sound of music walking tour

• Private Tours

Original Sound of Music Tour® - Tour 1A

• Also available as Private tour
• Also included in Other products

Do you have special requirements? Make a request

daily at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm

Panorama Tours Bus Terminal , Mirabellplatz / Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg Arrival information

Join us on a wonderful ride through Salzburg on the Original Sound of Music Tour®

Tour the picturesque World Heritage City of  Salzburg  as well as the beautiful  landscapes where the opening scenes of the movie   The Sound of Music  were filmed with our live guide!

The Sound of Music Tour Salzburg includes original shooting locations from "The Sound of Music" movie:

• Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain , where Maria and the children danced in the movie
• Nonnberg Convent , where Maria was a novice
• Schloss Leopoldskron ,  the house, where the Trapp Family lived in the movie which is now a luxury hotel
• Hellbrunn Palace (singing scenes in the movie)
• Gazebo (now placed in Hellbrunn), where the Baron von Trapp kissed Maria for the first time
• Church Mondsee , where Maria and the Baron get married

The Sound of Music in Salzburg

The enormous success of  The Sound of Music  Broadway Musical by  Rodgers & Hammerstein  premiering in 1959 made film director Robert Wise and 250 crew members turn  Salzburg  and its surroundings into the  Sound of Music filming location  in 1964. And it was  Salzburg Panorama Tours  who took the  Sound of Music  film crew to the  various locations  where the  famous movie  was filmed.

Shortly after its release, the film became a tremendous success, receiving five Academy Awards, becoming the highest grossing movie ever and reaching cult status over the years. Both musical and film are based on the "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" written by  Maria von Trapp  in 1949.

Get to know Salzburg

Follow the traces of the  Trapp family  and take a tour through Salzburg and its surroundings. See the  original film settings  and just imagine being  Julie Andrews , the main character in the film, playing  Maria von Trapp . Learn about the historical and architectural landmarks of Salzburg as well as the Lake District while enjoying the highlights of the movie. Relax and listen to the  Original Sound of Music  soundtrack and of course feel free to sing-along  Edelweiss  and many more... Our live guide will tell you everything you need to know about The Sound of Music, the Trapp Familiy, the film locations and about the shooting.

• Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure
• free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to tour departure
• We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel
• Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat
• Pets are not allowed in the tour

FAQs Original Sound of Music Tour®

Where does sound of music take place.

The true story, that The Sound of Music is based, on took place in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Large parts of the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg, some scenes even in the original locations. Featured in the  Original Sound of Music Tour® are among many others Leopoldskron Palace and the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace . 

When did the true story of Sound of Music take place?

Maria was asked to teach Georg von Trapp's children in 1926 and their wedding took place in 1927. In 1938, the Trapp family moved to the US to escape the Nazi regime in Germany and Austria. Their move was however far less dramatic than it is portrayed in the film. The 1965 film is an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical and based on Maria von Trapps 1949 memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers".

Where is the Sound of Music house?

There are three locations associated closely with the Trapp family in Salzburg. The original Trapp family home Villa Trapp is located in Aigen to the southeast of Salzburg and not seen in the movie. Two other estates were used to portray the Trapps' home in the movie: Leopoldskron Palace and Frohnburg Palace .

Where is the Sound of Music gazebo?

The gazebo featured in the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" scene was located in the gardens of Leopoldskron Palace during filming. It was later moved to the gardens at Hellbrunn Palace to make it accessible to interested visitor. The Original Sound of Music Tour® stops at the gazebo to give you the opportunity for unforgettable moments and souvenir photos.

Which church was used in Sound of Music?

While many other scenes were filmed in the city of Salzburg, the romantic wedding scene in the movie The Sound of Music was shot at the church in Mondsee. A stop at this church is part of the Original Sound of Music Tour® by Salzburg Panorama Tours  and gives you the opportunity to explore this beautiful filming location.

When is the Original Sound of Music Tour® operated?

This tour is operated daily with two start times at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm.

Please notice:

We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel. Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure.

Only Salzburg Panorama Tours is responsible to schedule the tour vehicles.

Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat.

Pets are not allowed in the tour.

Stefan Herzl

Hello, my name is Stefan Herzl and I’m really looking forward to show you my beautiful hometown Salzburg. I am a native Salzburg offering since 1976 various sightseeing tours in Salzburg & surroundings.

This tour is included in other products - get more for your money!

Sound of Music - Private Half-Day Tour & Cooking Class

Sound of Music & Hallstatt - Private Full-Day Tour

Sound of Music Tour with Schnitzel & Noodles

Sound of Music Special

Sound of Music at Schloss Leopoldskron

The Hills are Alive in Salzburg

You might also be interested in:.

Get the best deal for your stay in Salzburg with this Sound of Music package! Discover the city of Salzburg and its surroudings on the Sound of Music Tour and find out more about the movie, its filming locations and the Trapp family's true story.

Mozart Dinner Concert

Attend this performens and be taken back to Mozart’s time! Enjoy an evening likely to have taken place in 1790 - in the baroquehall - lit by candles, having a dinner based on historical recipes, listening to a concert with musicians in authentic costumes and the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

The Sound of Music | Salzburg Marionette Theatre

"A delightful surprise from start to finish" (NY Times)

Sound of Music Tour with Schloss Leopoldskron & Trail - Private Full-Day Tour

Enjoy a perfect full-day Sound of Music experience including Leopoldskron Palace & Hiking Trail

13 Must-See Sound of Music Tour Salzburg

July 23, 2023

Salzburg, Austria, holds a special place in the hearts of fans of The Sound of Music. This picturesque city is where the iconic movie was filmed, and it attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to experience the magic firsthand. While most Austrians may not be familiar with the film, visitors can’t help but hum along to the beloved songs and explore the enchanting locations featured in the movie. 

“The hills are alive with the sound of music!” – Maria

From the grand Mirabell Gardens to the charming Nonnberg Abbey, 13 must-see Sound of Music tour locations in Salzburg transports you into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family. Let’s embark on a delightful journey through these iconic spots and relive the joy of this timeless classic.

Here are 13 must-see tour locations that will transport you into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family.

1. Leopoldskron Castle

Visit the majestic Leopoldskron Castle, which served as the von Trapp family home in the movie. Stroll along the shores of Leopoldskron Lake, where the children had a mischievous boating adventure. 

Take in the serene beauty of the surroundings and imagine the von Trapp family’s life within the walls of this historic castle. With its stunning architecture and picturesque lake, Leopoldskron Castle offers a glimpse into the captivating world of The Sound of Music.

2. Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Step into the enchanting world of The Sound of Music at Mirabell Palace & Gardens. This picturesque location is where Maria and the children joyfully danced around the statue of Pegasus, singing their famous “Do-Re-Mi” song. 

“Do-Re-Mi, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun.” – Maria

Explore the beautifully manicured gardens, stroll along the pathways, and relive the iconic scenes that captured the hearts of millions. With its vibrant atmosphere and musical history, Mirabell Palace & Gardens is a must-visit destination for any Sound of Music fan.

3. Horse Bath

Transport yourself to the scene where Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath while singing “My Favorite Things.” This picturesque location adds a touch of charm to the movie and offers a delightful backdrop for capturing memorable photos. 

Experience the magic of the movie firsthand as you immerse yourself in the surroundings and create your special moments.

4. Winkler Terrace

 Ascend Monk’s Hill and discover the breathtaking Winkler Terrace overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg. This is where Maria and the children brought their infectious energy, mixing up the musical notes of “Do Re Mi” as they introduced the song to Salzburg. 

Stand in awe of the panoramic view, feel the gentle breeze, and let the melodies of the movie resonate in your heart. Winkler Terrace is a serene spot that encapsulates the joy and harmony that The Sound of Music evokes.

5. Hedge Maze & Gnome Park

Enter the whimsical world of the “Do-Re-Mi” song at the Hedge Maze & Gnome Park. Follow in the footsteps of Maria and the children as they skip through the vine tunnel and playfully interact with the charming gnome with glasses. 

This delightful location is perfect for families, allowing children to unleash their imaginations and immerse themselves in the magic of The Sound of Music.

6. Rock Riding School

Step inside the historic Rock Riding School, which played a pivotal role in some of the most memorable scenes from The Sound of Music. Let your imagination run wild as you envision these walls’ lively performances and heartwarming moments. 

The Rock Riding School is where history and film intertwine, creating an atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

7. Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion

“I have confidence in sunshine. I have confidence in rain. I have confidence that spring will come again!” – Maria

Embark on a journey to Hellbrunn Castle, an architectural gem from the 17th century. Explore its captivating gardens and discover the mesmerizing glass pavilion that has fascinated visitors for over 30 years. 

Marvel at the beauty of the surroundings and imagine the von Trapp family roaming these grounds as you walk in their footsteps. Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion are a testament to the timeless allure of The Sound of Music.

8. Mondsee Wedding Church

Experience the magic of Maria and the Baron’s wedding by visiting the picturesque Mondsee Wedding Church. Step into the same church where their fictional union took place and feel the romance and joy that filled the air. 

Admire exquisite architecture, explore the charming town of Mondsee, and let the spirit of love and celebration resonate within you.

9. Nonnberg Abbey

Delve into the rich history of Nonnberg Abbey, one of Europe’s oldest convents. This sacred place served as Maria’s home as a novice and was the backdrop for the enchanting wedding scene in the film. 

Explore the abbey’s tranquil surroundings, admire its architectural beauty, and feel a sense of serenity as you discover the connection between The Sound of Music and this sacred location.

10. St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang

Embark on a scenic journey to St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang, featured at the beginning of The Sound of Music. Bask in the landscape’s natural beauty as you gaze upon the stunning lake and surrounding mountains.

Take a moment to soak in the tranquility and reflect on the movie’s opening scenes that captured this beautiful region’s essence.

11. Werfen Picnic Meadow

Venture to the idyllic Werfen Picnic Meadow, perched above the village of Werfen. This picturesque location is where Maria and the children shared a delightful picnic and began singing the iconic “Do Re, Mi” song. 

Take in the breathtaking views, feel the fresh air on your skin, and let the melodies of the movie fill the atmosphere. The Werfen Picnic Meadow offers a serene and memorable experience for The Sound of Music fans.

12. Frohnburg Palace

Journey to Frohnburg Palace, the magnificent backdrop for the von Trapp family home. Marvel at the elegance and grandeur of this palace, which was featured in five pivotal scenes of the film. 

Let your imagination transport you to the world of the von Trapps as you walk through the halls and gardens, reliving the special moments that have captured the hearts of generations.

13. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs

Discover the tranquil beauty of St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs, a historic site featured in The Sound of Music. This serene cemetery, with its rows of picturesque tombstones and peaceful atmosphere, is where Maria and the children hid from the Nazis in the film. 

Wander through the winding pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient tombstones, and feel a sense of tranquility as you connect with the scenes from the movie. 

Explore the catacombs beneath the cemetery, where you can delve into Salzburg’s intriguing history. St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs offer a unique and contemplative experience for The Sound of Music fans and history enthusiasts.

Exploring the Locations of The Sound of Music

Transportation options.

• Bus Tours: Convenient transportation to all filming locations.
• Walking Tours: Explore on foot and enjoy the surrounding areas.
• Bicycle Tours: Fun and affordable way to visit the sites.

Cost and Booking Information

• Tour Prices: Starting at around 45€ for Sound of Music tours.
• Tour Providers: Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and more.
• Package Inclusions: Transportation, tour guide, combined tickets, lunch, museum visits, and other attractions.
• Discounts and Seasonal Offers: Check for special deals and reduced prices.

When planning your Sound of Music tour, you can choose between different modes of transportation. Bus tours provide a hassle-free experience while walking tours allow for more flexibility and exploration. Alternatively, bicycle tours offer a unique and enjoyable way to discover the sites.

Tour prices typically start around 45€ and vary depending on the provider and package inclusions. Popular tour companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Musement offer similar experiences, including transportation, knowledgeable guides, and various add-ons such as combined tickets, lunch, and museum visits. 

Keep an eye out for discounts and seasonal offers that may be available at certain times of the year.

To book your tour, you can use TourScanner’s search feature to compare prices and options from different providers, ensuring you find the best tour that suits your preferences and budget.

“Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ’til you find your dream.” – Mother Abbess

In conclusion, exploring the locations of The Sound of Music in Salzburg offers a delightful journey into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family. With 13 must-see tour locations, ranging from majestic castles and picturesque gardens to charming churches and historical sites, visitors can relive the magic of this timeless classic. 

Whether you embark on a bus tour for convenience, take a walking tour to immerse yourself in the surroundings, or enjoy a bicycle tour for a fun and affordable experience, there are transportation options to suit every preference. 

With tour prices starting at around 45€ and various providers offering inclusive packages and special offers, booking your Sound of Music tour has never been easier. So, get ready to sing along and create unforgettable memories as you explore the enchanting locations that captured the hearts of millions.

How long is the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg?

The Sound of Music tour in Salzburg typically lasts around 4 hours. It is available daily at 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM, but pre-booking is recommended, especially during Christmas and New Year, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience without any delays.

Can you do a Sound of Music tour yourself?

Yes, you can do a self-guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. This walking tour is approximately 4 kilometers long and can be completed in 2-3 hours. Feel free to take your time, enjoy the journey, and make pit stops at charming cafes.

Is it worth doing the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg?

Yes, it’s worth doing the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. It offers a breathtaking experience, even if you need to become more familiar with the movie. The Original Sound of Music Tour is a fantastic way to explore Austria’s beautiful region and appreciate the film’s charm.

Can you go inside The Sound of Music House?

You can stay inside The Sound of Music House, known as Meierhof. Experience a comfortable overnight stay in its rooms and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in either the Marble Hall or the palace’s ballroom. Additionally, you can visit various filming locations during the 4-hour Original Sound of Music Tour.

Raphael is a passionate author on All Things Austria, a website that provides useful and practical guides on travelling to Austria. He loves to explore the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, and share his insights with his readers.

On This Page :

Related Post

Salzburg    •   July 24, 2023

Top 17 Spa in Salzburg: Ultimate Relaxation and Renewal

Salzburg    •   

Most Popular Gyms in Salzburg 

Amazing Yoga Studios in Salzburg for Mind and Body Wellness

‎ Austria ‎ >  Salzburg > Sound of Music Movie Tour & Film Locations

Top 10 Salzburg Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Salzburg

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• Sound of Music Movie Tour
• Mozart Walking Tour
• Best Viewpoints In Salzburg
• More Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Best Places To Stay
• Suggested Itineraries

Sound of Music Movie Tour In Salzburg:

Tour  Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Time Needed :  Tour stops 1-11 half day; 1-15 full day; all sights 2 days. Important Hours : Festival Hall Tours are at 2pm ( also 9:30am & 3:30pm  in July & August ); Villa Von Trapp room tours are at Noon ( museum 10am-6pm ); Drawf Garden closed in Winter. Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without visiting the filming locations from the hit movie The Sound of Music.  Adapted from the story of the real-life Von Trapp family and the hit 1959 musical play by Rodger and Hammerstein, the 1965 movie became an instant blockbuster.  Touring the filming locations in Salzburg from this iconic movie will remind you that hills are still very much “alive with The Sound of Music”.  We hope you enjoy our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg!

Related Guide & Video : How To Get To The Sound of Music Meadow .

How To Divide Your Time:

In 1 day you can quickly breeze through The Sound of Music movie locations in Old Town Salzburg ( stops 1-11 ) and even tour the four just South of town ( stops 12-15 ) if you start early.  With 2 full days in Salzburg, you will have time to also visit most The Sound of Music movie tour sights further outside of town or mix in the Mozart attractions and High Salzburg Fortress from our  Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour .  Having 3 full days is ideal, but to help you better divide your time, check out our  suggested itineraries for Salzburg .

Getting Between Movie Locations:

Most of the Sound of Music movie tour locations in Salzburg are close to Old Town so they can be seen on your own by foot without paying to join a guided tour.  While you can easily walk between most of the Sound of Music film sights in Salzburg, we like to rent bicycles from Avelo in Mozartplatz ( $15 a day; April-September 9:30am-5 pm; July & August 9am-7pm; [email protected] ), especially for movie tour locations 12-15 located just outside of Old Town to the South.

Turning the walking tour into a self-guided Sound of Music bike tour will make your day more magical.  There are half-day or even overnight rentals if needed and you usually only need to make a reservation if you are in a group, need a tandem, or an e-bike.  Helmets and bike locks are included.  For Sound of Music movie locations further away from Salzburg, we have included the bus/train routes on our map, and current schedules can be found online  here .

The Sound of Music Movie Tour:

1. mirabell palace & gardens :.

About Mirabell Palace :  The entire end of the song  ‘Do Re Mi’  in the Sound of Music movie was filmed at the Mirabell Palace Gardens.  Because the grounds are open early every day, they are the perfect place to start our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  The Mirabell Palace was completed in 1606 ( rebuilt 1693 ) as the home for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau’s mistress and the gorgeous gardens were built out later from 1715-30.  In addition to its Sound of Music fame, the Mirabell Palace is also where Mozart would play private concerts as a child.

