The Hochstrahlbrunnen, also known as the High Jet Fountain, is a prominent fountain located on Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna's third district, Landstraße. Its construction was initiated to commemorate the completion of the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline, a major engineering achievement that brought fresh drinking water from the Styrian and Lower Austrian Alps to the city.

The fountain was officially inaugurated on October 23, 1873. The design and hydraulic engineering were the work of Anton Gabrielli, a senior engineer for the Vienna waterworks. The fountain's primary purpose was to celebrate and publicly demonstrate the successful operation of the new high-pressure water supply system, which significantly improved public health and sanitation in the growing capital.

Architecturally, the fountain is a notable example of historicist design from the late 19th century. It consists of a large, shallow basin from which a central, powerful vertical jet of water rises. This main jet is surrounded by numerous smaller nozzles arranged in concentric circles, which together can create a variety of water patterns. The fountain's base is constructed from stone, and its design incorporates symbolic elements related to water and its vital importance.

For many decades, the Hochstrahlbrunnen operated with a simple, constant water display. A significant modernization took place in 2006, when a sophisticated computer-controlled lighting and music system was installed. This upgrade transformed the fountain into a dynamic spectacle, with over 200 individually controllable water jets and more than 300 colored lights. The fountain now performs programmed shows synchronized with music, typically in the evenings during the warmer months.

The fountain holds a central position on Schwarzenbergplatz, a major square named after Prince Karl Philipp zu Schwarzenberg. It stands directly in front of the Russian Memorial to the Red Army, with the backdrop of the grand Palais Schwarzenberg. This location makes it a focal point within a historically significant urban space that reflects different periods of Viennese and European history.

As an integral part of Vienna's urban landscape, the Hochstrahlbrunnen serves both as a monument to municipal infrastructure and as a popular public attraction. It represents a pivotal moment in the city's modernization during the late Habsburg era and continues to function as a symbol of technological progress and civic pride. Its evening light and music shows have become a regular seasonal feature for both residents and visitors.