salzburg tour sound of music

• 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

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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

🎵 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’.

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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

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The Sound of Music

Tours, packages & concerts.

The Original Sound of Music Tour ®

Join our wonderful Original Sound of Music Tour ®. Start at Mirabell Gardens and visit the original film locations like Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg abbey and Hellbrunn Palace.

Follow the traces of the  Trapp family  and take a tour to Salzburg and its surroundings. Visit all of the  original film  settings and feel, how  Julie Andrews , the main character in the film, felt by playing  Maria von Trapp .

Relax and listen to the Original Sound of Music soundtrack.  You will not just see lots of highlights of the movie "The Sound of Music", but also get to know historical and architectural landmarks in the city as well as in the Lake District area.

Recommended by Rick Steves!

Book this tour online  on the Panorama Tours website!

Sound of Music - Private Half-Day Tour

Join us on our wonderful private Sound of Music Tour with breathtaking views!

Follow the traces of the  Trapp family  and take a tour through Salzburg and its surroundings. Visit the original film locations of the famous movie "The Sound of Music" filmed in 1964.

Right after release, the film became a tremendous success, awarded with 5 Oscars becoming the highest grossing movie ever and reaching cult status over the years.

Duration: 4 hours

Book this private tour  on the Panorama Tours website.

Sound of Music at Schloss Leopoldskron

The  Rococo-Palace Leopoldskron  will be your host for 2 overnights and this building is famous as it was  one of the movie locations of "The Sound of Music" . You stay overnight in one of the comfortable rooms of Meierhof and enjoy breakfast buffet whether at the Marble Hall or the ballroom of the palace.

Included services: 

• 2 x overnights/buffet breakfast at Schloss Leopoldskron / House Meierhof
• Welcome drink
• Free bike rental, free WiFi, free usage of public pool Leopoldskron (in summer), 1 bottle water per person/day
• Original Sound of Music Tour ® with free hotel pick-up
• Sweet souvenir

Book this package online  on the Panorama Tours Website!

Sound of Music Special

Spend two nights in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salzburg - a city full of history & culture.

Combine your city trip with the Original Sound of Music Tour ® and explore the orginal film locations.

Included services:

• 2 overnights in a centrally located 4-star hotel 
• Original Sound of Music Tour ® with hotel pick-up
• "Sound of Music" colouring book for children
• Information and leaflets of Salzburg await you upon your arrival at the hotel

Book this package online  on the Panorama Tours website!

Sound of Music & Hallstatt - Private Full-Day Tour

Combine our most popular tours with this private full day tour exploring the picturesque World Heritage City of Salzburg as well as the breathtaking landscape of the Lakes and Mountain area.

Visit the picturesque village of Hallstatt - a destination of most unique historical and cultural significance, be sure not to miss this hidden gem. 

  Book this combination online  on our Panorama Tours website.

Super Saver - Salt Mine Tour & Original Sound of Music Tour ®

Save money and enjoy one day in Salzburg and its surroundings, like the Lake District and Berchtesgaden.

Spend half a day and follow the footsteps of the Trapp Family, while you visit the orignal film locations from "The Sound of Music" during our Original Sound of Music Tour ®.

The other half day you visit the Salt Mine in Berchtesgaden.

Book this combination online  on our Panorama Tours Website.

The Sound of Music at Salzburg Marionette Theatre

Enjoy a wonderful evening at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre and spend some time with the marionette puppets playing the story of the famous movie "The Sound of Music".

Book the ticket online  on our Panorama Tours website.

Sound of Music Tour & Trail - Private Full-Day Tour

• Private tour to the Sound of Music film locations in Salzburg, Salzkammergut and Werfen
• Start your day with breakfast inside Schloss Leopoldskron
• Sing 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' at the real Gazebo, in the garden of  Hellbrunn Palace
• In Werfen hike on the new  Sound of Music   Trail  and have a break at the same meadow, where  Maria  sang “do re mi” with the children
• Lunch at Obauer one of the top three restaurants in Austria (optional)
• Visit the remarkable Fortress Hohenwerfen (also known from the movie), dating back over 900 years (optional)
• Visit the beautiful Lake District, Salzkammergut and the Sound of Music Wedding Cathedral in Mondsee 

Book this private tour online  on the Panorama Tours Website!