As you enter the Mirabell Palace Gardens from the South, you will recognize the two impressive pairs of  Greek fencing statutes  from The Sound of Music movie as the Von Trapp children had mimicked their playful poses.  The stone figures, which were inspired by the ancient Borghese Gladiator Statue from Ephesus ( displayed in the Louvre ), each leap forward with a fist triumphantly in the air.  You likely won’t be the only ones following our free Sound of Music movie tour so don’t be shy to copy the poses as you pass by the statues.

While wandering further into the Mirabell Gardens, you’ll also remember the central spouting fountain from the ‘ Do Re Mi ‘ scenes of the Sound of Music movie.  From here make sure to turn around and check out the fantastic views the Mirabell Palace Gardens provide of  High Salzburg Fortress ( Hohensalzburg )  towering over Salzburg.  You will get many unique vantage points of the High Fortress throughout this Sound of Music walking tour.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :   Main Gardens are open Daily all year from Dawn to Dusk; however, the Hedge Maze and Dwarf Garden are CLOSED each Winter.   Palace Interior Hours :  Daily 8am-6pm.   Palace Marble Hall Hours :  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-4pm; Tuesday & Friday 1-4pm.   Photos :  ( Entrance  |  Garden View  |  Front of Palace  |  Palace Interior – Staircase Angels ).

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Scenes from the end of the song “Do, Re, Mi” have the children dancing past the spouting fountain, through the garden, and mimicking the triumphant gladiator statues.

2. Pegasus Fountain & Musical Steps :

About The Pegasus Fountain & Musical Steps : On the Northwest corner of the Mirabell Palace grounds you’ll find another flowered garden section known as the Small Parterre, which is home to the iconic  Pegasus Statue Fountain .  The Von Trapp children skip around the circular lip of the Pegasus Fountain ( added in 1913 ) in The Sound of Music movie while singing  ‘Do Re Mi’ .

Beyond the Horse Fountain, you’ll also recognize the North Terrace steps leading up to a rose garden which Maria and the kids used as a hopping musical scale .  As Maria belts out the final notes of ‘ Do Re Mi ‘ from the top of the musical steps, she stands with her right hand high in the air like the triumphant statues from the Mirabell Palace entrance.  Before hopping up the steps yourself, make sure to check out the goat-bearded unicorn statues at the bottom.  The steps from The Sound of Music are also a great place to see the mighty High Fortress towering over Salzburg.  Reaching the top, you’ll have one of the best views on this free Sound of Music walking tour.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :   Daily all year from Dawn to Dusk.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : During “Do, Re, Mi” the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain before hopping up the steps like musical notes in the dramatic finale of the song.

3. Hedge Maze & Gnome Park :

About The Hedge Maze & Gnome Park : Make sure to follow the other set of steps near the Horse Fountain ( opposite the Palace & guarded by lion statues ) across a small footbridge to the  Dwarf Gnome Park ( Zwergerlgarten ) .  Some of the sculptures were said to be modeled after real-life dwarfs in 1715, but overall the works were meant to be caricatures making fun of Salzburg’s common people who weren’t even allowed in the park ( became public in 1854) .  A total of 28 dwarf statues were carved out of local Unterberg Marble ( chalky limestone ) placed in the small eastern section of the main garden to make the upper class feel like the big people and to be the be the ugly artwork needed to balance out the ground’s large beautiful central statues in triumphant poses.

In 1815, the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I had the dwarf statutes removed from the palace grounds and auctioned off as he was superstitious that they would be bad luck for his pregnant wife.  Their son Otto, who was born in Mirabell Palace the same year, would later go on to become the King of Greece.  Luckily many of the statutes were bought back starting in 1919 ( resorted in 1921 & 2017 ) and a new area was made for them on top of a bastion from Salzburg’s Medieval wall where 15 of the original 28 statues now sit.  All of the figures are fun, but the dwarf wearing eyeglasses is the one that all of the Von Trapp kids patted on the head during ‘ Do Re Mi’  in The Sound of Music movie.  We love inspecting each of the baroque statues, but don’t forget to check out the pair dwarfs on the wooden bridge leading to the garden playing Pallone which was a Renaissance version of baseball where you use your arm as the bat.

As you leave the dwarf garden to exit the Mirabell Palace grounds, make sure to visit the long pergola  vine tunnel and hedge maze  which are also featured in The Sound of Music movie.  You’ll have a great time pretending that you are Maria and the children as you hop through the ivy-laced tunnel.  Personally, we have had a blast taking funny photos in the hedge maze, and it is one of our favorite stops on the Sound of Music movie walking tour in Salzburg.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :  Daily 6am-Dusk; Dwarf and Hedge areas are typically closed in the Winter months.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Scenes from the song “Do, Re, Mi” including skipping down the vine tunnel and the children patting the dwarf with glasses on the head.

4. Salzburg Marionette Theater :

About The Salzburg Puppet Theater : People who love The Sound of Music will know this fantastic marionette theater ( operation since 1913 ) as the inspiration for one of the best scenes movie.  In the film, Maria and the children perform ‘ Lonely Goatherd ‘  with carved puppets on a ministage inside the Von Trapp Family’s golden ballroom.  This is one of our favorite scenes from The Sound of Music and it’s maybe the one song from the soundtrack that is the most difficult to get out of your head after hearing it.

The local Salzburg Puppet Theater was asked to perform in the scene, but because the troop was out on tour during the filming they were unable to do so.  The cast then relied on the assistance of famous American puppeteer Bil Baird  and his wife Cora Eisenberg to make the magic happen during the shoot in Hollywood.  The scene in the movie takes place in a studio recreation of the real-life golden Venetian ballroom which can be found inside Salzburg’s Leopold Palace.

There are no set tour hours for visiting the Salzburg Puppet Theater, but you can get a taste of the action in person with their great line up of live shows most days which focus on the operas of Mozart.  The marionette theater also now does a full-length puppet version of The Sound of Music Broadway play a few times a week since 2007 which is an extra treat.  Their Sound of Music show requires ten expert puppeteers working in harmony and they have 3 complete sets of marionettes dolls for each of the Von Trapp children to account for wardrobe changes.

Address :  Schwarzstraße 24.   Show Hours :  Various shows throughout the week with 4pm afternoon shows and an evening dinner show starting at 7:30pm ( dinner at 6:30pm ).   Website & Schedule :    Here .

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Maria and the children perform “Lonely Goatherd” with marionette puppets.  The local troop which inspired the scene also performs a full-length puppet version of The Sound of Music Broadway play.

5. Winkler Terrace :

About Winkler Terrace :  The breath-taking Winkler Terrace sits high up on Monk’s Hill ( Mönchsberg ) overlooking Old Town Salzburg from a steep cliff.  It was the perfect place for Maria and the children to bring the  ‘Do Re Mi’  song into Salzburg from the meadow as they begin to mix the order of the musical notes up for practice.  Earlier in the movie, the terrace is also where Maria appears while leaving the convent for the Von Trapps the first time.

At the time of the filming, this stunning terrace was home to the historic Cafe Winkler which offers the best panoramic views of Salzburg  on this free Sound of Music movie tour.  The M32 Café ( website , horrible service ) and the Modern Art Museum ( website ) now occupy Winkler Terrace, but great views of the city along the same stone walkway filming location have been preserved.  You will see the city center and the Salzach River below you as well as the High Fortress and the red Nonnberg Abbey spire straight across Old Town Salzburg.

It’s not just the views that make Winkler Terrace amazing as it is also surrounded by a timeless section of the fortified Medieval Militia Wall ( Burgerwehr )  which was built in 1487 to protect the city.  As you work your way along the ramparts of the wall, the small Stadt Alm Cafe ( website ) is one of our favorite places to get coffee in town.  The Stadt Alm Cafe still has great views, while being both less crowded and less expensive than the M32 Cafe which is known for horrible service.  Personally, we have experience M32’s bad service a number of times and highly recommend the rustic Stadt Alm over it.

The cliff top is also home to  Schloss Mönchstein  ( website ) & Johannes Schlössl which are beautiful castles turned hotels.  If you have extra time, at least make sure to check out Schloss Mönchstein.  First documented in 1350, the castle was nicknamed the Professor’s Castle when it was run by monks.  Nearby you’ll see other defensive structures like the old Mülleggertor city gate built in 1280.

Getting Up To Winkler Terrace :  The most accessible way up is the  Mönchsberg Elevator  which sits behind the Salzburg Museum and takes you directly to Winkler Terrace.  Look for the pink row house along the cliff with a large MdM above the entrance.  Alternatively, can take a taxi to up the backside of the cliff to the cafe or the stairs at Toscaninihof ( behind the Festival Hall ) to the top of Mönchsberg and reach the terrace with a 20-minute walk.   Elevator Cost & Hours : Adults 2.30€ one way or 3.60€ round trip; kids half off.  Is covered by the Salzburg Card.   Terrace Hours :  Daily 24 Hours; elevator stops between 7-9pm depending on the season.   Photos :  ( View From Terrace  |  View From Cafe at Night  |  Schloss Mönchstein  |  Johannesschlössl ).

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Wonderful city views are had during “Do Re Mi” from the terrace as Maria has the children mix up the order of the musical notes.  The terrace is also is where Maria appears while leaving the convent on her way to the Von Trapps for the first time.

6. Horse Bath ( Pferdeschwemme ):

About The Horse Bath : Sitting below the cliffside of Mönchsberg Hill is the largest of Salzburg’s two surviving  Medieval horse baths  which were basically car washes for horses in the Middle Ages.  In the Sound of Music movie, this long fountain is where Maria and the Von Trapp kids stop to splash in the water during the instrumental ending to  ‘My Favorite Things’ .   Additional scenes for the movie were shot at the fountain but were later cut from the film.

The Prince-Archbishop had the mural backdrop and statue of a horse being tamed added to the sprawling fountain in 1693 ( in use since 1599 ) to match the theme of his neighboring Royal Stables ( Hofmarstall ).  We love how the cliff backdrop and bright murals add drama to any photos you take here.  We will pass by the other Medieval horse bath later on this free Sound of Music walking tour in Chapter Square ( Kapitelschwemme ) which framed by two lovely willow trees below the High Salzburg Fortress.  Both horse bath fountains in Salzburg are fed by ancient underground canals in use since Roman times and revamped in both the 700s and 1200s.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath in the song “My Favorite Things”.  A few other shots filmed here were cut from the movie.

7. Rock Riding School & Toscaninihof :

About The Rock Riding School :  Stretching for more than a city block tucked against the steep cliff of Monk’s Hill ( Mönchsberg ), the massive Rock Riding School was home to some of the most powerful film scenes in this Sound of Music movie tour.  It is here the in the movie Von Trapp children rehearse for the Folk Festival inside the Festival Hall Theater ( Festspielhaus ) with Max as the tensions with the Nazis being to arise.  Later this open-air theater is also where Captain performs  “Edelweiss”  with help from the audience before being joined on stage by his family for  “So Long, Farewell”  before fleeing Salzburg.  This was one of only two interiors scenes from The Sound of Music movie ( along with the wedding ) that were shot on location instead of in a Hollywood studio.

During the filming of the scenes, hundreds of local extras took part in the audience and were taught the words to Edelweiss on set so they could join in.  The use of the song Edelweiss is a uniquely powerful way to say goodbye as the song was the last words written by famed play-write Oscar Hammerstein.  Hammerstein was battling cancer while adapting Maria’s memoir into the hit 1959 Broadway play, which superseded the iconic film by six years.  It was essentially his own goodbye song sung through Captain.  While not a real folk song, the  Edelweiss flowers are important in Austrian culture  because it only grows high up on the mountains.  When a young lady would receive an Edelweiss she knew that the boy who gave it to her had just risked his life to pick it ( now illegal as they are protected ).

While the Von Trapp’s Folk Festival performance didn’t happen this way in real life, it is still one of the best scenes of the movie.  In reality, the family had performed here in 1935 and  won the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936 after officially forming their choir, but that was almost two years before the Nazis annexed Austria in early-1938.  After refusing to sing for Hitler’s birthday in April of 1938, the family escaped to Italy two months later, prior to the annual Salzburg Folk Festival depicted in the movie.

The real history of the Festival Hall Complex is also very interesting.  The cliffside was used as a quarry to build many of Salzburg’s churches before the Prince-Archbishop began to fill the void from the excavations with new Royal Horse Stable and Summer Riding School in 1693.  The well-named Rock Riding School ( Felsenreitschule ) was complete with an impressive 3-level, 96 box viewing gallery carved out of the rock wall.  The courtyard became important to Salzburg for horse training and riding competitions similar to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.  We find it fitting that the arched stone portals in the wall look like a gladiator arena since Salzburg was originally a Roman town of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD ).   Since then, the former Rock Riding School Complex has been converted into 3 separate theaters and is fun to tour even when no shows are going on.

During the 5th annual Salzburg Festival in 1925, the Royal Horse Stable was the first of three spaces turned into performance theaters in the complex.  Known as the Small Festival Hall ( Kleines Festspielhaus )  huge frescoes were painted in the theater foyer covering almost every square inch of the lobby the following year.  In 1939, the occupying Nazis had all of the beautiful frescos in the lobby removed saying they were terrible art, but luckily they were re-added in their original positions during renovations in 1956.  Further improvements took place in 2006 in preparation for the celebration of 250 years since Mozart was born in Salzburg, and space was renamed the  House for Mozart ( Haus für Mozart ) .  Today this sleek looking theater seats over 1,500, is used mainly for productions of Mozart’s operas, and still has an awesome mural filled entrance hall.

The second performance space came in 1926 when the Summer Riding School was also converted into a theater using the carved rock wall as a natural backdrop .  Called the Festival Hall ( Festspielhaus ), this open-air theater gained a partial roof ( now fully retractable ) in the 1930s and was the space featured in The Sound of Music movie.  The theater has over 1,400 seats, a sprawling 130-foot-wide stage, a 3-story arcade rock wall backdrop, and a retractable roof.  The final theater, called  Great Festival Hall ( Grosses Festspielhaus )  is inside the former Winter Riding School and didn’t open until 1960 as it required additional excavating.  This huge space is the largest in the complex with over 2,100 seats, a massive 300-foot-wide stage, and shows a lot of productions by Richard Wagner.

The only way to see the inside of the complex where the Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, is to either join the official theater tour or see a live show.  Even if you aren’t going inside, make sure to swing by  Toscaninihof Square  on the Eastern end of the building which is also featured in The Sound of Music movie.  In the square, a seemingly cold-blooded Rolf gives Liesl a telegram for her dad from Berlin after the children finish rehearsing for the Folk Festival.  At Toscaninihof you will also find steps leading up to the top of Mönchsberg cliff if you are looking to explore.

Address :  Hofstallgasse 1.   Guided Tour Cost :  7€.   Guided Tour Hours : September-June 2pm; July & August 9:30am, 2pm, & 3:30pm., please see their website  here .   Photo :  ( Exterior from the West ).

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Captain performs “Edelweiss” at the Rock Riding School and is joined on stage by his family for “So Long, Farewell” before escaping.  The theater is one of only two interior scenes actually shot on location in Salzburg.  Toscaninihof Square is where newly aggressive Rolf gives Liesl a telegram for her dad Berlin after the children finish rehearsing.

8. Saint Peter’s Cemetery :

About Saint Peter’s Cemetery :  Near the end of the Sound of Music movie, the Von Trapps  hide from flashlight wielding Nazis  behind tombs in the cemetery of the Nonnburg Convent.  The real Nonnburg cemetery is extremely small and modest, so as the producers turned to the cemetery at Saint Peter’s Church for inspiration to build the set in Hollywood .  Ringing the edges of the flower-filled Saint Peter’s Cemetery are large crypts for local wealthy families closed with elegant wrought iron gates which were expertly reproduced for the movie.  While the real-life Von Trapps never hid in a cemetery, the scene in the movie adds great drama and a confrontation with Rolf which is different than the original Broadway play produced in 1959.

The peaceful grounds of Saint Peter’s Cemetery may just be the most serene location in all of Salzburg and it’s easy to see how it inspired the Sound of Music film scenes.  This unique cemetery goes back prior to 700 AD with cliff-side catacombs that go back even  further to 215 AD .  We love the small Saint Margaret’s Chapel in the middle of the cemetery from 1491 and the oldest headstone we have found is from 1288.  Among the graves are Mozart’s sister Maria Anna as well as Franz Wasner who was the  real-life Max Detweiler  depicted in The Sound of Music movie.  Franz Wasner served as the Von Trapp’s advisor and choir conductor.

The most unusual thing about Saint Peter’s Cemetery to American visitors is that you do not buy the plots, but instead rent them .  Relatives of the dead must pay rent for the plot every 10 years and must serve as the caretakers.  If your family doesn’t pay your rent, they toss your body out.  This method also helps ensure that almost every rod iron headstone you pass by will have an abundance of fresh flowers.

If you making good time on this free Sound of Music film locations tour, make sure to check out inside of Saint Peter’s Church which has stunning murals lining its nave.  Next door to the church is one of our favorite places to eat called Stiftskeller Restaurant ( website ) which has nightly Mozart concerts ( more info ) and is considered to be  Europe’s oldest restaurant .  Emperor Charlemagne himself even ate here back in 803 AD.

Hours :  April-September 6:30am-7pm; October-March 6:30am-6pm.   Cost :  Cemetery is Free; Catacombs 1€ Adults, 0.60€ Children.

