace complex that consists of several parts.
Castle formerly owned by the Prince-Archbishop
Built in the 17th century, the hotel is still in its original form. The palace is located in the north-western part of the park. This is a project by Italian architect Santino Solari. There is a wide alley leading to the main entrance. The facade is decorated with golden paint and sandalwood. An attic is located above the main entrance. Be sure to visit the frescoed guest room, as well as the octagonal apartments with a dome that used to be used as a music lounge. In the palace rooms, stoves decorated with tiles and images of mythical animals are still preserved.
A park decorated with ponds, various fountains, sculptures, and pavilions
Marcus Zitticus, the first owner of the castle, had an unusual sense of humor. He was very fond of jokes. According to the owner’s plan, Hellbrunn was supposed to become a place for fun holidays and cultural events. Inside the Hellbrunn Mountain, springs were discovered, with the help of which Hohenems realized his idea. On the entire territory of the park, which is more than 60 hectares, there are funny fountains-water sources hidden underground, and artfully decorated. Hellbrunn Park is unique in that the main element here is not plants, as is customary, but water.
Useful to know! Next to each funny fountain, there is one dry place intended for the bishop, where guides are located today.
The historical period when the castle was built is characterized by strict geometry and clear lines. However, in the case of Helburnn in Salzburg, its creators proceeded from the peculiarities of the landscape – where springs came to the surface, fountains were arranged, and streams were directed to dried-up channels. The park also has a pond of regular, rectangular shape, in the middle of it is a rectangular island, two bridges lead to it.
In the palace park, a stone table top has been preserved, in the center of which a bowl is arranged. Wine was poured into it during feasts and ritual events. When the castle was owned by Markus Zitticus, various animals were kept in the park-deer, goats, rare birds and exotic fish.
Mountschloss Castle
Translated as “castle of the month”. The building looks like a toy, but it is named so because the construction was completed in record time-30 days. The landmark in Salzburg was built in 1615, the first name is Waldems. According to one legend, the idea of building a castle was suggested by a Bavarian prince who was visiting the archbishop. Looking at the view from the window, he guessed that the view would have been much more picturesque if there had been a small castle on the hill. Just 30 days later, when the prince visited the archbishop again, a palace actually appeared on the hill.
Interesting fact! Since 1924, Mountschlosse Castle has been home to a branch of the Karl August Salzburg Museum. The collection includes Austrian costumes, handicrafts, crafts, and household items.
The Stone Theater is the oldest in Europe
The stage is built in the open air, in a crevice of the Hellbrunn Mountain. The attraction dates back to 1617, when the first opera took place on the stage of the theater. Today, you can also visit various performances here.
Mechanical Theater
This is the only such institution that has survived in Western Europe. The first such theater appeared in Italy, but even there they did not survive. Entertainment is located in a cozy corner of the park, where the blacksmith’s grotto used to be located. 256 wooden dolls, mounted on a stone nativity scene, perform for the guests. Dolls move under the influence of water and to the sounds of the organ. The performance in the stone theater shows the audience the life of past centuries, people of different ancient professions.
Interesting fact! Fans of organ music will be interested in visiting the Cathedral in Salzburg, where there is an organ with 4,000 pipes.
If we talk about the unusual details of the palace complex, be sure to mention the Salzburg Zoo, which has been in the castle since 1961. Tourists from different countries, children and adults like to relax here.
Practical information
The palace complex can be reached by bus. Flight 170 starts from the Salzburg Makartplatz stop (next to Mirabel Castle). Drive to Salzburg Alpenstraße/Abzw Hellbrunn bus stop. The journey takes a quarter of an hour (8 stops).
You can also take the No. 25 bus from the Salzburg Hbf stop, and during the warmer months (from mid-spring to mid-autumn), the panoramic boat runs. For more information about the schedule and ticket prices, please visit the official website: www.salzburghighlights.at.
Important! If you are traveling by car, follow the B150 highway.
Address of the Hellbrunn Palace and Park complex: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg.
Work schedule:
- April and October – from 9-00 to 16-30;
- May, June and September – from 9-00 to 17-30;
- July and August – from 9-00 to 18-00 (during this time, additional tours for travelers are held – from 18-00 to 21-00).
At other times, the attraction is closed to visitors.
Duration of the tour: 40 minutes.
Ticket price:
- full – 12.50€;
- for visitors aged 19 to 26 years – 8,00€;
- children (from 4 to 18 years) – 5,50€;
- family (two full and one child) – 26.50€.
Salzburg Card holders can visit the attraction for free.
Important! The ticket gives you the right to visit the castle, funny fountains, folklore museum and use an audio guide.
Detailed information about the palace complex can be found on the official website: www.hellbrunn.at.
Useful recommendations
- Tickets can be purchased online, on the official website of the castle. The price is the same as at the checkout, but you don’t have to wait in line.
- Be prepared that at the most unexpected moment water will pour down on you. Take care of your gadgets.
- Guided tours are available in English and German.
- The park has a children’s playground, where not only children, but also adults enjoy their time.
- A festive fair is held during the Christmas holidays.
- Be sure to visit the zoo.
Hellbrunn Castle is a must-visit attraction. Take the time to explore the palace and park, because this complex has become a symbol not only of Salzburg, but also of Austria.