Sound of Music Tour with Schnitzel & Noodles

Make your Original Sound of Music Tour ® even more special and treat yourself to a  3 course Sound of Music menu  after the tour at the  renowned traditional restaurant "s’Herzl" . 

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.

The Original Sound of Music Tour

Adults 60.00€ | Children 30.00€

Are you a fan of The Sound of Music ? Then you can't miss this tour!

Relive with us the making-of the ‚Sound of Music‘ movie in and around Salzburg. This tour, which has been Salzburg’s most popular tour since 1967, is a combination of both historical Salzburg and the breathtaking Lakes and Mountains region . Our guide will show you many of the film locations from the ‘Sound of Music’ and share not only background stories of the movie but also the history and culture of the region. Find out with us whether the hills of Salzburg truly are alive with the ‘Sound of Music’ as you listen to the original movie Soundtrack along the way.

The whole tour is held in English !

Please meet us at Mirabellplatz / Corner Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg (Panorama Tours Bus Terminal) some minutes before the tour starts and show your ticket.

• Mirabell Gardens: Shown in many scenes including where Maria and the children sang ‘Do-Re-Mi’.  
• The Gazebo: Where Rolf and Liesl sang ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ and Maria and the Baron sang ‘Something Good’.  
• Palace of Leopoldskron: This historical palace and its ground provided many filming locations including the lake where the boating scene took place.  
• Nonnberg Abbey: This historical abbey was used both in the movie and the true story. In real life Maria and the Baron where married here in 1927.
• St. Gilgen/Lake Wolfgang: This picturesque area was featured in the opening sequence of the movie. The village of St. Gilgen is situated directly across from the famous Schafberg mountain.  
• Church of Mondsee: The Sound of Music Wedding Church. This historical church of Mondsee was the location of the movie wedding between Maria and the Baron.
• 09:15 AM & 14:00 PM

Mirabellplatz / Ecke Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1 , 5020   Vienna

Sound of Music Original Tour

Come and join us on a wonderful ride with breathtaking views and explore the original shooting locations from the sound of music in salzburg and the lake district including the wedding church in mondsee..

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!

Sound of Music

Public tour

English , Deutsch

From € 60 per person

• Meeting point: Panorama Tours Bus Terminal
• Leopoldskron Palace
• Hellbrunn Palace
• View of Nonnberg Abbey from the bus
• Salzburg Lake District Area – St. Gilgen
• Mondsee – Wedding Chapel
• Mirabell Garden & Pegasus Fountain

Tour details

Meeting point.

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

Tour departs

Daily at 09:15 am and 2:00 pm (Jan – Dec)

Back at the meeting point

Live guide speaks

Tour operator.

Panorama Tours

Cancellation policy

24 hours  or more before start: full refund less 5% booking fees. After that time or no-show: no refund .

Accessibility

All ages welcome Children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable for people with limited mobility Wheelchair accessible

Professional live guide Transport and driver Vehicle with air condition

Food & Drink Entry fees

Things to bring

Appropriate clothing Comfortable shoes

Film series

Full description.

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 we 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 Story of the Trapp Family Singers written by Maria von Trapp in 1949.

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.

Locations (7)

1. meeting point: panorama tours bus terminal.

Meeting point: Panorama Tours Bus Terminal, Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg

2. Leopoldskron Palace

The Palace at Leopoldskron is the most beautiful rococo building in the Salzburg region. It was built in 1731 by Archbishop Leopold Count Firmian as a residence for his family.