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Saint Peter’s was the inspiration for the cemetery the Von Trapps used to hide from the Nazis at the end of the movie, although the scene was filmed in Hollywood.  The cemetery is home to the grave of Franz Wasner who was the real-life Max Detweiler.

9. Residenz Square & Fountain :

About Residenz Square & Fountain :  Sitting on the site of a former ancient Roman Forum , Residenzplatz Square still shows off Salzburg’s early Italian ambitions.  The massive Horse Fountain in the middle of the square was one of the main filming locations where Maria family gleefully splashes while performing  ‘I Have Confidence in Me’  in The Sound of Music.  Later in the movie, Nazi soldiers march through the large square while their flag hangs above the entrance to the Old Residenz Palace.  The dreary scene of the soldiers entering town symbolizes German annexing Austria in March of 1938 in what was called the Anschluss.

The focal point of the busy Residenz Square is the centrally located 45-foot-tall  Horse Fountain ( Residenzbrunnen ) .  Four horses leap out of the base while the Greek God Trion spouts water from a seashell at the top of the fountain.  Completed in 1661, the upper section is a replica Bernini’s famous Triton Fountain in Rome and it is the largest Baroque fountain located outside of Italy .  People watching near the Horse Fountain is incredible as the Residenz Square is the center of everything Salzburg.

On the Westside of the square is  Old Residenz Palace ( Alte Residenz )  which had a Nazi flag draped over it in The Sound of Music movie.  Because of the disdain for the Nazi symbols in Salzburg, it took a lot of work to film this scene which also included soldiers marching through Residenz Square symbolizing the day Germany annexed Austria ( the Anschluss ).   The palace was built as a mansion for Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau in 1596.  Today the Old Residenz Palace has elegant staterooms, which are lavishly decorated, plus a prestigious art gallery that has Rembrandts and Rubens.

In 1602 the Archbishop built the  New Residenz ( Neugebäude )  on the Eastside of the square to serve as his guest house.  Today the New Residenz is home to the Glockenspiel Bell Tower, Heimatwerk Shop, and the  Salzburg Panorama 1929  painted by Johann Michael Sattler.  The Panorama 1929 boasts a series of stunning 360-degree panoramic paintings of many European cities made during the early 1800s.

As part of the construction to create the new open square and surrounding buildings, the Prince-Archbishop had to level many Medieval homes and a cemetery that sat here built above an ancient Roman Forum.  The Forum was from Salzburg’s early days as the settlement of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD, pronounced U-Va-Voom ) and was partially excavated in 2008 which revealed artifacts and walls from the time of Emperor Septimius Severus ( 193-211 ).

Sound Of Music Film Tour Connection : During the song “I Have Confidence in Me”, Maria splashes in the horse fountain.  The Old Residenz also has a giant Nazi flag on its facade in the movie as soldiers march into the square marking the German annexation of Austria ( the Anschluss ).

10. Mozart Footbridge :

About Mozart Footbridge : This art deco pedestrian footbridge named after Salzburg’s most famous resident, Mozart, opened in 1903.  In the Sound of Music, the Mozart Footbridge ( Mozartsteg ) is the where Maria and the kids cross the river while pointing at the sights during the instrumental end to the song  ‘My Favorite Things’ .   The children then also cheerfully skip along the grassy riverbank during the scene.  The Mozart Bridge is a must visit for any Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.

Even though Salzburg dates back to 15BC as a Roman settlement of Juvavum, the Mozart Footbridge was only the third to span the river directly into the heart of Old Town.  An old Roman Bridge ( römische brücke ) was the only one over the Salzach River from 15BC-1599AD before it was replaced by the State Bridge ( staatbrücke ) and a second one wasn’t opened until 1859AD when the first Caroline Bridge ( Karolinenbrücke ) was completed.  All of the bridges had to be repaired or rebuilt following WW2.

If you do feel adventurous, the historic  Steingasse  &  Kapuzinerberg Monastery , which are featured in our  Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour , are only a short walk across the river.  Until the Mozart Footbridge was bought by the city in 1921, it actually required a toll to cross between Old Town and Stone Lane ( Steingasse ).

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Maria and the kids across the river while pointing during the instrumental end of “My Favorite Things” then skip along the grassy riverbank.

11. Nonnberg Abbey Convent :

About The Nonnberg Convent :  Sitting above the East side of Salzburg, the historic Nonnberg Abbey ( Stift Nonnberg ) was where the real-life Maria lived and the convent was depicted in many powerful scenes in the Sound of Music movie.  Founded between 712-715 by Saint Erentrudis, the niece of Saint Rupert ( Bishop of Worms ), Nonnberg is the  oldest convent located North of the Alps  which made it an excellent filming location.

Prior to being a convent, the perched location had been home to an ancient fortification dating back to when the town was the Roman settlement of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD, u-va-voom ).  The small fortification is why Bishop Virgil later renamed the town Salzburg ( Salt Fortress ) in the late 700s.  The Nonnberg Convent has been rebuilt a couple of times since its founding with the current Gothic buildings dating back to 1464-1506.  The red onion dome  on the abbey’s belltower is one of the most iconic architectural features in Salzburg.

There were 4 great scenes filmed on the grounds of the Nonnberg Convent in the Sound of Music movie  near the abbey gates .  These iconic gate scenes include Maria leaving the abbey while wondering “What will this day be like?”, the nuns talking about Maria, the children coming to visit, and the Nazis on the hunt for the Von Trapps during the escape as the nuns disable their car.  Fans of The Sound of Music movie will also remember the nuns singing the song  ‘Maria’  in the courtyard at Nonnberg Abbey.  Permission to film inside the convent courtyard  was not allowed , so they had filmed the scenes at much larger re-created sets in both Hollywood and at a small studio in Salzburg.

Nonnberg Abbey happens to be the same convent that  the real-life Maria  ( Maria Augusta Kutschera ) moved to from Vienna at age 19 where she lived in as a postulant ( nun apprentice ) for 2 years starting in 1924.  Maria ( orphaned at age 6 ) also taught at the Benedictine Convent which led her to become an in-home tutor for one of the widowed Captain Von Trapp’s sick children.  She gave up her path toward becoming a nun and  married Georg Von Trapp here in the chapel of the Nonnberg Abbey on November 26th, 1927.  The filming of Maria and Captain’s wedding scene for the movie, however, was at Collegiate Church in Mondsee Austria which is listed later on this Sound of Music movie locations tour.  It is interesting to note that the real wedding actually took place 11 years before the Nazis came to Salzburg ( 1927 vs 1938 ) and that Maria was 25 years younger ( 22 vs 47 ) than Georg at the time.

Many visitors skip the trek up to the abbey, but we think it is worth the effort and a highlight of our Sound of Music walking tour.  Every morning at 6:45am you can hear the resident nuns sing Gregorian chants in Latin which is a real treat.  Down to 14 nuns in 2017, there were 50 nuns living here during the filming of the Sound of Music.  The interior of the Gothic abbey where they sing is beautiful with a painted wooden altar from 1515 and a carved Pieta statue from 1415.  If you want to cheat a little on your hike up, you can actually walk downhill to the Nonnberg Convent after visiting the Salzburg High Fortress.

Singing Nuns :  Every morning at 6:45am you can hear the nuns sing in the convent church.  Other Music :  Most days March-November at 4:30pm the abbey also hosts 30 minutes of live music ( mainly classical or chorus ) by local artists.  Church Service :  In addition to the major Catholic holidays, weekly church service is open to the public every Sunday at 9:30pm.   Place of Worship :  Remember to be respectful while visiting and don’t be a loud tourist.   Church & Cemetery Hours :  Daily 6:45am-Dusk (6pm in Summer ); the Convent living quarters are not open to the public.   Abbey Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Tour Connection : There are 4 scenes shot at the Abbey gates, and the nuns sing “Maria” inside, although the interior scenes were shot in a studio.  The real-life Maria lived here for 2 years, she taught in the convent, and was married here in 1927, which was actually 11 years before the Nazis arrived in Salzburg.  The real nuns sing here every morning at 6:45am.

Sights Just South Of Salzburg:

12. hotel schloss leopoldskron :.

About Palace Leopold :  Beautifully reflecting over a small lake, Palace Leopold ( Schloss Leopoldskron ) served as the primary filming location in Salzburg for all of the lake terrace scenes at the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music movie.  The most iconic outdoor scenes filmed on the property include drinking pink lemonade on the terrace, Captain hearing his kids sing for the first time, the children and Maria falling off the boat into the lake, and numerous shots of the lakeside horse statues framing up Untersberg Mountain.

The Leopold Palace was also the original home to the Sound of Music Gazebo from the movie which was later moved to nearby to the more tourist-friendly Hellbrunn Palace Gardens after fans started climbing the palace gates to see it.  We will see the pavilion in person later on this Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  You can see the gazebo on the ground of Palace Leopold being used as a background prop in many of the lakeside scenes of the movie.  A second, much larger gazebo was built at Fox Studios’ Hollywood set for all of the scenes shot inside it including dancing throughout the song “16 Going on 17”.

The Baroque Leopold Palace was built in 1736 by Salzburg’s Archbishop Leopold Firmian, was later owned by King Ludwig I, and offered the perfect backdrop to represent the Von Trapp’s stately manor.  In 1918, theater director and palace owner, Max Reinhardt renovated the famous gold Venetian ballroom in the mansion to entertain his friends.  Max went on to co-found the Salzburg Music Festival in 1920 ( official in 1925 ) which the real Von Trapp Choir won the competition in 1936 and were depicted performing at in 1938 in the movie.

It is said Max Reinhardt was the inspiration for the renaming the Von Trapp Choir’s real-life manager Franz Wasner in the screen adaptation of the family’s story.  It’s not a surprising name change as Max’s son, Wolfgang Reinhardt, bought the film rights to Maria’s 1948 memoir in 1956 and produced two popular movies about the family in German prior to the Broadway musical production ( 1959 ) and hit American film ( 1965 ) based off of the play.  Remember that like Max, all of the children’s names in The Sound of Music Movie were also changed for the film.

While the facade of Leopold Palace never appears in the movie, the inside of the elegant Venetian ballroom and grand foyer were re-created on a studio set in California for many iconic scenes in the movie.  These re-created spaces are featured when Maria is introduced to children, where the children sing at the party, and when they perform ‘Lonely Goatherd‘ with carved puppets.   The outdoor scenes showing the gates, front door, and facade of the Von Trapp home in the movie were shot at Frohnburg Mansion which is the next stop on our Sound of Music walking tour.  The  real-life Von Trapp Villa  is also listed below and is located only 1 mile away although it doesn’t appear in the film.

Today the Schloss Leopoldskron is privately owned and operates as a boutique hotel.  Staying here as a hotel guest is the only way to visit the lake terrace up close and you’ll also be able to peek inside the Venetian ballroom.  When you stay here you will notice how there aren’t trees right next to the lakeside horse statues like in the film, as a replica path and alternate set of statues were actually built 300 feet away during filming to create the perfect look.  If you don’t have a reservation at the hotel you will be limited to the free viewpoint across the Westside of the lake looking back at the Palace beautifully reflecting in the water.

If you are able to book ahead, you should really consider staying overnight here just to say you did it.  You may very well get a stay in a room where the previous owners Archbishop Leopold or King Ludwig I once slept.  Since the mansion is just South of town, it is the first filming location on our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg where you should consider turning your self-guided walking tour into a do-it-yourself bike tour.

Getting To Palace Leopold :  Unless you are staying overnight at the Palace you can’t visit the lakeside terrace, but you can see it from a popular viewpoint across the water.  You can walk here in about 25 minutes from either Nonnberg Abbey or from the heart of Old Town by taking the steps over Mönchsberg Hille from Toscaninihof Square.  You can also take Bus 25 to the Seniorenheim Nonntal Bus Stop and walk a quarter mile to the West of the Palace near Han-Donnenberg Park.  Biking here is also a great option which we prefer and a taxi ride is a good backup.

Staying Overnight :  You can book a room through the Palace’s booking  website  for around 150-200€ a night in the Meierhof guesthouse or 400-600€ a night for a suite in the main building.   Tours :  Outside of a few special events, you have to be a guest of the hotel to get a tour or access to the terrace, however, you can stroll along most of the small lake and take photos of the exterior from a distance.   Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : All of the lake terrace scenes at the Von Trapp home were filmed here.  These include Maria falling off the boat into the lake with the children, Captain hearing the children sing, drinking pink lemonade, and the lakeside horse statues framing up Untersberg Mountain.  Leopold Palace was the original home of the Gazebo during filming.  The main foyer and staircase along with the golden ballroom from this mansion were re-created and filmed in a Hollywood studio.

13. Frohnburg Palace :

About Frohnburg Palace :  The Frohnburg Palace ( built in 1660 as Grafenau Palace ) by Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolf was used as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family home in every scene that does not involve the lake.  The most iconic feature you’ll recognize is the  Von Trapp Mansion Gates  where Maria arrives to meet the family while singing  ‘I have Confidence’ .  Frohnburg Palace is also where the kids tried to quietly push the family car past the Nazis and where the Captain pulls down the Nazi flag from the gate after the couple’s honeymoon.  They went to such extremes during the filming that even inside one scene, one angle may look onto the lake at Leopold Palace then the next angle of the same scene would be at Frohnburg Palace.  Front and Back

Although the couple’s real wedding took place in 1927 ( 11 year before the Nazis arrived ), Captain really did refuse to fly a Nazi flag at their home.  The family even refused to sign at Hitler’s birthday party on April 20th, 1938 and fled Salzburg just two months after.

The grounds of the mansion have been part of the Mozarteum Music Academy since 1950, but the gates and wall from the movie are both accessible right next to the road.  If you are visiting Salzburg in July or August, you can stay here in the dorms here as the school is not in session for as cheap as 38 euros a night with a 3-night minimum.

Getting Here :  Take the Bus 25 route to the Kleingmain Hacksteinerweg Bus Stop and walk one long block East to Hellenbrunner Allee.  Walking it is 35 minutes from both Palace Leopold and Old Town Salzburg or 20 minutes to the Sound of Music Pavillion at Hellbrunn Palace.   Nearby :  Schloss Herrnau is located just a short walk to the east and is one of our favorite private homes to photograph.   Palace Website :   Here .   Summer Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Used to depict the gates of the Von Trapp estate where Maria arrives to meet the children singing the song “I have Confidence”, the kids try to quietly push the family car through the gates, and where Captain tears down a Nazi flag after their honeymoon.  A total of 5 scenes were shot here.

14. The Sound of Music Pavilion :

About The Sound of Music Pavilion :  One of the most famous and romantic scenes of The Sound of Music was filmed in this timeless gazebo when Liesl sings  ’16 going on 17′ .  Liesl badly twisted her ankle filming these scenes but was luckily able to tough it out.  Later in the movie, Maria and Captain fall further in love while singing ‘ Something Good ‘ in the gazebo.  It is still one of the most romantic stops today on our Sound of Music movie tour.

During the filming of the movie, the Sound of Music Gazebo was constructed on the edge of Leopold Palace more as a background prop for the lake scenes .  There was a second, much larger version of the gazebo built at the film studio in Hollywood which offered oversized space needed to shoot the scenes inside the pavilion.  After filming wrapped up the local gazebo was given to the city of Salzburg as a gift and initially remained on the grounds of the Leopold Palace.  After rapid fans started climbing the walls of the private estate to get to the gazebo, it was restored and moved to the more tourist-friendly grounds of Hellbrunn Palace.

The pavilion today is outside the walls the near the Eastern entrance to the Hellbrunn Palace and you  don’t even need to pay  the Hellbrunn entry fee to see it.  The public is not allowed inside the Gazebo, but you can still walk up to and dance around it.  Near the Gazebo is a large park filled with tons of flowers that locals like to visit to get out of Salzburg for a few hours.

If you are making pretty good time on this Sound of Music walking tour you should consider visiting the  Trick Fountains  at Hellbrunn Palace.  The fountains are only available as part of a guided tour but is a very memorable time.  The tours last about an hour and take you through grottoes, ponds, and walkways all filled with trick fountains that are out to get you.  If you have kids with you, the Hellbrunn Fountains will be the most fun thing they do in Salzburg.  Your ticket for the Trick Fountains tour also lets you tour the inside of the Hellbrunn Palace itself which is pretty fancy and has some amazing ceilings.

Meaning Mouth of The Spring , Hellbrunn Palace and gardens were built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus from 1612-19 as a daytime retreat on the site of an old hunting lodge from the 1400s.  It’s said that during the construction the Palace was home to the first opera performance North of the Alps in 1616.  Like the trick fountains, the Hellbrunn Palace was really made for fun and was built with  ZERO bedrooms .  The vast wooded grounds of the estate were settled as early as 500BC and have had a large villa since Roman times.

