The Hellbrunn Zoo & fountains
Hellbrunn castle & park in Salzburg – wild animals, Baroque architecture & fountains
Zoo animals don't always give the impression of being really at home – but you need not worry on that score at the Hellbrunn Zoo. The grounds of Salzburg's zoo are entirely unique, with the steep cliffs on one side and rolling hills of the meadowlands on the other laid out to suit the needs of its diverse inhabitants. Salzburg Zoo is home to 1,200 wild animals, and they're all very comfortable.
From game park to animal sanctuary
Back in 1424, the site of today's zoo was home to the archbishop's private game park. Construction began on Hellbrunn Castle and its auxiliary buildings in 1612. In the early 20th century, the animal populations were found to be severely depleted, and during the 1960s concerned citizens formed the Friends of the Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn association. The zoo has been flourishing since the late 1970s, and the spectacular assortment of fascinating wild animals from all over the world attracts many visitors to Hellbrunn, near Salzburg, every year.
Facts & highlights of the Hellbrunn Zoo
- The zoo opens at 9:00am, but closing times vary with the seasons
- The Hellbrunn Zoo is fully wheelchair accessible
- Nocturnal activities of the animals in the night zoo – from August to September
- The zoo's smallest inhabitant, the harvest mouse, weighs just 0.7g at birth
- The largest animal at the zoo is the white rhinoceros, which can weigh up to 3,600kg
- Cheetahs in the wild can run faster than 100km/h, making them the fastest land mammal in the world
- Size matters – the griffon vulture has a wingspan of up to 280cm
Another attractive destination – the fountains at Hellbrunn Castle
A visit to Hellbrunn Castle wouldn't be complete without a tour of the castle's fountains. You never know what you will find next. Moving figures, grottoes and springs all add to the fun. This watery world of adventure was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, and our fascination with its wonders has not faded to this day. Visitors are particularly impressed by the water-propelled figures as they show off their movements.
The grottoes of Neptune, Orpheus and Venus showcase the ever-enchanting wonders of Greek mythology. The mechanical theatre is a particular highlight, with over 200 water-propelled figures moving through an enthralling representation of life in a Baroque city. The Hellbrunn fountains are difficult to describe – it's really best if you go and see this masterpiece of Baroque art for yourself.
Have we sparked your interest?
You should definitely put the Hellbrunn Zoo and fountains at the top of your list of unmissable destinations in the Salzburg region. Hellbrunn is easy to reach from Hallwang and the Landgasthof Kirchbichl. Simply take the Salzburg Süd exit towards Anif, follow the road for 1km, and you'll be there.
The public transport connections are also very good. Take bus number 25 from Salzburg's central train station, and you'll reach your destination to the south of the city in no time.
For more information on the world of adventure awaiting you at Hellbrunn, and other excursion destinations near Salzburg and Hallwang, please don't hesitate to see the reception team at the Landgasthof Kirchbichl. The Zipperer family look forward to meeting you! Send us your obligation-free enquiry or give us a call on +43(0)662 6659 00.
