Vienna begins winterizing city fountains to prevent frost damage

Wiener Wasser has begun the process of winterizing Vienna's fountains to protect them from frost damage. The city is gradually decommissioning 55 monument fountains and 1,800 drinking fountains to ensure their long-term preservation.

The process starts at the city's outskirts, where temperatures are expected to drop toward freezing first, while fountains in the 1st District will be among the last to be shut down. The Hochstrahlbrunnen at Schwarzenbergplatz will also be winterized in early November, a task requiring more time due to the size of its basin.

To prevent damage from freezing, each fountain is emptied. For monument fountains, additional maintenance includes cleaning basins, removing water nozzles or overflows, and applying covers. The fountains are scheduled to return to service in the spring of 2027.