As temperatures drop, the quiet season begins for Vienna’s municipal fountains. They are prepared for winter—that is, drained, cleaned, and made frost-proof—so that cold and ice do not cause damage to the basins, pipes, and statues. Each fountain is inspected individually and made winter-ready.
Drinking fountains are also taking a break
This also affects the city’s approximately 1,800 drinking fountains. To prevent the water in the pipes from freezing and causing them to burst, the water supply is shut off and the fountains are drained. They will not resume operation until spring, when there is no longer any risk of frost. Until then, passersby will have to do without their free sip of Vienna high-mountain spring water.
High-jet fountain is being renovated
The famous high-jet fountain at Schwarzenbergplatz, on the other hand, faces a significantly longer hiatus: its comprehensive renovation will begin at the end of 2027. The landmark is not scheduled to resume operation until the start of the 2029 fountain season. The lengthy duration indicates just how extensive the work on the structure will be. Vienna will therefore have to get by for an entire summer without the imposing water jet.
The fountain’s history dates back a long way. It was inaugurated in October 1873 to mark the opening of Vienna’s First High-Source Water Pipeline, which brought fresh spring water from the Alps into the city for the first time. The fountain was a visible symbol of this achievement. The jet rose up to 30 meters into the air, impressively demonstrating the high pressure of the new pipeline. The fountain was designed by Anton Gabrielli. In 1906, colored lighting was added, turning the fountain into a crowd-pleaser even in the evenings. Since 1945, the Soviet Heroes’ Monument has stood behind it, lending the fountain an additional political dimension.
For all other fountains, however, the break is short. The new season begins in the spring, when they’ll once again gush in parks and squares, providing cool relief on hot days and inviting people to linger. The high-jet fountain will have to wait until the 2029 fountain season.
