The story of the Spring of Schönbrunn
Have you ever wondered where Schönbrunn Palace got its name? It’s not just a fancy title—it all comes down to the Spring of Schönbrunn. Hidden in the palace gardens, this small but significant water source is the reason one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks is called Schönbrunn.
Some say the Spring of Schönbrunn was an artesian well, providing fresh water exclusively for the royal court. Others believe it was a natural spring, flowing long before the palace existed. Either way, there’s no doubt that this little spring gave the entire estate its name.
According to the official Schönbrunn Palace website, the story goes that Emperor Matthias once discovered a spring on the grounds and exclaimed:
“Ei, welch’ schöner Brunn’!”
Or in English: “Oh, what a pretty spring!”
The name stuck, and today, the Spring of Schönbrunn is marked by a monument in the gardens. If you visit, you’ll see a statue of a beautiful woman—Egeria, the Roman nymph who was said to be the wife and legal advisor of Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome after Romulus. A fitting tribute to a spring that has stood the test of time!
Visit the Spring of Schönbrunn at the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
If you’re heading to Schönbrunn Palace, don’t miss the chance to see the Spring of Schönbrunn for yourself. The palace gardens are free to visit, so you can explore at your own pace. If you want to see the interior of the palace, we recommend booking your tickets in advance through the official website. For a skip the line ticket, click HERE.
You can also book a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace with us by filling out the form on our homepage. A local expert will guide you through the palace’s history, secrets, and of course, the story behind the Spring of Schönbrunn!
