Summer in Vienna: 1,500 drinking fountains provide refreshment

According to weather statistics, July is the warmest month in Vienna. But what makes Vienna's climate so special? Where can you cool off in Vienna in summer and what are the more than 1,500 drinking fountains all about? Vienna in summer is definitely "La Dolce Vita" - but with sunscreen, a water bottle, feet in the Danube, and shady spots.

1. What makes the Viennese climate special?
2. Drinking fountains, monumental fountains, memorial fountains in Vienna
3. Brunnhilde - mobile drinking fountain
4. Summer splashes - spray mist installations
5. How else can you cool off in Vienna?

What makes the Viennese climate special?

If you look at Europe, Vienna is in the middle of the continent but has as much wind as other coastal cities. The wind usually blows from the southeast or blows strongly from the northwest. So it's no wonder you often feel a light breeze during the day. At night, the wind usually calms down or is over the city.

Climate researcher Simon Tschannett says: "Vienna is located on the eastern edge of the Alps and is more influenced by the Pannonian climate, which means there can be frequent and longer heatwaves. It's not just about the highest daily temperature, but also about the heat phases last longer in summer, without breaks. It is assumed that in a few decades, there will be an average of up to 70 days with over 30 °C in the summer half-year. Vienna also consists of different regions - from the flat Marchfeld to the hilly Vienna Woods, and each of these parts of Vienna has its microclimate conditions."

Photo: Anton Uniqueton, Unsplash

Fountains in Vienna

If you walk through Vienna, you will see them in parks, playgrounds or at markets: the drinking fountains, of which there are around 1,500, the 55 monumental and memorial fountains, all of which are managed by the City of Vienna.

In the winter months, the fountains are turned off to prevent them from freezing due to sub-zero temperatures. With the awakening of spring, the fountains are gradually turned back on. Just in time for World Water Day on March 22, the high-jet fountain on Schwarzenbergplatz is the first to be filled with 520,000 liters of high-pressure spring water. The drinking fountains follow at the beginning of April. Drinking fountains and also some monument fountains are operated with fresh water. Of course, after the pipes have been cleaned and flushed in spring.

Especially on hot days, the drinking fountains offer all thirsty people the opportunity to refresh themselves free of charge. They can be divided into old town drinking fountains, modern stainless steel drinking fountains, artistically designed drinking fountains and mobile drinking fountains.

Photo: Stefanie Jost

Brunnhilde - the mobile drinking fountain

The 75 mobile drinking fountains are available in Vienna from April to September. They are used at highly frequented locations, such as Vienna's Rathausplatz, in the Mariahilfer Straße shopping street, or at major events such as the Danube Island Festival. The way the water dispensers work is simple: you get the cooling water at the touch of a button. Further cooling is provided by the attached mist showers.

Photo: Stefanie Jost

Summer splashes - spray mist installations

100 spray mist installations in Vienna go by the beautiful name of "Sommerspritzer". They are 3 meters high, made of stainless steel and, with their 29 fine water jets, provide some cooling in extreme temperatures. The spray mist also has a positive effect on the immediate microclimate. Because the atomization is very fine, water consumption is also low. Automatic and regular cleaning ensures hygienically perfect refreshment.

Photo: Stefanie Jost

How else can you cool off in Vienna?

If your fluid intake is no longer sufficient, you need to cool down in some other way. Here is a small list of different ideas:

1. Swim a lap in the Danube - you can get there quickly with the U1 or U6 underground lines
2. Eating ice cream - Vienna probably has the highest density of ice cream parlors in Europe and is close to Italy, which is known to make the best ice cream
3. Visit an air-conditioned museum - many EasyCityPass Wien Partners are museums
4. Sightseeing in churches - St. Stephen's Cathedral, Karlskirche, Votive Church, St. Francis of Assisi Church, the list is long
5. Drinking fountains - from the mountain springs directly into the taps
6. Summer spritz at the Heurigen - Viennese wine can also be refreshing

Photo: Stefanie Jost