Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

Overview

Hellbrunn Palace was built in 1613–15 as a day-trip pleasure palace for Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus. It is famous above all for its Wasserspiele (trick fountains) — an elaborate system of hidden water jets designed to surprise and soak unsuspecting guests, still operating exactly as 400 years ago.

Highlights

• Trick Fountains (Wasserspiele): Stone table with hidden jets that soak dinner guests, water-powered mechanical theatre with 200 figures, and surprise jets along every path.
• Mechanical Theatre: A 17th-century water-powered automaton depicting an entire town with 200 moving figures and an organ.
• Sound of Music Gazebo: The original glass gazebo from the 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' scene, moved here for preservation.

History

Markus Sittikus, inspired by Italian villas, had the palace and trick fountains built in just three years. Unlike most Baroque palaces, Hellbrunn was designed purely for daytime entertainment — it has no bedrooms. The trick fountains survive virtually unchanged.

Visitor Tips

• You will get wet — the trick fountains are no joke. Bring a light rain jacket.
• Guided tour only for the trick fountains (30 min).
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.