After 1837, when the Firmian family sold the estate, the building changed owners many times. Leopoldskron was a gallery, then became property of a landlord, and even the King of Bavaria can be found under the list of owners.

When famous writer Max Reinhardt, founder of the Salzburg Festival, bought it in 1918, it was in sad condition. Reinhardt renovated it, however, to its original beauty and used its garden for theater performances. Since 1958, the building has been owned by the “Salzburg Seminar in American Studies”, an institution that focuses on economy problems.

Schloss Leopoldskron was one of the most important locations for the film: The rear view was used for the Trap Family home . The family drank lemonade with the baroness on the terrace. Maria and the baron dance on the balcony during the ball scene, and the children fell into the adjacent lake. The Venetian room from the castle was copied and used as the ballroom for the interior shootings which were done in the studios.

3. Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn Palace, just a few kilometers south of the city, was built between 1613 and 1619 under the orders of Markus Sittikus von Hohenems.

As the Archbishop had spent part of his life in Italy he tried to recreate an Italian atmosphere in this castle and its gardens. Unlike many other palaces, Hellbrunn has undergone no style changes and so, even today, the visitor can enjoy the lively southern scenery of this renaissance park.

The artificial water games in Hellbrunn with numerous grottoes, trick fountains and the mechanical toy theater were built to entertain the noble guests of Archbishop Markus Sittikus. The Impressive frescoes in the palace halls are masterpieces of the 17th century by Donato Mascagni From Florence.

The Gazebo at Hellbrunn

One of the main sites from the film is the glass gazebo, setting for various love scenes, like Sixteen Going on Seventeen and Something Good . After a complete renovation, it was reconstructed in the park of Hellbrunn Palace. This is not the original setting, which was the garden of Leopoldskron Palace, but a more accessible one for visitors.

4. View of Nonnberg Abbey from the bus

Nonnberg Convent is the oldest female convent north of the Alps. It has been in continual existence since it was founded in the year 714 A.D.

In the course of its history, the Abbey was destroyed by fire several times, but it was always rebuilt by the rulers of the city and the church. Today’s building was erected in the early 16th century. The wooden Gothic altar by the sculptor Veit Stoss is especially worth seeing . It is located in the St. John’s Chapel near the gate.

The Abbey on the Nonnberg is significant both for the real Trapp story as well as for the movie. After graduating from college, Maria Augusta von Kutschera took a train to Salzburg to present herself as a candidate for the novitiate of the Benedictine Sisterhood. After serving as a governess outside the abbey she and Baron von Trappmarried in the Abbey Church in 1927.

The Sound of Music scenes shot here include the opening part where nuns go to mass and Maria returns too late. The performance for the song “Maria” was staged in the courtyard of the Abbey. The children came to the Abbey’s gate to ask Maria to return to their home. The escape scene, with the cars parked outside the Abbey gate, was also shot in the original spot.

5. Salzburg Lake District Area – St. Gilgen

St. Gilgen is situated on another popular lake of the Salzkammergut, the Wolfgangsee . Mozart’s mother, Anna Pertl, was born here. That is why a little Mozart museum has been set up in the city center.

6. Mondsee – Wedding Chapel

A large cathedral dominates the small town of Mondsee. It was once the heart of an important monastery. Founded in 748 on the ruins of a roman settlement, it influenced the culture of the region for more than a thousand years until it was dissolved in 1792. The wedding scene in the movie was filmed here, Maria , led by Liesl , walked down the aisle to meet the baron in front of the main altar.

7. Mirabell Garden & Pegasus Fountain

Its characteristic, large, symmetrical flowerbeds make this garden a good example of a typical Baroque park.

It was built in the 18th century following the plans of the famous architect F ischer von Erlach . Countless statues inspired by Greek myths can be seen throughout the park which is centered by a big fountain. In the film, Maria and the children danced around the Fountain singing “Do-Re-Mi”.

The Pegasus fountain next to the 17th century palace can also be spotted in the movie. The stairs leading up to the rose hill were part of the choreography as well.