Getting To Hellbrunn Palace :  Bus 25 from Old Town Salzburg stops right here ( Fürstenweg ) and it’s a 15-minute ride from Salzburg.  Alternatively a 50-minute walk with limited sidewalks from both Old Town and Palace Leopold or 20 minutes from Frohnburg Palace.  Bike rental is also a great option to see it all.   Gazebo Hours :  Daily Dawn-Dusk all year.   Palace Hours :  April, October, & November 9am-4:30pm; May, June, September 9am-5:30pm; July & August 9am-6pm.   Trick Fountain Hours :  The Trick Fountains have tours from 9am-9pm in the peak season but are closed for Winter from November-March.   Cost :  You can see the Gazebo for Free near the Eastern entrance to the Palace.  Tours of the grounds included both the Palace interior and Trick Fountains of 10.50€ for Adults, 5€ for kids.   Palace Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Where Liesl and Rolf sing “16 going on 17” while dancing around.  Maria and Captain also later sing “Something Good” in the Gazebo.  Most interior scenes had to be filmed in a studio as the inside of the real Gazebo was too small.

15. The Von Trapp Villa :

About The Von Trapp Villa :  While not used as a filming location in the Sound of Music movie, this beautiful yellow 22-room mansion ( built in 1863 ) was where the  real Von Trapp family lived  in from 1923 to 1938.  The widowed George Von Trapp was able to acquire the mansion for himself and his 7 children after being granted baron status for his valor in as a Captain in the Imperial Navy in WW1.

In 1926, Maria Kutschera was sent to the Von Trapp family home by the Nonnberg Convent to tutor Captain’s ill daughter Maria ( children’s names in the movie were all different ).  One year later the couple married which was actually 11 years before the Nazis arrived in Austria in early-1938.  Georg Was 47 at the time they married and Maria was only 22.  Maria and Captain had another 2 children of their own ( of 3 ) while living in the Von Trapp Villa.

In 1936 the Von Trapps lost a lot of money in a bank crash, had to start renting out rooms in the lower level of their home, and started to perform professionally as the  Chamber Choir Trapp  to make money.  Sent by the local Archbishop, priest Franz Wasner came to live with the Von Trapps during this time and ended up becoming the family’s choir director depicted in the Sound of Music film as the character Max Reinhardt.

By early-1938 the Nazis arrived into the newly annexed Salzburg and the family began to plan their departure.  In June of 1938, the Von Trapps used the Salzburg Aigen Station in front of their mansion to escape by train to Italy ( not Switzerland and no hiking ), just 1 day before Hitler closed the Austrian borders.  Untersberg Mountain which they were depicting hiking over for freedom in the movie actually led right to Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden and Switzerland is a 250 mile ( 400 km ) hike away over some of the Alps most rugged mountains.

At the time the family fled Salzburg, Maria was pregnant with the couples 3rd child ( Captain’s 10th ), who was later born a few months after the family reached America by boat from London.  The family’s estate was the seized as the private home for SS Chief Heinrich Himmler during the war before being returned to the Von Trapps who sold it to a local Catholic mission.

From 1936-1956 the Von Trapp family performed in over 2000 shows in 30 countries before settling on an American farm estate they turned into a hotel.  Georg Von Trapp died of lung cancer in Vermont in 1947, but Maria lived until 1987 and even had a brief cameo in the Sound of Music movie.

In 2008, the Von Trapp Villa was  renovated into a hotel  which you can tour or stay in today.  While you’ll probably want to use a bike or taxi to visit the Villa, it is worth a stop to work some real-life history into our Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  Opened in the lower floor of the mansion is the educational Sound of Music Museum which has behind the scenes info dedicated to the filming of the movie.  They have audio guides available and the visiting hours are open every day.

Getting To The Von Trapp Villa :  The Villa is located directly next to the Salzburg Aigen train station creating easy access just a 10-minute ride from Salzburg Station on the way to Werfen.  By Bike, it will take about 10-15 minutes from Old Town Salzburg ( 30 on foot ) and about 15 minutes by bike from either Leopold Place or Mirabell Palace.  Taxi from Old Town only takes 5 minutes.   Arrive By Train :  From Salzburg Central Station the S3 line leaves around every 30 minutes and after 4 stops gets directly to Villa Von Trapp at the Salzburg Aigen Station which the real family had used to escape.

Sound of Music Museum Hours :   Open daily from 10am-6pm.  Museum Cost :  Adults 8€; Kids 6-12 are 4€; under 6 are free.   Villa Tours : Tours of the bedrooms are available daily at Noon with a reservation only for 15€.   Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Was the real-life Von Trapp family mansion and across the road is the train stop they used to escape to Italy just one day before the borders were closed.

Locations Further Away From Salzburg:

16. werfen picnic meadow ( werfen, austria ):.

About The Werfen Picnic Meadow :  Perched just above the village of Werfen is the Gschwandtanger Meadow where Maria and children have their  picnic scene  during the start of the song “Do Re Mi”.  While you needed permission in the past to visit the farm meadow, the city of Werfen created an  official Sound of Music Trail  in 2015 to open it up to visitors.  A short 1.4km hike brings you above the village where you can re-create the picnic scene for yourself.

Make sure to take in the views of the valley and  Hohenwerfen Castle  below which dates back to 1077.  The Fortress is the sister of Old Town Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Castle and is highly visible in the Sound of Music picnic meadow scene.  If you are looking to make your visit to Werfen a full day affair, make sure to tour the castle and also visit the World’s Largest Ice Cave sitting high above the city.  You’ll have to start early to do both.

Getting To Werfen :  Trains run every 30 minutes between Salzburg and Werfen and the journey lasts just 45 minutes. A hiking path leads from the train station to the castle and another up the hill to the meadow.  The ÖBB offers practical combo-tickets ‘With the train to Hohenwerfen Fortress’.  More information is available  here .  Visiting In Winter : Bother the Sound of Music Meadow trail and the Werfen Ice Caves will be closed during the Winter months due to snow, but the Fortress is open all year.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : The famous picnic scene where Maria and the kids first start the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

17. Sound Of Music Meadow ( Marktschellenberg, Germany ):

About The Sound of Music Meadow :  Made famous in the opening scene of The Sound of Music movie with a twirling Julie Andrews, this timeless meadow is where we learned that the  ‘Hills are alive with the Sound of  Music’ .  Officially called Mehlweg, the Julie Andrews meadow is only 12.5 miles south of Salzburg in Marktschellenberg, Germany.  Although previously connected to a guesthouse, the property has been a  private farm  since 2010 and is no longer regularly accessible to visitors.  You can, however, visit the Picnic Meadow in Werfen which is also on this do-it-yourself Sound of Music tour.

During the filming of the opening scene here, Julie Andrews had to be transported up the hillside each day in an ox cart to reach the meadow.  Even though it was in the Summertime ( early June of 1964 ), it took them 5 days to finally get enough sunshine in the meadow for the perfect shot.  When the conditions were finally right, the strong force of the wind from the helicopter knocked Julie down 4 out of 9 tries before they finally got the famous shot of her twirling.  Because of how loud the tiny helicopter was, they had to do a voice over for part of Julie Andrews singing ‘ The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music’ .

A month after shooting the twirling portion with the helicopter, they returned to Mehlweg Meadow to finish the rest of the opening scene of the movie before leaving Salzburg.  The birch trees Julie Andrews walks by were actually fake ( notice how you can’t see the tops or bottoms? ) and other dressings like the stream were added artificially for the filming of the movie, but even stripped down the meadow is amazing.

Getting To The Sound Of Music Meadow :  Although the Sound of Music Meadow is near the top of the Marktschellenbergiking trail and accessible by car/taxi it is now part of a private farm and not open to the public.  You can thank visitors who repeated walked through the owner’s family garden and irritated their sheep for the lack of access.  Respect their privacy and visit the Picnic Meadow in Werfen or the nearby hills in Berchtesgaden for the full Sound of Music Meadow experience.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Julie Andrews twirls around in circles during the opening scenes of the Sound of Music while singing “The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music”.

18. Roßfeld Mountain ( Berchtesgaden, Germany ):

About Roßfeld Mountain :  The Alpine toll road that loops around Roßfeld Mountain East of  Berchtesgaden  Germany was used to depict the family’s climb to safety over nearby Untersberg Mountain at the end of The Sound of Music movie.  With a total of 12 takes they only used two clips with one from the South and one from the North with the Purtschellerhaus Alpine hut visible in the background.  While we love this iconic closing scene from The Sound of Music movie with the family singing  ‘Climb Every Mountain’,  it wasn’t very accurate.

For starters, the real-life Von Trapp family  escaped by train  and not by climbing over nearby Untersberg Mountain in real life.  The family lived right next to a train station and were quite lucky as the day after their train left for Italy in June of 1938, Hitler shut down the borders of Austria.  Even if the family had tried to hike over Untersberg, it would have been 175 miles across the rugged Alps to Switzerland for safety.  It also would have been hard to start the hike here as Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden was nearby.  The command center of Obersalzburg was home to the famous Eagles Nest and the Berghof mansion where Hitler spent more time than anywhere else during the war.

All of that being said about the film’s inaccuracies, this stretch of the Rossfeldstraße is still amazing to visit for drivers and the mountain is popular with skiers in the Winter.  If you wish to visit the summit of the real Untersberg Mountain you can bus there easily from Salzburg and Berchtesgaden followed by a quick cable car ride.  More adventurous visitors can also hike 2 hours from the summit to the Untersberg Mountain Ice Caves ( Eishöehle ) which is only ice cave in Germany.  Keep in mind that there are other ice caves in Werfen and Hallstatt Austria that are way easier to get to.

Getting To Roßfeld :  The Alpine loop toll road around Roßfeld is best accessed by rental car or motorcycle.   Getting From Here To Untersberg :  Take bus 840, 25, or 28 to the village of Saint Leopold then ride on the Untersbergbahn Alpine Lift Route to the top of the mountain if desired.  The Ice Cave is a 2-4 hour hike out of the way from the Alpine Lift.

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Roßfeld was used to depict the family’s escape over nearby Untersberg Mountain during the closing scenes with “Climb Every Mountain”.  In real life they took a train to Italy and climbing this mountain would have put them right at Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden.

19. Collegiate Wedding Church ( Mondsee, Austria ):

About The Wedding Church :  Located 16 miles East of Salzburg, the Collegiate Church ( Kollegienkirche ) of Saint Micheal in Mondsee ( Moon Lake ) was the film location for  Maria and Captain’s wedding  in The Sound of Music movie.  Often called the Wedding Church or Mondsee Cathedral, this bright yellow church was the perfect fallback setting for the wedding after filming was not allowed inside Nonnberg Abbey .

It is surprising to know that the timeless wedding scene was actually the first thing the crew filmed when they arrived in April of 1964 for their just over 3 months of shooting around Salzburg.  The filming of the wedding processional inside of the Collegiate Church was one of only two major indoor scenes ( along with the singing contest ) of the movie that was shot on location instead of in a studio.  The wedding was all filmed in one day ( April 23rd ) with the help of 600 local extras, and the crew attended other weddings here the week beforehand for scouting.  In the busy season, the Mondsee Church from the Sound of Music movies hosts up to 8 weddings a day .

The 170-foot tall twin towers and lavish pink interior are both awesome, but the Collegiate Church has a history also.  The first Mondsee Abbey was established in 748AD ( rebuilt in 1500 ) making it one of the oldest in Austria and like Salzburg, the village itself goes back to Roman times.  In addition to the bright pink interior seen in the Sound of Music’s wedding processional, the Church is renown for its 7 side altars and the main Baroque altar which the statue of Saint Micheal from 1626.

In 2005,  Pope John Paul II  upgraded the spacious Collegiate Church Saint Michael from a Cathedral to a Basilica.  Mondsee is a pretty small village but the quaint square in the center of town near the Church is very rewarding and offers easy access to take a nice lakefront stroll.  As you head toward the lake, you’ll see the trees the children are hanging out of as Captain drives by with the Baroness and Max.

Getting To Mondsee From Salzburg :  Quickest way to get here is bus 140 which leaves every 40 minutes and only takes 50 minutes for the journey.  If you have a car it is only 20-22 minutes away.  Consider checking out the nearby cities of Saint Gilgen or Hallstatt if you are going this direction.   Visiting Hours :  Most days 9am-7am, optional donation suggested.   Church Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : The Collegiate Church served as the film location of Maria and Captain’s wedding processional.  It was one of only two major interior scenes of the movie shot on location instead of a movie set.

20. Mondsee Lake ( Mondsee, Austria ):

About Mondsee Lake :  Mondsee is one of the many amazing lakes you can easily visit near Salzburg.  Other favorite lakes of ours include Kings Lake in Berchtesgaden, Wolfgang See near Saint Gilgen, and Hallstatt See.  Kings Lake, Obersee, & Fuschlsee are all seen  in aerial shots  in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music.  As you head toward Mondsee Lake from the church you’ll see another spot from the movie, the trees the children are hanging out of as Captain drives by with the Baroness and Max.

Further along the Eastern edge of Mondsee, you’ll find one of best Sound of Music film locations where the Maria and  the kids ride bikes  during “Do, Re, Mi”.  As the children bike around Lake Mondsee, you can see the Zwölferhorn Mountain visible across the water.  When you picture a Sound of Music bike tour, the path around Mondsee is by far the most iconic route to pedal.

Getting To The Mondsee Lake Bike Scene Location :  From Mondsee, you can either bike to the other side of the lake in 6 miles or take Bus 596 from the bus station to the Innerschwand/Mondsee Niedersee Stop in about 20 minutes, but the bus only leaves every 2 hours.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Where the kids hang from the row of trees as Captian’s car drives by and where they ride bikes with Maria along the water during the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

Local Sound of Music Tour Guides:

1. Bob’s Tours : Bob’s Tours offer both a half day and full day Sound of Music Tours in intimately sized groups with 8 person vans.   The 4 Hour Tour covers all the main Sound of Music sights right in Salzburg including Hellbrunn Palace but also goes to the Leopold Palace, the Salzkammergut Lake District, village of St. Gilgen, and the Church of Mondsee.  The 8 Hour Tour takes the experience a step further by taking visitors to the unforgettable lakeside town of Hallstatt.  Hours : 4 Hour Tour leaves at 9am & 2pm; 8 Hour Tour leaves at 9am only.  Cost:   4 Hour Tour is €45 for adults and €35 for children; 8 Hour Tour is €90 for adults and €70 for children.

2. Panorama Tours : Panorama Tours is more of the traditional larger tour bus style tours with a commercial feel.  This tour covers pretty much the same sights as Bob’s Tours 4 Hour Tour, and although it’s not as personal, it is a great sure fire tour.  Hours: Leaves at 9:30am & 2pm.  Cost: Adults are €40 and children are €40.  Has a hotel package deals that include a room, breakfast and 4 Hour Tour which ranges in price from €135 to €200 per person.

3. Maria’s Bike Tours : We love Maria’s Bike Tours!  Their 3.5-hour-long tours do the best job of letting you experience the Sound of Music instead of just seeing it through a window of a van or bus.  People of all ages like this tour because although it is a bike tour, it doesn’t require you to be super in shape.  The biggest advantage is that it has an afternoon tour in peak season while most of the SOM tours only depart at 9am.  Did we mention, they provide the bikes and helmets?  Meeting Point:  Mirabell Palace Entrance.  Hours: Leaves daily at 930am and runs from May 1st-Sept 31st; 430pm tour starts in June; reservations required June & August.  Cost: Adults €24, Ages 10-15 €15, Children 10 and under €10; bike is included for free and you can rent it for the duration of the day for €8.  Alternative :  You can rent a bike without a guide from Mozartplatz and follow our full Sound of Music movie tour on your own.

Featured Article

Sign Up For Our Newsletter For Free Travel Tips

Email Address *

Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Where the Hills are Alive: The Sound of Music Locations in Salzburg

Explorer’s note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing tours and top-notch travel advice.

Most Austrians have never seen the Sound of Music, but as a local guide with over a decade of experience, first navigating the streets on a bike taxi and now on foot, I’ve gone deep into the essence of the musical. I have also seen it many times as a kid because my father was from the Netherlands, and every time I visited my grandmother, she showed me the movie.

You see, The Sound of Music is popular everywhere except for Austria . Why that is the case, no one knows. But having met thousands of people like you, eager to explore the filming locations, I am here to share my insights on finding all the Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzburg.

This article is a self-guided tour crafted with passion and expertise. It invites you to step into the world of the Von Trapp family, exploring not just the Old Town but also its surroundings and day-trip destinations.

Join me as we explore the locations where Maria and the children sang and danced, from the Mirabell Gardens to the Concert Hall. This journey isn’t just about revisiting iconic scenes; it’s an invitation to experience the soul of Salzburg, where the hills are still alive with the Sound of Music.

Self-Guided Sound of Music Tour on Foot

Salzburg is perfect for exploring on foot. The Sound of Music bus tours efficiently cover the wider region’s spots but miss the locations in the Old Towns because the Old Town is pedestrian-only. This walking tour complements any bus tour, offering an up-close experience of the musical landmarks within Salzburg’s streets. Depending on your pace and how much time you spend reenacting movie scenes, exploring these spots can take 2 to 4 hours.

1. Mirabell Gardens: Dancing to Do Re Mi

Mirabell Gardens, a personal favorite and one of the top three sights in Salzburg is more than a singular attraction; it is a microcosm of wonders where every corner and path tells its story. The Sound of Music sights are integral to this microcosm within the garden. They bring to life the magic of the movie through locations like the Borghese Fencers, the Hedge Tunnel, the Dwarf Garden, the Pegasus Fountain, and the Do-Re-Mi Steps. Let’s explore each Sound of Music location in Mirabell Gardens together.

