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The Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain on Schwarzenbergplatz was erected on the occassion of the installation of Vienna's main water system on October 24, 1873. It was financed by Anton Gabrielli, who was commissioned to build the water system. The fountain was later improved with an illlumination system for 285,000 Kronen. The first light-and-water show was given on June 23, 1906. At night it glows in all colors.

Along the edge there are 365 small fountains, which symbolize the days of the year. Six fountains between the edge and the inner island and the island itself stand for the days of the week. Twelve high beams are for the months, 24 low beams for the hours of the day, and the 30 beams in the middle symbolize the days of the month.

Behind the fountain is the red army's heroes' monument, to remind the 17,000 killed russian soldiers during the capture of Vienna, which was built in 1945.