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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.

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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.

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Sound of Music Tours Salzburg – Which one is the Best?

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Do you want to relive your favourite scenes from the classic musical on a Sound of Music tour in Salzburg ?

Find out more about the locations where the Sound of Music was filmed, how much tours cost, what to see nearby and more.

If you are looking for Sound of Music tours departing from Vienna or Munich, scroll until the bottom to read about them.

Are you ready to book your Sound of Music tour right now?

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Sound of Music tour:

• from Salzburg
• from Vienna
• from Munich

What are the most popular Sound of Music film locations in Salzburg?

The Sound of Music Tour’s itinerary is perfectly designed to make sure you see all the locations appearing in the film . Tour the picturesque city of Salzburg (Austria) and discover the beautiful sites where the opening scenes of the movie The Sound of Music were filmed.

Here is a brief list of the locations to ensure you don’t miss out on any of them.

1 – Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Where Maria and the children were seen dancing around the statue of Pegasus, the winged horse and throughout the gardens singing “Do-Re-Mi”.

2 – Leopoldskron Castle

The castle used to be Trapp’s family home, where the children were boating on the Leopoldskron Lake and fell into the water.

3- Hedge Maze & Gnome Park

This location is from the scenes from the “Do, Re, Mi” song including skipping down the vine tunnel and the children patting the dwarf with glasses on the head.

4 – Winkler Terrace

The breathtaking Winkler Terrace sits high up on Monk’s Hill overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg. This is where Maria and the children 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.

5 – Horse Bath

The scenery is shown when Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath in the song “My Favorite Things”.

6 – Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion

Fascinating castle built in the early 17 th century and beautiful gardens with the glass pavilion, which attracts many still after 30 years.

7 – Rock Riding School

The Rock Riding School was home to some of the most important film scenes in the Sound of Music movie.

8 – Nonnberg Abbey

One of the oldest convents in Europe, where Maria was a novice and also where Maria and the Baron got married in the film.

9 – St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang

The scenery is shown at the beginning of the film at Lake Fuschl on the way to St Gilgen.

10 – Mondsee Wedding Church

The location used for Maria and the Baron’s wedding in the film.

11 – Frohnburg Palace

This Palace was used as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family home. A total of 5 scenes were shot here.

12 – Werfen Picnic Meadow

Perched just above the village of Werfen, this is where the famous picnic scene took place, where Maria and the kids first start the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

How should I explore the locations of the Sound of Music?

You may explore the original shooting locations on the Sound of Music by bus, on foot or by bicycle.

The Sound of Music tours mainly offer bus transportation to all the different film locations so you don’t need to worry about getting lost whilst finding the exact locations.

• Sound of Music Bus Tours

If you are feeling active and have plenty of time to spare, you can walk to all the different film locations as they are relatively in walk distance to each other. This way you can wander around more and maybe find some beautiful spots in the surroundings to chill.

• Sound of Music Walking Tours

Riding a bicycle is always fun so why not explore the sites in this way? The Sound of Music bicycle tours are cheaper than bus tours. You can check out the best ones on TourScanner!

• Sound of Music Bike Tours

How much does a Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg cost? How to book a tour?

You will find The Sound of Music Tour for 45€ at the cheapest price, offered by different companies such as Viator, Getyourguide or Musement. All these tours are normally similar and offer the same things, such as transport to all the different setting locations of the films, a tour guide who will accompany you at all times, etc. Some providers may offer some discounts at certain times of the year.

• Compare Sound of Music Tours from Salzburg

Are there combo tours that include other popular attractions?

Yes, there are different combinations offered if you want to explore Salzburg and its surroundings a little bit more in-depth.

Sound of Music + Salt Mines daily tour

There are tours that include a visit to the Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden , where you will be transported into the heart of the mountain with a train , and you will be able to engage in amazing activities like the miner’s slide and the raft that sails the underground lake . It will be an incredible time, and one that kids will surely love!