The Borghese Fencers

Directions:  We begin our Sound of Music walk at the entrance to Mirabell Gardens coming from Makartplatz Square.

At the entrance of Mirabell Gardens, the Borghese Fencers stand as iconic sentinels. These statues are copies of a famous Italian figure (now housed in the Louvre). The original became popular in the 1500s and is the most copied ancient piece of art, with more than 1500 copies, four of which are in Mirabell Gardens. This spot, where Maria and the children imitated the statues’ poses in the Do-Re-Mi, is a must-visit. Although it’s often bustling, an early visit might offer a quiet moment to relive this classic scene.

Hedge Tunnel

Directions:  Turn left after the Borghese fencers and keep going.

Next, the hedge tunnel invites visitors to reenact another “Do-Re-Mi” scene. Just imagine Maria and the children skipping joyfully through this green passage. It’s a simple yet delightful experience, bringing a piece of cinematic history to life. At the corner, before entering the tunnel, you get a glimpse of the Marionettentheater (string puppet theater) with an ad for their Sound of Music show. More on that after Mirabell Gradens.

Dwarf Garden

Directions:  Keep going straight until the end of the hedge tunnel and until you find stairs on your left.

Climb the stairs near the tunnel and find the Dwarf Garden. Cross the bridge guarded by two of the 17th-century dwarf statues to discover a circle representing the months of the year. The dwarf with an open mouth, touched on the head by Maria and the children in the film, stands here. Recently renovated, these figures now shine in pristine condition, offering a unique photo opportunity. Touching the dwarfs is allowed so you can reenact the movie scene.

Pegasus Fountain

Directions:  Return over the bridge and down the stairs; the pegasus is right before you.

Returning to the main path, the Pegasus Fountain awaits. Originally part of a cathedral setting, this fountain has a storied history of relocation. The movie immortalized the scene of Maria and the children playfully circling the fountain’s wall in the Do-Re-Mi, now a key spot for visitors. From here, turn left to admire one of Salzburg’s most significant “Sound of Music” locations.

The Do-Re-Mi Steps

Directions: Turn left when facing the Pegasus, and you will see the Do-Re-Mi Steps.

Finally, the Do-Re-Mi Steps. While locals might not refer to them by this movie-inspired name, these steps hold a special place in film history. Here, the stairs transformed into a musical scale in the movie’s Do-Re-Mi, with Maria and the children’s joyful dance. The view from the top of these steps, true to Mirabell’s Italian meaning (beautiful view), offers a great panoramic view of Salzburg’s old town and a great photo spot.

2. Marionettentheater: A Puppetry Connection

Directions:  Return to where we first entered the gardens. At Makartplatz, turn right! At the crossing in Schwarzstraße, turn right again and follow the street to get to the Marionettentheater.

The string puppet theater is a remarkable piece of Salzburg’s cultural history. Here, the movie’s enchanting “Lonely Goatherd” scene was brought to life, not just on screen but as a real art form dating back to the 19th century. The theater’s recent embrace of “The Sound of Music” show adds a modern twist to its historical repertoire.

Recommendation: During opening hours, you can still enter the foyer and look around even if you don’t attend one of their shows. They have a permanent exposition of historic string puppets.

3. Winkler Terrace: Panoramic Views and Memorable Scenes

Directions: Cross the river and turn right in front of the Billa supermarket. You will notice a white building on the mountain, the Museum of Modern Art. Inside the mountain, there is an elevator.

Winkler Terrace stands proudly as the home to the Museum of Modern Art. Previously hosting Café Winkler and then a casino, this location atop Mönchsberg mountain has evolved significantly. Its transformation into a modern art museum in 2004 added another dimension to its significance.

In The Sound of Music, Winkler Terrace is showcased during the iconic Do-Re-Mi sequence, marking a cinematic transition from the countryside to the old town of Salzburg. This spot is a testament to Hollywood’s creative geography, where distant locations seamlessly blend into the storyline.

If you're ever looking for this film location from The Sound of Music, search for Winkler's Terrace. One of the best viewpoints of the city, this terrace also features Hohensalzburg Castle in the background for the perfect photo opportunity! #SoundofMusic pic.twitter.com/1G15u8Nnod — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) July 2, 2023

Visitors eager to stand where Maria and the children once did can easily access this spot. A convenient elevator inside the mountain, leading directly to the museum, offers a swift ascent. Once at the top, stepping out of the museum places you on the terrace, offering a chance to relive a piece of movie magic.

However, taking the elevator isn’t mandatory to enjoy the beauty of Mönchsberg. Opting for a free hike along the mountain is a great alternative, offering not just a glimpse into the world of The Sound of Music but also revealing many other stunning spots along the way. The Mönchsberg perfectly blends cultural immersion and scenic exploration and is one of my favorite Salzburg city hikes .

4. Horse Pond: A Charming Backdrop

Directions:  When coming down by elevator, turn right and keep going along the walls of the mountain.

Originally serving as a washing area for the archbishop’s horses before they entered the Hofreitschule (now the Festival Hall, the elongated building at the street’s end), the Horse Pond reflects Salzburg’s equestrian past. Today, its historical charm coexists with modern life, flanked by bus stops on either side.

In “The Sound of Music,” the Horse Pond is a picturesque scene where Maria and the children ride past in a carriage in the ‘My Favorite Things’ song. Once teeming with horses, this location now offers a peaceful moment to envision the city’s vibrant history. It serves as a reminder of Salzburg’s transformation from when horses were the main mode of transport to the present-day bustling city life. Visitors can enjoy this mix of old and new, imagining the sound of hooves and carriage wheels against the backdrop of contemporary Salzburg.

5. Rock Riding School: A Stage for Family Unity

Direction: Continuing along the street from where you’ve come, you’ll arrive at a wide space, transitioning into a square. The Festival House (Festspielhaus), stretching across the square to your right, faces the University of Salzburg’s main library on the left.

This Festival House, initially the archbishop’s riding school, was repurposed in 1920 as a venue for the Salzburg Festival, the world’s largest classical music festival. Recall the climactic concert at the end of The Sound of Music. That’s where the von Trapp family performed during the Salzburg Festival in the movie, mirroring the real-life Trapp family’s rise to fame following their performance at the festival, which led to their invitation to America.

To view the Felsenreitschule, the oldest part of the Festival House where the “Edelweiss” and “Farewell Goodbye” scenes were filmed, walk to the end of the square. There, a passage to the right leads to Toscaninihof.

6. Toscaninihof: A Square with Historical Echoes

Directions:  Walk along the Festival Hall to the end and turn right into Toscaninihof.

Toscaninihof, adjacent to the Festival House, is more than just a passage to the historic Felsenreitschule. It’s a space that resonates with historical and cultural significance.

Inside this courtyard, a staircase on the right wall ascends the mountain. Near the base of these stairs, a picture illustrates the various sections of the Festival House: the Small Festival House from 1920, the Large one from 1956, and the Felsenreitschule from around 1700.

The stairs lead to another “Sound of Music” scene, often mistakenly attributed to Winkler Terrace. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find where Maria, with her guitar, performed the “I Have Confidence” song with Salzburg’s three prominent churches in the background. This scene is an example of the movie’s clever editing, creating the illusion of proximity between locations that are, in reality, quite distant in Salzburg.

In the narrative arc of The Sound of Music, Toscaninihof serves as a backdrop to a tense moment: the arrival of the Nazis by car during the rehearsal at the Rock Riding School. It’s also here that Rolf, now aligned with the Nazis, confronts Liesl with a telegram for her father from Berlin.

To truly immerse yourself in these locations’ rich history and cinematic legacy, consider joining an official theater tour or attending a live show. This allows visitors to see the interior of the Felsenreitschule, where the von Trapp family’s cinematic escape unfolded, and to experience the thriving cultural life that continues in these historic venues today. The daily theater tour is included in the Salzburg Card .

7. Petersfriedhof: Inspiration from Real-Life Landscapes

Directions: Descending the stairs from the Toscaninihof area, you’ll find a tunnel opposite the picture depicting the Festival House. This path leads you toward Saint Peter’s Monastery. Past the two squares, you will find the Saint Peter’s Cemetery entrance in the corner on the right next to the restaurant.

In the film’s climactic moments, the Von Trapp family hides from Nazis in a cemetery. While this scene was set in Hollywood, inspired by Saint Peter’s Cemetery, the real cemetery was too modest for the film’s dramatic needs. Instead, Saint Peter’s Cemetery’s larger, flower-adorned crypts served as the perfect muse for these pivotal scenes.

Saint Peter’s Cemetery isn’t just a resting place; it’s a tapestry of Salzburg’s history, dating back to 700 AD, with catacombs that reach even further into the past, to 215 AD. The cemetery houses notable graves, including Mozart’s sister, Maria Anna (Nannerl), and Franz Wasner, who inspired the character Max Detweiler in the movie. Wasner was pivotal in the Von Trapp family’s musical journey, serving as their advisor and choir conductor.

Sidenote: This unique tradition might surprise many: grave plots in Austria are rented, not owned. You rent them for ten years. If the family stops paying, the grave gets removed. Families are responsible for the upkeep, ensuring the cemetery’s well-maintained appearance. This practice not only maintains the beauty of the place but also connects generations through the care of their ancestors’ resting places.

If time allows, delve deeper into the soul of Salzburg by visiting Saint Peter’s Church. I highly recommend it. Its stunning murals are a visual treat, and the neighboring Stiftskeller Restaurant offers a delightful gastronomic experience, complete with nightly Mozart concerts. Boasting a history from 803 AD, it’s revered as Europe’s oldest restaurant, even serving Emperor Charlemagne.

8. Kapitelschwemme: A Fountain with Cinematic Charm

Directions: Walk through the cemetery, proceed straight ahead, and veer left to exit, leading directly onto Kapitelplatz.

Kapitelschwemme within Salzburg’s Kapitelplatz is a historical artwork and a playful spot that adds vibrancy to the cityscape. Created in 1732, this fountain features a depiction of the Greek god Poseidon, trident in hand, showcasing the grandeur of classical mythology.

Originally, much like the Marstallschwemme, Kapitelschwemme served a practical purpose in the city’s equestrian life, being a place for watering and washing horses.

In The Sound of Music, Kapitelschwemme forms a backdrop during a pivotal moment in Maria’s journey. The fountain subtly enhances the scene as she crosses Kapitelplatz, brimming with determination in the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage.

9. Domplatz: Central Square in Film and History

Directions:  From Kapitelplatz, head towards the front of the Cathedral.

Salzburg’s Domplatz, or Cathedral Square, again blends historical evolution and cinematic charm but is more than that. I regard Domplatz and the Cathedral as the heart and center of Salzburg. It’s where every event in Salzburg happens. To learn about the Cathedral, read my article on the Salzburger Dom .

Once a must-see, the Salzburg Cathedral’s interior now requires an entrance fee.

In “The Sound of Music,” Domplatz appears as Maria exits through the arches. The square also features in the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage, capturing a moment as Maria and the children dash across in their picnic attire. This historic square, thus, is not only a cornerstone of Salzburg’s architectural heritage but also a memorable backdrop in one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

10. Residence Square & Fountain: Maria’s Joyful Path

Directions:  Facing the Cathedral, you turn left to pass the arches opposite of the ones you came from.

Residence Square is a testament to Salzburg’s historical depth and Italian architectural aspirations. The Residenzbrunnen (residence fountain), the largest baroque fountain north of the Alps, is at the heart of this square. Here, Maria’s exuberant splashing during ‘I Have Confidence’ brings a joyful contrast to the later, somber portrayal of Nazi soldiers marching through the square, symbolizing the dark period of the Anschluss, Austria’s annexation by Germany in 1938.

Flanking the square, the Old Residenz Palace, draped with a Nazi flag in the movie, stands as a reminder of Salzburg’s complex history. Originally built in 1596 for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau, it houses staterooms and an art gallery with works by Rembrandt and Rubens.

On the opposite side, the New Residenz, once the Archbishop’s guest house, now contains the Glockenspiel Bell Tower, Heimatwerk Shop, and used to house the Salzburg Panorama, a hundred-year-old 360-degree paintings by Johann Michael Sattler until recently.

11. Mozartsteg: Bridging the Past and Present

Directions:  From Residence Square, you head towards the Salzburg Museum and the Mozart Statue. Pass the Mozart statue and turn left to the Salzach River.

The Mozartsteg, an art deco pedestrian bridge named in honor of Salzburg’s most celebrated son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stands as a symbol of the city’s artistic legacy. Opened in 1903, this bridge has witnessed over a century of Salzburg’s evolving landscape. Though not always highlighted as a top attraction, the Mozartsteg is on my list of must-see sights in Salzburg .

In “The Sound of Music,” the Mozartsteg is set during the ending of ‘My Favorite Things.’ Here, Maria and the children cross the Salzach River, pointing out the city’s sights and skipping along the grassy riverbank.

Click this link to see the scene at the right time stamp on YouTube.

The bridge was financed by a cafe owner from the right side of the river who wanted the wealthier folks from the left side to cross the river more often. Until the city acquired the Mozartsteg in 1921, crossing this bridge required a toll, marking a time when the Old Town and Steingasse movement was not as seamless as it is today.

12. Kajetanerplatz: A Vibrant Marketplace

Directions:  From Mozartsteg, you head back up and pass behind the Mozart Statue straight ahead into Kaigasse, which you follow to Kajetanerplatz square in about 2 minutes.

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Salzburg’s Old Town, Kajetanerplatz is a public square. Fully pedestrianized (like most of the old town), Kajetanerplatz has become a favorite spot for locals since 2015, especially with the reintroduction of its regular markets. It underwent a complete renovation in 2022 and now features a beautiful modern fountain surrounded by a sitting area. Dominating the square is the Kajetanerkirche, a church that, while large, retains a sense of understated elegance.

In the movie Kajetanerplatz, Maria and the children engage in everyday joys during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage while shopping for vegetables at a local market, with Maria playfully juggling tomatoes.

If you’re inspired to recreate Maria’s tomato-juggling scene, the best time to visit is Friday morning between 08:00 and 13:00, when the farmers’ market takes over the square.

13. St. Erhard Church: A Scenic Ride Through History

Directions:  From Kajetanerplatz, you head to the edge of the old town around Mönchsberg mountain. Turn right after Schanzlgasse and keep going along the mountain.

Sing along to The Sound of Music to celebrate World Music Day! 🎵 @RnH_Org #WorldMusicDay pic.twitter.com/ykoXPVtyoq — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) June 21, 2023

St. Erhard Church stands with quiet dignity. Its history stretches back to its first mention in 1404, but it was rebuilt during baroque times, making it a humble yet significant piece of Salzburg’s architectural landscape.

In The Sound of Music, this unpretentious church plays a subtle yet memorable role. It appears in the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage as Maria and the children enjoy a carriage ride along Nonntaler Hauptstrasse. This moment showcases St. Erhard as a backdrop. A walk down Nonntaler Hauptstrasse offers a delightful experience. Nonntaler Hauptstrasse is where many restaurants frequented by locals are, for example, the Green Garden, one of our favorite vegan restaurants in Salzburg .

14. Stift Nonnberg: A Convent with Deep Narrative Ties

Directions:  Keep going along the mountain until you see a set of stairs on your right. These stairs lead you directly to Nonnberg Abbey.

Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey) is not just a historic site but a significant location in both the real and cinematic worlds of The Sound of Music. Founded in the early 8th century by Saint Erentrudis, niece of Saint Rupert, it is regarded as the oldest nunnery in the world.

Four memorable scenes from the movie were filmed at the abbey gates, including Maria’s departure, conversations about her, the children’s visit, and the tense moment of the Nazis’ arrival. Though filmed in a studio, the courtyard’s “Maria” song is forever linked to Nonnberg. However, the real interior of the convent, where daily life unfolds, remains private and inaccessible to tourists.

The real Maria von Trapp, orphaned at age 6, joined Nonnberg as a postulant at 19. While teaching at the Benedictine Convent, she met the von Trapp children, eventually leaving the convent to marry Georg von Trapp in its chapel in 1927. Interestingly, their wedding took place a decade before the Nazi annexation of Austria, and Maria was considerably younger than Georg, unlike their film counterparts.

For a deeper dive into the distinctions between historical events and their portrayal in The Sound of Music, explore our blog post that separates Sound of Music facts and fiction .

While many overlook the climb to Nonnberg, the journey is rewarding. Visitors can experience the haunting beauty of Gregorian chants sung by the nuns at 6:45 am and four more times a day. The church and cemetery are open daily, offering a space for reflection and admiration of the Gothic architecture.

Sound of Music Locations in the Surroundings

After exploring the Sound of Music locations within Salzburg’s Old Town, all reachable on foot, our journey now takes us to five more captivating sites beyond the city’s heart. While dedicated walkers could continue on foot to Leopoldskron Palace, Frohnburg Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace, embarking on a trek through Salzburg’s scenic outskirts, be prepared for a 2-3 hour adventure.

This route is part of my regular daily walk.

However, a self-guided bike tour presents a splendid alternative for those seeking a blend of convenience and excitement. Cycling through these locations is not just a treat for Sound of Music fans but a journey through some of the most picturesque parts of Salzburg’s landscape. We once even offered our own Sound of Music bike tour.

