Almkanal, Leopoldskron Pond & Co: Salzburg's water worlds

Refreshment in the middle of the city

Salzburg is known for its magnificent mountain panorama, and that's what we love about the Mozart town. But mountains are by no means all that Salzburg has to offer: cool, wonderfully refreshing water in summer can be found not only in the surrounding lake district, but in many places in the middle of the town. 

Recharge your energy at the Leopoldskron Pond

In the west of Salzburg, Leopoldskron Palace sits on the edge of the sizeable Leopoldskron Pond. Salzburg Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian had it built as a summer residence in the 18th century. Almost two centuries later, Max Reinhardt, one of the co-founders of the Salzburg Festival, bought the dilapidated Palace and renovated it to stage plays – not least the film "Sound of Music" made the Palace world-famous, as it was one of the main shooting locations. Today, the Palace and its pond are protected. Ducks, swans, grey geese, carp, pike and frogs cavort in and around the water. Swimming in the pond is not allowed, but walking around it highly recommended: the natural paradise in town with the impressive Palace as part of the backdrop invites you to stroll and daydream about of kings and lords of the manor. 

Cool off in the Almkanal

Only a few steps away from the Place pond is the Almkanal. In summer, those brave enough plunge into the ice-cold water to float towards the Town Centre, before climbing to the bank with its magnificent trees, strolling back and jumping into the water again. A few kilometres further out of town, sports enthusiasts meet at the surf wave: for surfer girls like Lisa Vogl, who regularly comes here with her friend Stefanie Schider, the artificial wave in the canal is a popular haunt in Salzburg: "You can get to the surf wave in no time by bike, we meet all our friends here and surfing at the Almkanal is not only fun, but also free." – watching, too, of course.
 

Hellbrunn Water Games: Wet Family Fun

A palace entirely dedicated to water can be found on the southern outskirts of Salzburg: the baroque Hellbrunn palace is famous for its trick fountains. Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus had smaller and larger amusement features built into his Palace park, amusing and shocking his guests – and to this day the trick fountains have lost none of their fascination. Whether in the water-powered mechanical theatre, one of the five mystical grottos or at the marble archiepiscopal table: ingenious water pranks and original water art await us around every corner. Avoid the water? Impossible!

Refreshment on the Salzach & Salzburg's fountains

You can also travel to Hellbrunn by boat – not right up to the Palace door, but on the Salzach river, which divides Salzburg's Old Town into left and right-hand sides, a speedboat goes to the landing stage at Hellbrunn. From there, a shuttle bus takes visitors to the Palace. From the glass ship, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the town and Salzburg's unique mountain backdrop and enjoy the breeze. And sometimes the ship even dances a waltz, we promise!
 
Afterwards, once you're back on solid ground, you can enjoy Salzburg's numerous water features throughout the Old Town: 51 active fountains, among them the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe, attract visitors with their water spectacle. The perfect destination for your summer holiday? – now you know it.