Hellbrunn Palace and the Trick Fountains

Most of you know that Salzburg is the birthplace of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. But did you know that his first employer was the Archbishop of Salzburg, the most powerful man in the ecclesiastical principality? The archbishops ruled the principality for more than 800 years. Four hundred years ago, Hellbrunn Palace and its gardens were established as a summer residence and hunting ground for the archbishops of Salzburg.

The area surrounding the palace had an abundance of natural springs, which the Italian architect Santino Solari used to create unique and extravagant fountains for his employer, Archbishop Marcus Sitticus. During summer days, the archbishop would entertain his guests with princely hunts, ending with a feast on the palace's outdoor terrace. The guests often indulged in wine and other drinks, forgetting and behaving too freely. This was the perfect opportunity for Marcus Sitticus to play a trick on them. At his signal, water would shoot from unexpected places, making the guests laugh and sober up.

If you are interested in experiencing the archbishop's sense of humor, you can take a tour of the Hellbrunn Palace with me. I would happily guide you through the palace's history and highlight any details you might miss. Additionally, I can offer you an exciting program that includes a walk along the alley of fountains and other less-explored garden corners.

Please be aware that since they are fountains, they can be damp, and since they are tricky, they can be wet for you! The tour's duration ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the program. I recommend combining the tour with a visit to HANGAR-7 or a full-day combinative city tour by car and walking. If you're interested, feel free to request an extended version of the tour to the Hellbrunn Palace and the Trick Fountains!

The trick fountains are open from April 1st to November 1st.

Feel FREE to send me your enquiry for detailed information and an exact price.

Tags: ZOO of Hellbrunn in Salzburg, Walkthrough Hellbrunn Garden in March,

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Please, include in your inquiry the following details: 1. Preferred tour date. 2. Tour name. 3. Number of participants. 4. Meeting location. 5. Available time. 6. Contact phone number (including WhatsApp, if available).

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FAQ

How can I book your tour?

Please send your inquiry by email or through the contact form, including the tour date, tour name, number of participants, and preferred meeting point. I’ll get back to you promptly with accurate details and pricing.

How much does your service cost?

Estimated prices are as follows: Salzburg walking tours: €200–€300 | Half-day tours (Salzburg and nearby areas by minibus): €350–€450 | Full-day tours: €700–€950 | Final rates vary based on distance, itinerary, and tour customization.

How many people can fit in your minivan? Can our baby sit on our lap?

My minivan comfortably seats up to eight passengers. For safety reasons, children must have their own seats; lap-sitting is not permitted. Child booster seats are available free of charge upon request.

What does your service cover?

Qualified guide service in Salzburg (Professional Austria Guide since 2006). Customized tour planning based on your preferences. Travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 minivan with room for up to eight passengers. There are no additional charges for tolls or parking.

What is not included in your service?

Entrance fees, accommodations, meals and drinks.

What are the payment methods?

I accept payments via bank transfer, PayPal (subject to a processing fee), credit card, and cash. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional surcharge. Let me know your preferred method, and I’ll provide the necessary details.

Can we hire you to be just a driver for us?

Yes, that’s possible; however, it wouldn’t change the price. As a licensed tour guide with extensive knowledge and high qualifications, my time is valued differently than that of a regular taxi driver.

We’ll be driving our own car. Can we hire you just as a guide?

Yes, you can, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. When I’m driving my van, I know exactly where to go, when to slow down, and where to stop, which lets me focus fully on explaining and sharing insights without worrying about navigation. Plus, my van is spacious and offers much better visibility compared to a sedan. The price difference is minimal, so it’s usually worth it to let me handle the driving.

Can you give us a tour in a smaller car for a lower price?

No, I can only provide tours in a van.

There are more than eight of us. Could you assist with booking a larger bus?

Please note that arranging a large coach can be time-consuming because bus companies require detailed information to calculate costs and secure a deposit. For this reason, I usually prefer not to handle tourist bus bookings directly. However, I’m happy to provide contact details for transportation companies or help organize an additional minivan with a professional guide if needed.

Can we hire you for a few days?

I also offer multi-day itineraries tailored to your needs.

Can you give us a tour of just the town of Hallstatt?

I don’t offer tours just of Hallstatt. However, I provide full-day itineraries from Salzburg that cover the Lake District, including Hallstatt, or full-day tours focused specifically on the Hallstatt region.

Can you give us a half-day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt?

Yes, I can. However, please keep in mind that a half-day usually means about 4 hours. The round trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt takes around 3 hours by car. That would leave you with only about 1 hour to explore Hallstatt itself. Hallstatt is indeed one of the most picturesque towns in the Salzkammergut Lake District, but it’s just one gem among many. Instead of focusing solely on Hallstatt, I’d recommend visiting a few other beautiful towns and lakes nearby. This way, you’ll get to experience the authentic charm of Austria beyond the usual tourist spots.

Is it possible for us to join a group tour with you?

I don’t organize group tours. As a one-person company, my services are focused on private or customized tours only.

Would you be able to take photos for us during the tour we've booked with you?

I really enjoy photography! I’d be happy to snap some photos of you using your own device at no extra cost. However, if you're looking for high-quality, professionally edited images, I can use my Nikon camera and provide expert post-processing. This premium photography service is available for an additional €100.

Can I book a tour by calling you?

You're very welcome to get in touch! However, I kindly ask that you send me a message first with some basic information about your preferred tour, date and group size. Once we've exchanged the essentials, we can gladly arrange a phone call if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you!