If the idea of charting your path seems daunting or if you are looking for a more structured exploration with insights into each location, consider joining Fräulein Maria’s Bike Tour . This guided experience offers a comprehensive and very engaging way into the world of The Sound of Music.

1. Leopoldskron Palace: The Heart of the Von Trapp Family

Leopoldskron Palace, built in 1736, initially served as the residence of Archbishop Leopold Firmian and was later owned by King Ludwig I. The palace saw a transformation under the vision of theater director Max Reinhardt, who co-founded the Salzburg Festival. During the Nazi era, Reinhardt was forced to flee, and the Nazis took control of the palace. Post-war, it was acquired by the Salzburg Global Seminar, which continues to utilize it today.

In The Sound of Music, Leopold was the backdrop for many unforgettable lake terrace scenes. This location is where the moments of Maria with the children in the boat and the Captain hearing his children sing were filmed. While the movie didn’t feature the palace’s interior, the ballroom and grand foyer were recreated in Hollywood for various indoor scenes. However, the exterior shots of the front of the Von Trapp home were filmed at Frohnburg Mansion, our next stop.

Notably, the original Gazebo from the “16 Going on 17” song, now located at Hellbrunn Palace, was once in the palace’s garden.

Today, Leopoldskron Palace is also a boutique hotel, offering a unique stay for movie enthusiasts and history buffs. It’s one of my top three favorite castle hotels in Salzburg. Hotel guests have exclusive access to the lake terrace and can glimpse the historic Venetian ballroom.

Due to the surge in “Sound of Music tourism” in Salzburg, which significantly increased visitor numbers, Leopoldskron Palace had to revise its access policy. The palace grounds, once open to the public, are now available to hotel guests only to manage the influx and maintain the garden’s tranquility. For those not staying at the hotel, a viewpoint across the lake provides a stunning view of the palace, immersing visitors in the magical setting of the film. I highly recommend the scenic walk around the lake for everyone.

Getting There : Located just south of Salzburg’s Old Town, Leopoldskron Palace is a 20-30 minute walk from Nonnberg Abbey and Old Town. Alternatively, Bus 25, bicycles, or taxis are available for convenience.

Staying at the Palace : An overnight stay is highly recommended for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the palace’s history and charm. The Meierhof guesthouse offers rooms from 150-200€ per night, while the main building’s suites are priced between 400-600€.

2. Frohnburg Palace: Front of the Von Trapp Home

Frohnburg Palace (Schloss Frohnburg) on Hellbrunner Allee served as the setting for the front of the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music. This key location is featured in five scenes that capture both the joyous arrival of Maria and the tense moments of the family’s confrontation with Nazi forces. It’s most recognizable from Maria singing ‘I Have Confidence’ as she arrives and from the Captain’s poignant removal of the Nazi flag following their honeymoon.

Today, Frohnburg Palace is integrated into the Mozarteum Music Academy. Key areas from the movie, like the gates and the surrounding wall, are publicly accessible alongside the road. From the road, you can also often hear students practicing their instruments. Theoretically, the palace is also publicly accessible since it belongs to the University. Still, you will have to be careful and respectful when exploring so as not to disturb anyone.

Getting There: The palace is about a 40-minute walk from Leopoldskron Palace or the Old Town. By bike, you reach Frohnburg within 10 minutes from the old town or Schloss Leopoldskron. You can also reach Frohnburg Palace via Bus 25, alighting at Kleingmain Hacksteinerweg Bus Stop, and a short walk east to Hellenbrunner Allee. Since you will likely also visit Hellbrunn and the Gazebo, you can ride bus 25 to Hellbrunn and walk 20 minutes along the Hellbrunner Allee.

3. Hellbrunn Palace: Romance at the Gazebo

The iconic Sound of Music Pavilion, where Liesl sang ’16 Going on 17′ and Maria and the Captain shared ‘Something Good’, remains a romantic highlight on the Sound of Music tour. Originally constructed as a prop near Leopold Palace for lake scenes, the gazebo was later moved to Hellbrunn Palace after fans began trespassing on private property to see it. Now, it stands near the eastern entrance of Hellbrunn Palace, accessible to the public without an entry fee.

However, entry into the pavilion is restricted. This precaution was taken after an incident where a tourist, attempting to reenact a scene, danced on the benches and got injured. While entering the pavilion isn’t allowed, visitors can still walk up and dance around it.

The pavilion’s interior scenes in the movie were filmed in a studio due to space constraints, making the real gazebo a charming yet compact part of this cinematic journey.

Hellbrunn Palace, a day retreat built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, offers more than just the gazebo. The Trick Fountains, part of a guided tour, provide an entertaining experience through grottoes and water-play features, for example. This tour also includes access to the interior of Hellbrunn Palace, known for its opulence ceilings. Furthermore, the Salzburg Zoo is located minutes from the palace. To learn about everything the area offers, read my comprehensive guide to Hellbrunn .

Getting there: Access to Hellbrunn Palace is easy via Bus 25 from the Old Town, a 15-minute ride, a 1-hour walk from the Old Town or Schloss Leopoldskron, and a 20-minute walk from Frohnburg Palace. Biking is also a great option, as I mentioned. The gazebo is open from dawn till dusk, while the palace and trick fountain tour times vary seasonally. The trick fountains are closed in winter because visitors get wet, which is uncomfortable when it’s cold, but in winter, Hellbrunn hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Salzburg .

4. Mount Untersberg: Breathtaking Views and a Symbol of Freedom

The surroundings of Mount Untersberg are featured in both the opening scene with Maria’s rendition of ‘The Hills are Alive’ and during the family’s escape over the mountains while singing “Climb Every Mountain.”

• Roßfeld Mountain: Roßfeld’s dramatic landscapes depict the family’s fictional escape in the movie, contrasting with their actual train journey to Italy. While steeped in cinematic history, this location is another reminder of the blend between reality and fiction in The Sound of Music. The Von Trapp family escaped by train, not by hiking. Hiking to Switzerland would have meant traversing hundreds of kilometers, a feat near-impossible, especially considering the proximity of Hitler’s command center.
• The Sound of Music Meadow: The Mehlweg, better known as the Julie Andrews Meadow, gained fame from the opening scene where Julie Andrews twirls in the green field, bringing the lyrics ‘The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music’ to life. Located 20 kilometers south of Salzburg in Marktschellenberg, Germany, it was once connected to a guesthouse but is now part of a private farm and not open to visitors. An alternative is the Picnic Meadow in Werfen, another site on this do-it-yourself Sound of Music tour. More on that later.

Since the Sound of Music Meadow is private, Roßfeld is not easy to access, and Untersberg anyway offers a better experience; I recommend the more accessible option of taking bus 25 from Salzburg to the Untersberg, followed by a scenic cable car ride to the top.

Getting there: Opting for the bike tour to Hellbrunn and Leopoldskron? You can extend your trip to Untersberg, making your bike tour much longer but still within reach. It’s not feasible to reach Untersberg on foot due to the distance. However, the best way to get to Untersberg is to get a Salzburg Card and take bus 25. The bus also stops in Hellbrunn, and the card includes the trick fountains, public transport, and the Untersberg Cable Car, making this the most convenient and cost-effective option. The bus ride takes 30 minutes from the center, and the bus stops in front of the cable car.

Here is how you get to the Untersberg Cable Car by public transport .

Filming Challenges : Filming the scene at the meadow was not without challenges. Julie Andrews was transported daily by ox cart to the meadow, and despite it being summer, it took five days to capture the perfect shot due to weather constraints. Additionally, the powerful wind from the helicopter filming the scene caused difficulties, and the loud noise necessitated a voiceover for part of the song.

For more fun facts about the Sound of Music and to put your fandom to the test, don’t miss our Sound of Music Quiz !

Sound of Music Filming Locations on Day Trips

1. st. gilgen and wolfgangsee: capturing aerial beauty.

The intro to The Sound of Music features several aerial shots showcasing the Salzkammergut region. This area, renowned for its landscapes, includes several towns that played a part in the film’s visual tapestry.

The towns of Fuschl and St. Gilgen are particularly noteworthy. These locations were captured in the film through aerial shots. Panorama Tours, offering “Sound of Music” tours, includes a pit stop and a photo opportunity at a parking place before Sankt Gilgen when you first see Lake Wolfgangsee from Salzburg.

From here, the tour veers left towards Mondsee (the next stop on this list), continuing the journey through the film’s iconic locations, but if you travel on your own, you might as well continue and visit Sankt Wolfgang.

when you catch flights not feelings 😌 pic.twitter.com/EGEGcHCLfl — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) July 26, 2023

Sankt Wolfgang is home to the Schafbergbahn Mountain Railway. This railway holds a special place in the movie’s history, as it was the location for the final scene filmed with the children on location. The Schafbergbahn not only offers cinematic history but is one of my favorite things to do in the Lake District. It provides passengers with some of the most stunning views in Austria. For a detailed exploration of the Schafbergbahn, visit my Schafbergbahn Cog Railway guide .

Getting there:  You get to the lake district by bus 150 from Mirabell Square or the station. The final stop of bus 150 is Bad Ischl, but you can get off at Sankt Gilgen and take a boat or in Strobl and change to another bus to Sankt Wolfgang to further explore Lake Wolfgangssee and Sankt Wolfgang.

2. Collegiate Church in Mondsee: A Sacred Movie Moment

About 30km east of Salzburg, Mondsee is another place in the Salzkammergut. While it’s not my favorite place in the Salzkammergut Lake District, its natural beauty is undeniable. The lake first appears in the movie when Maria takes the bus to the Von Trapp villa, but its most memorable scene is the backdrop for Maria and the children’s bike ride during the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage. Additionally, it appears when the Captain returns with Max and the Baroness, with the children dangling from the trees in the background.

The Collegiate Church of Saint Michael in Mondsee, often called the Wedding Church, was the setting for Maria and Captain’s wedding in The Sound of Music. Surprisingly, this was the first scene filmed upon the crew’s arrival in Salzburg in 1964. It holds significant history, with the original Mondsee Abbey established in 748. In 2005, it was elevated from a Cathedral to a Basilica by Pope John Paul II.

I’m going to argue that the wedding in The Sound of Music is probably the best wedding scene of all film. pic.twitter.com/iR0E2ra5Jg — Josh ⸆⸉🧣 (@JoshSpeaksNow) June 1, 2023

Though a small village, Mondsee offers a charming square near the church and a lovely lakefront.

Getting there: Access to Mondsee from Salzburg is quickest by bus 140, taking about 50 minutes, or a 20-minute drive on the highway if you have a car. However, if you have a car, the preferred way to get there is first to drive the country roads to Sankt Wolfgang and then head over to Mondsee, which takes you about 15 minutes. For a more comprehensive understanding of the area, consider exploring nearby Saint Gilgen or Hallstatt, and for further insights, visit my Salzkammergut Lake District guide .

3. Picnic Meadow in Werfen: Reliving Do Re Mi

Picture this: a lush, green meadow under the shadow of towering alpine peaks, a scene straight out of a classic movie. That’s the Sound of Music Meadow in Werfen. It’s where Maria and the children belted out “Do, Re, Mi” in the iconic 1965 movie. This spot, also known as Gschwandtanger Wiesn, is another slice of cinematic history just south of Salzburg. The trail, opened in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the movie, stretches 1,4 kilometers and is dotted with signs and themed installations that celebrate the movie.

It’s a Werfen marketing gag but a great day trip, especially if you combine it with the Werfen Ice Caves . I would not take the Sound of Music Trail day trip if you don’t plan on visiting the Ice Caves in Werfen.

Getting there: Hop on a train from Salzburg; it’s a scenic 40-minute ride to Werfen. Once there, it’s a brief 10-minute stroll to the Tourist Office. That’s where your adventure begins on the Sound of Music Trail.  It’s a moderate hike, so bring your family, your dog, and don’t forget proper hiking shoes. For a more detailed guide on how to visit Werfen, especially the Ice Caves, read my guide on how to get to the Eisriesenwelt .

My name is Gerhard, Founder of Free Walking Tour Salzburg. I am an intrepid traveler myself and understand the passion for adventure that independent travelers feel. I love to interact with travelers, share stories, answer questions, recommend places to eat, and offer ideas of things to see and do.

Similar Posts

Echoes of History: A Visit to Salzburg’s Glockenspiel Tower

The Salzburger Glockenspiel, even though not many tourists climb the tower, is one of the landmarks of the town. It’s located right in the heart of the old town at residence square. Public tours only…

Finding The Best Christmas Markets In Salzburg: An Insider’s Guide

The best Christmas markets in Salzburg are the ones that have a little bit of everything: traditional handicrafts, tasty food, and a festive atmosphere. And luckily for you, I am an insider when it comes…

Sunday in Salzburg: Church Bells and Coffee Smells

If you find yourself in Salzburg on a Sunday, don’t worry – shops are closed, but there are plenty of things to see and do on Sunday in Salzburg! As a local tour guide, I…

Hellbrunn Palace: An Introduction to Salzburg’s Trick Fountains

Hellbrunn might be the most visited place in the surroundings of Salzburg. On the one hand, that’s because of its proximity to the city and because the castle and the trick fountains are included in…

Where to find Concerts in Salzburg without Spending a Fortune

Considering that the city of Mozart is most famous for classical music, it can be surprisingly hard to find quality concerts in Salzburg. If you know where to look, however, and with a bit of…

Salzburg’s Surroundings: Top 7 Places to Visit Nearby Salzburg

With the stunning Alpine scenery, Salzburg is the perfect base for various day trips. But, let’s be real, sometimes our travel plans don’t allow for a full-day excursion. You may be left with just a…

Please select your language:

• Maps & Local Transportation
• Accomodation
• Lake Königssee
• Eagles Nest
• Grassl's Gentian Schnaps Destillery
• National Park Information Center
• Hiking Paradise
• Ramsau: mountaineering village
• Adventure Mine
• The Old Salt Works
• Local Heritage Museum
• Rail Museum in Freilassing
• World War II Memorial & Educational Center
• Royal Castle
• Berchtesgaden Old Town
• Salzburg, Austria
• Town of Laufen on the Salzach river
• The Spa Town of Bad Reichenhall
• Eagle's Nest Historical Tour
• 50 years "The Sound of Music"
• The Sound of Music Tour Berchtesgaden and Salzburg
• Romy Schneider "Sissi"
• Guided Tours
• Bavarian Evenings
• Incentive & VIP Programs
• Tailored Packages
• Sound of Music
• Berchtesgaden Christmas Market
• Watzmann Therme
• Eagles Nest Road
• Rossfeld Ring Road
• German Alpine Road
• Mount Watzmann
• Berchtesgaden National Park Area
• Mount Untersberg
• The Ice Cave
• Hintersee Lake and Ramsau
• Thumsee and Höglwörth Lake
• Winter in the Bavarian Alps
• Hochschwarzeck
• Obersalzberg
• Predigstuhlbahn
• Biking & Fun Sports
• Snow Hiking
• Ice Skating & Ice Curling
• Public relations
• Photo Archives
• Palmbosch'n'
• Raising the Maypole
• Folklore Associations' Annual Event
• Queens of the Pastures: Almabtrieb
• Buttnmandl and Krampus
• Christmas in berchtesgaden
• Christmas & New Year's Eve Shooters
• Folklore Associations
• Raising the maypole
• Food & Drink

The Sound of Music Tour, Berchtesgaden and Salzburg

This delightful and exclusive package tour combines the history, architectural sights and cultural highlights of Salzburg with some of the main locations used in the film. On route to Salzburg, your guide will also explain Berchtesgaden's role played in the Sound of Music and point out some of the sights.

Once in Austria the guide will touch upon Salzburg's fascinating history and culture before making a stop at Hellbrunn Palace where the "gazebo" used in the movie is located today. View the two palaces of Frohenburg and Leopoldskron used by 20th Century Fox as the von Trapp home. In Salzburg your guide will walk you past the town's architectural highlights, many of which were featured in the movie. Following your pleasant stroll through town, you'll enjoy an hour free time in Salzburg before returning to Berchtesgaden.

During the return trip you will hear the true story of the von Trapp family and how it was made into the film classic still so popular today. Songs from the movie will be played during the driving tour, setting the tone for a memorable morning. The Salzburg / Sound of Music tour is offered daily except Sunday, starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Berchtesgaden Visitors Center. Reservations required!

Participants of the tour can choose between these possible sights :

• Mehlweg Meadow (Berchtesgaden)
• Königssee and Obersee Lakes (Berchtesgaden)
• Rossfeld Mountain (Berchtesgaden)
• Höglwörth Abbey (Berchtesgadener Land)
• The Gazebo at Hellbrunn (near Salzburg)
• Leopoldskron Palace
• The Abbey (in Salzburg)
• Capuchin Monastery
• Salzach Foot Bridge
• Anif Water Castle
• Von Trapp Villa

The Salzburg Walking Tour (about 1,5 hrs): Mirabell Gardens (second half of “Do, Re, Mi”) Salzburg Cathedral (location of 2 scenes in the film) Residence Square (location of 2 scenes in the film) Chapter Square (Maria boards a bus) St Peter’s Cemetery (model for escape scene) View of Salzburg from Mönchsberg (Do, Re, Mi) Austrian Lake District Fuschl Castle (aerial view in opening scenes) Lake Wolfgang (aerial view in opening scenes) Mondsee Church (wedding scene)

Wir setzen automatisiert nur technisch notwendige Cookies, deren Daten von uns nicht weitergegeben werden und ausschließlich zur Bereitstellung der Funktionalität dieser Seite dienen.

