Hellbrunn - Schloss und Wasserspiele

Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus had Schloss Hellbrunn built as a place for entertainment and relaxation. The summer residence was completed in a short time, between 1612 and 1615. The architect Santino Solari, who also built the Salzburger Dom, made it one of the largest late Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. The permanent exhibition SchauLust allows the rooms to be viewed and more to be learned about the history of Hellbrunn. The palace is also used as a wedding venue.

The location in the south of Salzburg was favourable for another reason as well: the water-rich Hellbrunner Berg made water the central element of the design. At its core are the Mannerist trick fountains. The route through the complex follows 21 stations with an audio guide, which explain how the grounds came about, what jokes Markus Sittikus played on his guests and what makes the historic mechanical theatre special. Water sprays in many unexpected places, so expect to get wet.

Before the English-style landscape garden is reached, the route leads through an extensive park with a water parterre of ponds, statues and flower beds on the Italian Renaissance model. There is room for walking and exercise, and children can use the large adventure playground. Hellbrunn is open in winter as well: during Advent the courtyard and the old avenue become a Christmas market. Since 2018 the art installations in the SkulpturenPark Hellbrunn have changed every year.

The complex lies to the south of Salzburg. It can be reached by car (paid parking), by bicycle in about 25 minutes from the centre, with bus line 25, on foot along the more than 400-year-old Hellbrunner Allee or with the boat Amadeus on the Salzach.