This palace, originally a summer residence for the archbishops of Salzburg, is famous for the whimsical water games of the Trick Fountains.

The Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) draws visitors from around the world for its beautiful gardens dotted with intricate and surprising Trick Fountains. Children and adults alike will marvel at this amusing water display.

In 1612, Prince Archbishop of Salzburg Markus Sittikus von Hohenems wanted to build a palace to reflect his passion for Italian architecture. The architect Santino Solari was hired and Hellbrunn Palace became one of the finest Renaissance residences north of the Alps. Today, its gardens and fountains are one of the city’s most popular recreational parks.

A tour of the Hellbrunn Palace takes a few hours, but you can also relax for longer here. The main attraction is the 148-acre (60-hectare) gardens and Wasserspiele (Trick Fountains). Markus Sittikus had the fountains built to surprise his guests. Kids will love dodging the water shooting from the ponds and wells, grottos and statues, and Greek mythological sculptures. Built in 1750, the Mechanical Theater is the newest feature of the fountains. It portrays a Baroque city and has approximately 200 water-operated characters.

Be sure to stop by the Hellbrunner Steintheater, also located within the gardens. It’s an open-air theater built in a quarry. Visit the Museum of Ethnic Studies in Monatsschlössl, where you can find folkloric clothing, art and furnishings.

Inside the palace itself, frescoes depicting street scenes adorn the walls and ceilings of the ballrooms. Arsenio Mascagni painted those found in the Fürstenzimmer (Prince’s Chambers) and Musikzimmer (Music Room). You can learn more about the palace on a 30-minute self-guided audio tour.

Hellbrunn Palace is situated just south of Salzburg’s Old Town. Public bus number 25 runs to Hellbrunn Palace from the city center. Alternatively, you can walk from the Old Town along Hellbrunner Allee, a tree-lined pathway that is particularly spectacular in fall. Check the Hellbrunn Palace website for opening hours and admission, tour and audio guide fees.