Außerdem verwenden wir Cookies, die Ihr Verhalten beim Besuch der Webseiten messen, um das Interesse unserer Besucher besser kennen zu lernen. Wir erheben dabei nur pseudonyme Daten, eine Identifikation Ihrer Person erfolgt nicht.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer privacy policy .

• Salzburg Attractions
• Salt Mine Tours
• Mirabell Palace
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Sightseeing Cruises

Book The Sound of Music Tours

Original Sound Of Music Tour From Salzburg

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Do not miss out on this iconic tour of the picturesque World Heritage City of Salzburg: the original shooting location for the much-adored movie from the '60s: The Sound of Music.
• The Austrian city of Salzburg has much to explore: you'll also find out about its historical and architectural landmarks on this tour.
• You'll see the Mirabell Gardens, the Pegasus Fountain, Nonnberg Abbey, Leopoldskron Palace, the Salzburg Lake District, Hellbrunn Palace, church in Mondsee, and more.
• Walk in the footsteps of the Trapp family alongside your expert tour guide, who will share intriguing intel about the characters, shooting locations, and more.
• Picture the undisputed Julie Andrews work her magic among the hills as you pass along iconic shooting locations within the film.
• Direct all your burning questions about the musical, the characters, the Trapp family, or the film locations at your professional tour guide.
• All the while, enjoy the original soundtrack of the musical and sing along to your favorite musical numbers.
• Expert tour guide
• Transfers on AC vehicle
• Food and drinks

This tour is available in two languages:

• English-Guided Tour
• German-Guided Tour
• Infants aged 3yrs and below go free. Children aged 4-12yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).

Salzburg Super-Saver Combo: Original Sound Of Music & Salt Mines Tour

• Book yourself this 2-in-1 combo tour in Salzburg that takes you to two of its must-visit attractions in a convenient and wallet-friendly fashion.
• You'll be taken to the stunning salt mine of Berchtesgaden in the morning, and the original filming locations of “The Sound of Music” in the afternoon.
• Throw on protective clothing and board the mine train through the 500-year-old salt mine that promises an intriguing tour through the underground world.
• Venture through the Alpenstrasse, the Königseeache, and the Obersalzberg, passing by the salt room and the Salt Cathedral, and enjoying a raft ride across the Mirror Lake.
• You'll get whisked away on a guided walking tour, with an English-speaking guide, through the original filming locations of the much-adored '60s film, The Sound of Music next!
• Walk in the footsteps of the Trapp family and listen to funny anecdotes shared by your guide as you pass along iconic filming locations.
• You'll see the Mirabell Gardens (with the Pegasus Fountain), Nonnberg Abbey, Leopoldskron Palace, the Salzburg Lake District, Hellbrunn Palace with the gazebo, and the church in Mondsee (where Baron von Trapp and Maria got married)!
• Entrance to the Salt Mines
• Expert English-speaking tour guide

Top things to do in Salzburg

Visiting Sound of Music in Salzburg | Book Sound of Music Tickets 

Salzburg, known as the "City of Mozart" and nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved historic centre, majestic fortress, and breathtaking views enchant visitors worldwide.

One of the city's most iconic attractions is the Sound of Music , a musical phenomenon that gained global fame through the beloved film. Based on the true story of the von Trapp family, the Sound of Music showcases the beauty of Salzburg's landscapes and resonates with audiences for its heartwarming tale of love, music, and resilience. Keep reading to find valuable information about ticket options, detailed insights into the attraction, and tips to make your Sound of Music experience in Salzburg pleasant!

All Your Sound of Music Ticket Options

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Sound of Music with a tour that takes you through Salzburg's enchanting landscapes and iconic filming locations. Before diving into the intrinsic information of the attraction, explore the following ticket options:

Guided Tour

A guided tour of the Sound of Music offers visitors the perfect opportunity to delve into the captivating history, behind-the-scenes stories, and iconic locations associated with this beloved musical, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.

With this ticket type, you can explore the iconic experience of the original shooting location of the movie from the 60s: The Sound of Music, with an expert guide on your side. The tour also includes transfers on an AC vehicle.

Embarking on a combo tour of the Sound of Music and Salt Mine allows visitors to explore the rich musical heritage of Salzburg, followed by an underground adventure through the historical Salt Mine, ensuring a diverse and unforgettable experience.

With this combo ticket, you can check out two unique attractions of Salzburg at the same time. It will help save time and money, and you get a chance to explore Sound of Music filming locations and Salt Mines with an expert guide who will enlighten you with all the intriguing information.

What is the Best Way To Book Sound of Music Tickets? Book Online

Online purchases are the best way to secure your Sound of Music tickets. Doing so will enable you to enjoy the following advantages:

• Advance Booking: You can secure your preferred date and time slot in advance, thus ensuring that you have a sure-shot spot on the tour.
• Convenience: You can skip the queues and hassle by booking from the comfort of your home.
• Discounts: Online booking offers take advantage of online-exclusive discounts and promotions.

Sound of Music Highlights

Get ready to relive the enchanting melodies and timeless charm of the beloved Sound of Music as we delve into the captivating highlights of Salzburg's iconic film backdrop!

Mirabell Gardens

Wander through the iconic gardens where the von Trapp children sang "Do-Re-Mi," surrounded by vibrant flowers and beautiful statues.

Nonnberg Abbey

Visit the real-life abbey where Maria was a novice and relish the tranquil atmosphere that inspired her journey.

Leopoldskron Palace

Marvel at the elegant palace that served as the exterior of the von Trapp family home, with its picturesque lakeside setting.

Mondsee Cathedral

Step into the stunning church where the wedding scene of Maria and Captain von Trapp was filmed.

Hellbrunn Palace

Explore the whimsical gardens and gaze upon the gazebo where Liesl and Rolf performed "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take in panoramic views of Salzburg from this medieval fortress, which can be seen during the movie's opening credits.

Lake Wolfgang

Discover the serene lake where the captivating boating scene was filmed, surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Mozart's Birthplace

Pay homage to Salzburg's most famous composer by visiting the house where Mozart was born, adding a musical touch to your Sound of Music journey.

Plan Your Visit To Sound of Music

• The timings for the Sound of Music tour vary, depending on the ticket type you choose.
• Guided Tour: Starts at: 9:15 AM and 2 PM Duration: 4 hours
• Combo Tour Starts at: 8:45 AM Duration: 8 hours

Address: Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Find on Maps

• By Bus: Line 25 from Altstadt Salzburg to Hellbrunn Palace Time taken: 20 minutes
• By Tram: Line 25 from Altstadt Salzburg to Hellbrunn Palace Time taken: 20 minutes
• By Car: Drive down from Altstadt Salzburg to Hellbrunn Palace by following signs on the way Time taken: 10-15 minutes

• Browse a wide range of Sound of Music merchandise and souvenirs from the gift shop.
• Restroom facilities available throughout the tour.
• The attraction offers accessibility measures for visitors with mobility challenges.
• Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Convenient parking facilities for visitors arriving by car.

• The attraction offers accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators for visitors with mobility challenges.
• Dedicated accessible restrooms are available for convenience.
• Enjoy the tour with the assistance of available hearing devices.
• Accessible materials in Braille provide information for visually impaired visitors.
• Service animals are welcome at the attraction.
• Parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities.

• Stieglkeller: Located 1.5 kilometres from the Sound of Music, this traditional Austrian beer garden offers panoramic views, hearty cuisine, and an average price of €30 for two.
• Restaurant IMLAUER: Just a 10-minute walk from the attraction, enjoy modern Austrian dishes in a stylish setting, with an average price of €40 for two.
• Die Weisse: Situated 1 kilometre away, this brewery and restaurant serve delicious Austrian cuisine, including traditional pretzels, with an average price of €35 for two.

• Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
• Stay on designated paths and refrain from touching artefacts or props.
• Keep noise levels to a minimum to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
• No smoking is allowed within the premises.
• Food and drinks are not permitted in certain areas.
• Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

• Mirabell Palace and Gardens : Located 1 kilometre from the Sound of Music, explore the beautifully manicured gardens and admire the grandeur of the palace featured in the film.
• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Situated 2.5 kilometres away, visit one of Europe's largest and best-preserved fortresses, offering stunning views of Salzburg and its surroundings.
• Mozart's Birthplace: Just 1.2 kilometres from the Sound of Music, discover the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and delve into the life and works of the famous composer.

Visitor Tips

• Plan your visit in advance and book tickets online to secure your preferred time slot.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be prepared for varied weather conditions.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more leisurely experience.
• Download the Sound of Music soundtrack or familiarize yourself with the songs to enhance your tour.
• Bring a camera to capture your favourite moments and picturesque surroundings.
• Stay hydrated and bring snacks if needed, especially for longer tours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sound of Music Tickets

You can purchase tickets for the Sound of Music tours both on-site as well as online. The latter is advisable, since ticket available on-site might be limited.

Yes, you can book your tickets to Sound of Music tours here !

Sound of Music tickets are available in two options: guided tours and combo tours .

A standard guided tour ticket to Sound of Music sets include an expert guide (both in English and German) and transfers via AC vehicle.

A standard ticket to Sound of Music tour starts from €60.

Yes! Sound of Music tour tickets offer discounted price for kids between the age of 4-12 years. Infants under 4 years of age can join the tour for free.

You can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours prior to the commencement of the tour and get a full refund.

The duration varies, but a typical Sound of Music tour takes around 4 hours, including transportation and visiting filming locations.

If you are a fan of the movie or interested in the von Trapp family story, then you must hop on the tour for a delightful and nostalgic experience.

Yes, the Sound of Music tour is suitable for children.

Photography is generally allowed, but check specific guidelines regarding flash and tripod usage.

Yes, Sound of Music tour is also very convenient for people with accessibility requirements.

🎵 The 5 Best Sound of Music Tours in Salzburg [2024 Reviews]

Located right on the border of Germany, the Austrian city of Salzburg is known for its stunning architecture, breathtaking views of the Eastern Alps, and for being the birthplace of Mozart.

However, did you know that it’s also where the legendary film “The Sound of Music” was also filmed? Before taking the first SoM tour here, I funny enough hadn’t even seen the film and still had an amazing time visiting these absolutely gorgeous places.

After that, I immediately saw the movie so I could appreciate it even further, and have come up with a carefully selected list of the 5 top Sound of Music Tours available today! Let’s jump right in!

Best Sound of Music Tours from Salzburg

Quick answer: the 5 best rated sound of music tours for 2024.

• Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg
• The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
• Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour
• The Hills Are Alive
• Sound of Music Tour by Minivan

Best Salzburg Sound of Music Tour Reviews

1. original sound of music private tour salzburg.

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure: Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:45 AM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Transport by private air-conditioned Mercedes E 220 or VW luxury minibus, 1-hour Edelweiss apple strudel cooking class and tastings (if option selected)

For me, a well-rated tour should always come with interesting commentary and a structured schedule to ensure seamless transitions between sights.

The Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg offers all that and so much more, with some flexibility to check out a couple of extra attractions if you’d like. I didn’t know what to expect, but our guide truly brought the scene to life with plenty of passion, knowledge, and personality!

I love that this is a private tour with a small group setting, which made it feel more like we had a good friend taking us around to all the different sights!

We rode around in an air-conditioned Mercedes E220 which was very comfortable with big windows so I could soak in the beautiful landscapes as we cruised along.

Our guide was a very safe driver, and offered some interesting historical accounts as well as stories relating back to the movie that I’d never heard of before.

Our first stop was the Schloss Hellbrunn which was constructed in the 17th century and is known famously for being the site of the garden gazebo where Liesl and Rolf sang ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’.

Expand To See More See Less

After that, we took another gorgeous drive through Salzkammergut where I got some amazing videos of the towering Alps and glass-like lakes which you see in the first scenes of The Sound of Music, passing the little village of St. Gilgen.

Even though a relatively good amount of time during our tour was spent driving, it was still kind of tiring and I welcomed a 50-minute break at Basilika St. Michael.

Here, we had free time to explore at our leisure and we chose to take a little stroll around the picture-perfect Mondsee. I highly recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and their famous apple strudel!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. the original sound of music tour in salzburg.

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure:  Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:15 AM, 2:15 PM
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, tour

This is yet another 4-hour SoM experience – one that I found to be one of the most affordable, “best bang for your buck” tours.

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg  comes in 2 options: both a large bus tour and a small group/minibus tour which is more exclusive (and more expensive). I did the big bus tour as I do find it a fantastically affordable option, so I’ll be speaking to my experience on that.

Another great aspect of this tour is that there are so many different start times to choose from, that you’re bound to find one that works perfectly around your itinerary.

I was a bit hesitant, wondering how it would be to be on a tour with so many people, but it almost made it more fun! I’ll get into the details in a moment, but I want to mention that there are no hotel pickups involved so you’ll have to make your way to the central meeting point first.

From Mirabellplatz in the center of the city, you’ll board the bus and head through the gorgeous scenery with the film’s soundtrack playing to really set the tone.

Me and the rest of our big group sang along happily to ‘Edelweiss’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, and ‘My Favorite Things’ which instantly bonded us and made the whole experience feel surreal!

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is where ‘Do-Re-Mi’ was filmed, and we got the chance to take plenty of photos in front of the Pegasus Fountain and steps!

After this, we made our way through the stunning views of the Alps and made another stop at Lake Leopoldskron which is like a mirror, reflecting the incredible castle by the same name (where the boating scene was taken).

We got to take more photos at the gardens of Hellbrunn castle, the glass gazebo for the kissing scene, and even Nonnberg Abbey.

Throughout the entire tour, our guides did a fantastic job telling us about the different landmarks and relating them back to the movie, complete with insider info!

3. Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure:  Rudolfskai 38, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM

This is one of the most magical small-group tours I’ve been in, with the opportunity to explore more of Hallstatt than what the other tours offer.

The Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour  is a significantly longer tour than the previous couple, so if you’re looking for a full-day experience, this is a fantastic choice. Starting off early in the morning, it’s also a great way to get acquainted with the area if it’s your first time here.

I’m not sure if this is always the case, but I noticed that my tour and many others’ consisted of no more than 5 people, which was simply amazing.

We had a very personalized tour with our guide, who ended up feeling more like a friend who was incredibly knowledgeable about the subject rather than just a guide.

Our day started out with being picked up from our hotel by a comfortable vehicle, doing a short city tour of Salzburger Altstadt which is full of breathtaking architecture.

After taking plenty of photos and videos of the city, we then set out for Leopoldskroner Weiher, where we got to see the rear of the “von Trapp” house and the ponds the kids fell into in the film.

Throughout the sightseeing, our guide related it back to the different movie scenes along with plenty of behind-the-scenes info that I wouldn’t have been able to find anywhere else.

We then stopped over at the intimidating Schloss Hellbrun, where we also got to take some photos in front of the “16-going-on-17” gazebo.

Lake Wolfgang was something from a postcard, and we got to take plenty of photos there before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt on our own.

However, our guide was great at offering plenty of recommendations and I’d love to go back and spend a couple of days there. After that, we passed by St. Gilgen Mozartplatz and Basilika St. Michael to reenact the wedding scene from the film!

4. The Hills Are Alive

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
• Includes:  Private tour, professional guide

This is my other favorite all-day tour of its kind, which I also found to be one of the best for seeing some of the best views of the Austrian Alps.

The Hills Are Alive Tour is indeed aptly named, taking you through nearly every iconic scene of The Sound of Music.

If that sounds like fun to you, make sure to lace up a pair of comfortable walking shoes and put on a jacket because it’s a day full of venturing through one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

This tour also includes a convenient hotel pickup right from the lobby, so there’s no need to worry about finding a meetup point or booking additional transportation.

I do recommend dressing comfortable, though, as you’ll definitely do a bit of walking around in nature. The transportation was very comfortable, with padded seating, plenty of legroom, and big windows to view the Austrian landscape.

The first stop of the day was at Mirabell Gardens, which I immediately recognized as the place where the “Do-Re-Mi” scenes took place!

We got plenty of time to stroll throughout the lush area, complete with the Pegasus Fountain and Dwarf Garden, which was really cool to see as I love Roman and Greek art.

We then took the elevator up to an incredible viewpoint, which is known for being one of the most impressive in all of Salzburg (we even saw a 1,000-year-old fortress!).

We then headed back down to the historical center, where we saw the Horse Bath, Festival DIstrict, St. Peter’s Church, and much more.

Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace were equally as impressive, before exploring the majestic Bavarian Alps, which you’ll recognize from the film’s opening scenes.

We then made our way to the top of the infamous Sound of Music trail followed by a delicious lunch consisting of traditional local fare before heading to the Lake District.   

5.  Sound of MusicTour by Minivan

Last but certainly not least, is the 4-hour Sound of Music Tour by Minivan . This is the second-best option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly tour, though it is actually affordable while still being a small-group tour!

