Schloss Hellbrunn

Schloss Hellbrunn is a delightful 17th-century palace where kids can explore stunning baroque gardens and get playfully soaked by the famous trick fountains that still work using their original hydraulic mechanisms. With a hedge maze, animal park, and expansive grounds perfect for running and exploring, this attraction combines history, nature, and interactive fun that will keep children entertained for hours.

• ✓The famous trick fountains that surprise visitors with hidden water jets, stone seats that spray water, and mechanical water-powered figures
• ✓The hedge maze where kids can race to find the center and climb the viewing platform
• ✓The deer and animal park with free-roaming animals that kids can observe
• ✓The Sound of Music gazebo located on the palace grounds (a fun photo op for parents who love the film)
• ✓The vast baroque gardens with ponds, grottos, and plenty of space for children to explore and play

1. 1.Bring complete change of clothes and towels for the kids! The trick fountain tour is interactive and children WILL get wet. Parents in the tour group often get splashed too, so dress accordingly.
2. 2.Book your trick fountain tour tickets online in advance, especially during summer months, as tours fill up quickly and operate on a timed schedule with English-language options available.
3. 3.Visit the free-roaming deer park at the edge of the gardens where kids can observe animals up close without extra cost, a great bonus after the palace tour.
4. 4.The palace grounds are massive, so bring a stroller for younger children even if they usually walk. There's a lot of ground to cover between the fountains, maze, and animal areas.
5. 5.Pack snacks and water as the on-site cafe has limited options. There are lovely picnic spots throughout the gardens where families can rest between activities.

Visit on weekday mornings in late spring (May) or early fall (September) for smaller crowds and pleasant weather. The trick fountains are most enjoyable when it's warm enough that kids don't mind getting wet. Avoid summer afternoons when tour groups peak and heat is strongest.

The trick fountain tours require paid admission (castle and fountains combo ticket around 13.50 EUR adults, 6 EUR children), while the palace grounds are free to explore. Tours are guided only and last about 40 minutes. Note that the venue is closed Fridays and has seasonal closures in winter months.

Schloss Hellbrunn is typically open April through October, with the trick fountains only operating during warmer months. The venue is closed Fridays year-round and has extended winter closures (usually November through March). Check the official website before visiting as hours vary by season. The gardens are most beautiful in spring and early summer when flowers are blooming.

The palace has a small on-site cafe, but for better kid-friendly options, head to Salzburg's Old Town (15 minutes away) where you'll find Sternbrau, a traditional Austrian restaurant with a family-friendly beer garden and children's menu, or L'Osteria for pizza that kids universally enjoy.