With a maximum of just 8 participants, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a personalized experience rather than just a cookie-cutter activity that you can find anywhere.

You can choose whether to meet in the center of the city or take advantage of their free hotel pickup service in-between the hours of 8:30 and 9:00 am.

The vehicle is quite comfortable, and with the big windows and amazing views of the Alps surrounding us, there was never a moment of boredom.

The first stop is Leopoldskroner Weiher, as is the case with most of the tours, where you’ll see the back of the von Trapp house and the pond.  After that, we saw the Hellbrunn Castle, which, in itself is quite impressive.

Here, we saw the 16-going-on-17 gazebo and had the chance to take some photos before checking out the glass-like Lake Wolfgang.

We followed it up with a trip to Basilika St. Michael, where we had a blast reenacting the wedding scene from the movie!

I felt like our guide did a fantastic job explaining everything to us both in the van and outside at each location, answering any questions we had.

The PA system inside the van was a great addition, ensuring all of us could clearly hear what the guide was saying as we passed different sights in real time.

Overall, it was a great time, with a top-notch guide, great organization and recommendations, and at this price, is really hard to beat.

Tour Guides

The Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg is our Editors Choice for the Best Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg,

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

A Self-Guided “The Sound of Music” Tour of Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is a beautiful and historical town in Austria close to Munich and right next to the German border. The city rose to fame after the 1965 American musical, The Sound of Music, was filmed around the city. Tourists from around the world enjoy visiting the filming locations from the movie and yes, I am one of them. Here is a self-guided tour of The Sound of Music spots in Salzburg. Because some of the spots are outside of Salzburg’s town centre, the tour may take you two days. Enjoy!

Mirabell Palace Gardens

Start your tour in the New Town of Salzburg at the Mirabell Palace Gardens. 

The Sound of Music Connection: Maria (Julie Andrews) and the Von Trapp children sing “Do Re Mi” throughout the garden. Definitely one of the most famous musical scenes in the movie!

If you enter the Gardens from the south, you will see two Greek statues. Maria and the children mimic their fencing pose.

Continue into the garden and you will see the Pegasus Fountain where Maria and the children dance around the edge.

Next, you will reach a set of stairs that Maria and the children use as a musical scale. From here you’ll have a great view of Mirabell Gardens with Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background.

Make sure to go up the other set of stairs by the Pegasus Fountain, which leads to the Gnome Garden. Maria and the children take turns tapping the head of the gnome wearing glasses.

As you leave Mirabell Gardens, walk through the vine tunnel that Maria and the children skip through.

Mozart Footbridge

Next on the tour, take the pedestrian-only Mozart Footbridge (Mozartsteg) across the river to the Old Town.

The Sound of Music Connection : Maria and the children cross Mozartsteg during the song “My Favorite Things.”

Residenzplatz

Walk through the beautiful Residenzplatz.

The Sound of Music Connection : During the song “I Have Confidence in Me,” Maria splashes in the Horse Fountain.

Kapitelplatz

Walk through Kapitelplatz. From here you’ll have an amazing view of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The Sound of Music Connection : Maria walks through this square during the song “I Have Confidence in Me.”

Nonnberg Abbey

Make your way to the historic Nonnberg Abbey.

The Sound of Music Connection : Several scenes in the movie were shot around the Abbey, although filming inside was not permitted. The real life Maria Von Trapp lived as a nun at the convent and also married Captain Georg Von Trapp here!

St. Peter’s Cemetery

Head to St. Peter’s Cemetery (Petersfriedhof), one of my favourite spots in Salzburg and one of the most beautiful and unique cemeteries I’ve ever seen.  

T he Sound of Music Connection : St Peter’s Cemetery was used as the inspiration to build a set in Hollywood where the Von Trapp family would hide from the Nazis, although the real family never hid in a cemetery. Franz Wasner, the real life Max Detweiler (the Von Trapp’s advisor and choir conductor), is buried here.

Rock Riding School

Next, walk past Salzburg’s Rock Riding School (Felsenreitschule). The only way to see inside the Festival Hall Theatre is by tour or to see a show.

The Sound of Music Connection : The Von Trapp children rehearse for the Salzburg Music Festival in the Rock Riding School’s Festival Hall Theatre. On the night of the festival, Captain Von Trapp sings “Edelweiss” and the whole family sings “So Long, Farewell” here before they make their escape. Although their performance did not play out like this, the real life Von Trapp family performed here in 1935 and won the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936.

A short walk will bring you to the beautiful Horse Pond (Pferdeschwemme ) where parade horses were washed and groomed in the past. 

The Sound of Music Connection : Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath during the song “My Favorite Things.”

M ö nchsberg Lift Terrace

Continue along the road and you’ll reach the Mönchsberg Lift (Mönchsberg Aufzug), which is located inside the Modern Art Museum of Salzburg (Museum der Moderne). This is the last filming location in the Salzburg town centre. I suggest ending your first day of the self-guided tour here. Take the lift up to the top floor and you will find a terrace (formerly known as Winkler Terrace) with one of the best views of Salzburg. This view is amazing at sunset!

The Sound of Music Connection : The beautiful city view from the terrace can be seen while Maria and the children sing “Do Re Mi.”

Schloss Leopoldskron

The rest of the filming locations on this tour are outside of the Salzburg town centre so it may take another day to see them, depending on how much time you’ve spent at the previous spots. If you are interested in visiting these sites, you can rent a bike, drive, taxi, or take public transportation.

Schloss Leopoldskron is now a hotel and you can only enter the former palace if you are staying as a guest. However, you can see the back of the palace and its beautiful terrace from across the pond along Konig-Ludwig-Strasse.

The Sound of Music Connection : Several scenes in The Sound of Music were filmed on the terrace. Schloss Leopoldskron was also the original home of The Sound of Music gazebo until it was moved to Schloss Hellbrunn (which you will see later).

Schloss Frohnberg

Continue south to Schloss Frohnberg, which is now part of the Mozarteum Music Academy. Tours of the palace are not available but you can see the front of the palace from the road.

The Sound of Music Connection : Schloss Frohnberg was used as the front of the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music .

Schloss Hellbrunn

A bit further south is Schloss Hellbrunn. One of Salzburg’s Prince Archbishop’s built the palace as a place for fun. The palace has no bedrooms, several trick fountains, and vast woodland grounds. I highly recommend paying the entry fee for Schloss Hellbrunn, which includes a tour of the palace and the trick fountains – it’s so much fun! However, you can walk around the palace grounds and see The Sound of Music Gazebo for free.

The Sound of Music Connection : Located on the palace grounds is the famous Gazebo where Liesl and Rolf sing “16 Going on 17,” and Maria and the Captain later sing “Something Good.”

Villa Trapp

On your way back to the Salzburg town centre, cross the Salzach river and stop at Hotel Villa Trapp. In 2008, Villa Trapp was turned into a hotel, which you can tour or stay in.

The True Story of the Von Trapps: In 1926, Maria Kutschera was sent to this family home by the Nonnberg Abbey to tutor Captain Georg Von Trapp’s sick daughter. One year later, Maria and Georg were married when she was 22 and he was 47, and she became stepmom to his 7 children. Maria and Georg had another 2 children of their own (of 3) while living here. To earn some cash during tough times in 1935, the family began to perform as a choir. In 1938, the Nazi’s arrived in Salzburg and the Von Trapp’s made their escape by train to Italy just one day before Hitler closed the Austrian borders. The Villa Trapp was seized and used as a private home for SS Chief Heinrich Himmler during the war before being returned to the Von Trapps, who sold it to a Catholic mission. The Von Trapp family performed in over 2000 shows in 30 countries before settling on an American farm that they turned into a hotel. Georg died in 1947 and Maria lived until 1987 – she even had a small cameo in The Sound of Music ! 

The Sound of Music Connection : This is where the real Von Trapp family lived from 1926-1938.

BONUS: Meadow in Werfen, Austria

Although this filming location is not in Salzburg, I highly recommend visiting this meadow in Werfen, Austria if you can. The meadow is about a 40-minute drive from Salzburg. When you reach Werfen, drive up Schartenbergstrasse and you will see a meadow with a section that is surrounded by a wood fence. This meadow has the most amazing view of the Austrian Alps and Hohenwerfen Castle down below. You will really feel like you are in The Sound of Music at this spot!

The Sound of Music Connection : In a famous scene, Maria and the Von Trapp children have a picnic in this beautiful meadow and then start singing “Do, Re, Mi.” 

I hope you enjoyed this self-guided tour of The Sound of Music filming spots in Salzburg!

To read my blog post, “How to Spend 2 Days in Salzburg,” click here .

To read my blog post,  “What and Where to Eat in Salzburg, Austria,”  click here.

« 15 Unique and Instagrammable Spots in London

A complete guide to füssen, germany », you may also like.

Greek Islands Boat Cruise: Hydra, Poros and Egina

A Complete Guide to Füssen, Germany

A Day Trip to Montserrat, Spain

@tripstouncover.

© 2024 Trips to Uncover

• Hotels & Offers
• Guided Tours

The Sound of Music Tour

Explore original shooting locations on the Sound of Music Tour in all kinds of different ways: by bus, on foot or by bicycle. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

The life of the von Trapp family is intertwined with that of Salzburg itself. Every year, some 300,000 people visit important landmarks in the life of the von Trapp family and the story told by the movie. The fascinating life of former novice Maria von Trapp and her singing family became a world-wide success when the film was released in 1965, with Julie Andrews starring as Maria. The songs from " The Sound of Music " are famous around the globe.

Original shooting locations from the Sound of Music movie include:

Mirabell Gardens and the Pegasus Fountain (the dance scene with Maria and the children)

Schloss Leopoldskron (in the film, the house where the family lived)

Hellbrunn palace (singing scenes)

Nonnberg Convent (where the young Maria was a novice)

St. Gilgen / Wolfgangsee (opening scene of the movie)

Mondsee Basilica (wedding scene)

"The Sound of Music" tour can be booked online through...

Panorama Tours

Bob's Special Tours

Other "sound of music" experiences, this might also interest you:.

HOTEL GOLDGASSE

Book now and get your free welcome breakfast (promo code: WBF).

Amadeo Hotel & Apartments

4-star hotel near Hellbrunn Palace. Double rooms from 148€/night with breakfast - Book now!

Register now

Plan your visit.

Here you will find your ideal accommodations, sightseeing tours of Salzburg, special events and tickets, along with all the benefits of the Salzburg Card.

Book guided city tours and excursions in and around Salzburg online:

The many-and-varied cultural events represent the heart & soul of Salzburg. Book your tickets right here:

• Advent/Christmas/New Year's
• Congresses / Fairs / Workshops
• Culture / customs / markets / festivals
• Exhibitions
• Guided tours
• Religious events
• Theatre / shows / dancing / films

The Salzburg Card provides you with free or discounted admission to numerous sightseeing attractions, along with free use of public transportation.

Your opinion matters!

Help shaping tomorrow’s tourism.

• Interactive map
• Salzburg Magazin
• Book your hotel

Find accommodations

Please select your language

Please send me information by email about specials, news and events.

By checking the box, you consent to the processing of the aforementioned personally identifiable data for the purposes of sending you an email newsletter based upon your expressed agreement and until such point as you wish to revoke or rescind your consent.

Further information about how we protect your data can be found in our privacy policy!

• Request Tickets
• Guided Walking Tours
• Old town walking tour (public)
• Salzburg - private classical walking tour
• "Sound of Music" Walking Tour
• Salzburg - walking tours for school classes
• Tours with specific topics
• Mozart in Salzburg
• Initial spark - baroque era
• Baroque passion
• Tour through Salzburg´s Cathedral
• Private Minibus Tours
• "Sound of Music" Private Tour
• "Sound of Music" MinbusWalking
• Lakes and Mountains
• Berchtesgaden
• Full- & Multiple Day Tours
• Hallstatt/ Lakes/Mountains
• Salzkammergut/G. Klimt, G. Mahler, J. Brahms
• Salzburg-Venice-Dolomites
• Seasonal Tours
• Berchtesgaden Eagles Nest
• Christmas in Salzburg
• Contact/Impressum

This walking tour complets your Sound of Music experience and makes your Salzburg experience unique!

Important sites are located in Salzburgs pedestrian zone, where only licensed guides have the permitions to guide you. Our tour gives you deeper insights about Salzburg's history and shows.significant Sound of Music sites

This tour is bookable in combination with "Original Sound of Music Tour".

•  the romantical path above Salzburg´s rooftops, enjoy countless domes surrounded by green hills forming Salzburg's characteristic silhouette.
• Abbey Nonnberg (est. 714) with the oldest frescoes (latest 1150) while learning about the background of its strong Byzantine characteristics, where Maria married to George von Trapp  Admire further peacefulnessexploring  the
• oldest cemetery in town,
• Archibiscopal Forum at imposing Cathedral with spacious squares with fountans flanked by archiepiscopal residences

Impressions from tour sites

The Sound of Music

The original tour.

Let us start with the beginning of this really extraordinary story. In 1963 Twentieth Century Fox sent scouts to  Salzburg  to plan filming the the Von Trapp Family story on location. The filming in  Salzburg  started in 1964. As flights and housing for over 250 crew members, technicians, camera men, stage hands as well as the actors were extremely expensive, the time-frame was limited to six weeks, but due to bad weather conditions, the  filming  took around 11 weeks after all. During this time nobody dreamt that THIS  special movie  would one day become one of the  most famous and successful films  ever. After the premiere in 1965, the first fans from the US started coming to  Salzburg , to visit the  locations where the movie had been shot . As the  Panorama Tours  drivers had been involved in escorting the actors as well as the staff to the  various places , they not only know the exact locations, but also lots of stories behind the making of this movie. At this time our sightseeing tour  ORIGINAL SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR  was born so we could share all this with you! With us you can get all the inside information! Our company,  Salzburg Panorama Tours , is also really proud of the special friendship with the Trapp Family in Vermont and also with  Rodgers & Hammerstein . Our  tour  is the officially presented tour on the official DVD and Blu-ray as well as on many other productions like "On Location" with Charmian Carr which was filmed in 2004, on occasion of the 40th anniversary of the  movie .

Want to see more?

Experience sound of music.

Book your tour now

Check out our tours for fans of "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour, Sound of Music Tour with Schnitzel & Noodles, Sound of Music Private Tours, Sound of Music Special Package, Sound of Music at Schloss Leopoldskron Package and many more.

Welcome Guest

Hallstatt and the sound of music tour from salzburg.

Sound of Music / Hallstatt

The sound of music and hallstatt tour from salzburg, marlene uria, pick-up not available, what to expect, travelers interested in this activity also viewed, traveler's photos.

Overall rating

We were impressed with our guides knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the tour. -Glorious views throughout the countryside - Halstatt was stunning, enjoyed lunch with lakeside views and shopping. ... It would have been great to cut back some time at Halstatt to visit Marktschellenberg which apparently was 20m outside of Salzburg.

I highly recommend this tour. We went to several sites and they were spectacular. The gondola/cruise on the lake was amazing. It was recommended by our tour guide for an extra cost and was worth it.

Amazing sites in Hallstatt and good tour of The Sound of Music sites

The tour was overall good; we were the only people on it so a small group of 4. Our guide gave us some information about The Sound of Music on a quick city tour; perhaps it would have been more fun/exciting/engaging if w ... e'd been a bigger group. We overheard the "Official" tour at a few spots where we clashed and that would probably have been a bit too cheery for us, but something in the middle of the two would have been good. Al gave us some interesting information about Austria on the way to St. Gilgen which was beautiful. On arrival at Hallstatt he gave us some more good tips. Hallstatt was beyond beautiful, two hours there was probably not enough time to be honest if you want to eat as well. Take some quick photos or don't sit down to eat. We took too long admiring the beauty and thought we'd have time for a bowl of soup as well as shops. It's really wonderful there - I'd definitely recommend a quick cone of chips from the takeaway place between the churches on the right; don't waste time with a proper lunch! Also, you need 1Euro for the toilet by the carpark! The church at Mondesee is cute and we were recommended a great place for a cake stop. We had epic strudel although it took a while to come! Al dropped us back off in town as we asked him too which was very kind. All in, the tour was quite expensive. If you're a hardcore SOM fan then try and do the other tour I think as this one was probably less exciting - I'm not a huge fan though so I was ok but I think the other girls in our group wanted a little more. DO NOT MISS HALLSTATT!!!

Activity Provider Bob's Special Tours

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made between 09:00 local time, 2 business days to 09:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
• Any cancellations made after 09:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Every 01/01

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

Editor's Picks for Salzburg

Sound of Music Tours in Salzburg

Enjoy the wonders of Hallstatt and Salzkammergut

Discover the City: Top Salzburg Sightseeing Tours

Travel to Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Germany

Book Tickets for Mozart Concerts in Salzburg

Picturesque Trip to Salzburg Lake District

Explore the Salzburg Salt Mines

Relaxing Cruise along the Salzach River

Discover the Sounds of Salzburg

Salzburg Top 10 Things To Do

日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

You can only add up to 10 items in the list.

Please reduce items in the list.

• STEP 3 Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
• Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
• Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.

• Company Information
• Investor Relations
• News Release
• Supplier Sign-in
• Add Your Activity
• Privacy Policy
• Basic Policy on Information Security
• Terms & Conditions