• Compare Sound of Music and Salt Mines tours

Sound of Music + food tour

If touring all day works up your appetite, these tours have got you covered! They usually include a 3-course meal with a traditional Schnitzel to round up the Sound of Music locations tour, and can cost around 100€ .

• Compare Sound of Music and food tours

Sound of Music + Eagle’s Nest tour

If you’re looking for an exclusive and personalized experience, this private tour that takes you all the way to the Eagle’s Nest is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s more expensive than the others, since it’s a private tour and it lasts 9 hours , but if you have a big group, splitting the cost might make it more affordable.

Are there any Sound of Music tours departing from Vienna?

Yes, some Sound of Music private tours are leaving from Vienna as well, which include all the main sights, plus the visit of Salzburg . Taking a day tour departing from and returning to Vienna may be very convenient if you are staying in Vienna and you have not planned (or you don’t have the time) to visit and stay overnight in Salzburg. The price is higher since Vienna and Salzburg are quite far away and the tours are private for you. However, the cost of the private tours is fixed for a group (about 400 €), so if you are a family or a larger group (up to 8 people), it is still affordable.

• Compare Sound of Music Tours from Vienna

Are there any Sound of Music tours from Munich?

Yes, of course. Salzburg is located only 140 km away from Munich , near the German-Austrian border. Therefore, you can reach Salzburg on a tour departing from Munich.

Most of the day trips leaving from Munich will include a guided visit to the city of Salzburg plus a complete tour of the most important locations in which The Sound of Music was filmed.

• Compare Sound of Music Tours from Munich

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions.

What to do next? Check out our list of fun and unusual things to do in Salzburg .

Happy travels!

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The Sound of Music Tour

• 9 / 10 93 reviews | 828 travellers The guide was wonderful!!! He did a lot to make this activity excellent!! 10 Patricia
• Free cancellation up to 3 days before
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Tour the Salzburg locations where the legendary musical The Sound of Music was filmed, immersing yourself once more in the story of the Von Trapp family and their nanny.

The tour meets on Hubert-Sattler-Gasse street, where we'll begin our Sound of Music tour of Salzburg, visiting the Mirabell Gardens . This is in fact the very park where Maria, the Von Trapp's nanny, played by Julie Andrews teaches the children the famous song. Do, a deer, a female deer ... you know how it goes! 

The route then continues, taking a bus to the  Leopoldskron Palace . The lake found next to this majestic historic building was also the scene of numerous scenes from the film. Do you remember which takes came from the Leopoldskron?

From here, we head to Hellbrunn Palace , where the famous song Sixteen Going on Seventeen and the scene where Maria and Baron Von Trapp kiss was filmed. Our next stop will take place in front of the Nonnberg Abbey , a monument intrinsically linked with the Von Trapp family.

From the historic center of Salzburg, we then set off to enjoy the bucolic landscapes of Lake Wolfgang and Lake Fuschl . These green landscapes were where the opening scenes of The Sound of Music were recorded.

Then to finish the tour we make our way to the town of  Mondsee , where we'll take a look inside the church that hosted the long-awaited wedding in the film. Don't worry, there won't be any spoilers for anyone who's yet to see the film!

Finally, with the sound of music ringing in our ears, we'll head back to Salzburg where the tour ends.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide specialized in the history of Salzburg

Transfer in an air–conditioned minibus

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Panorama Tours Salzburg Show more

Corporate name: Salzburg Panorama Tours GmbH

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Hubert-Sattler-Gasse, 1

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Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from The Sound of Music

On a trip to Salzburg, one writer discovers what really went on during the film's most famous scenes.

Your guide will suit you up with a pretty sweet cruiser that even your grandmother could ride, and provide ponchos if a light sprinkle rolls through. Your favorite songs can—and will—be sung with the group as you cycle from one film scene to the next as part of a surprisingly authentic, not-at-all cheesy tourist attraction.

For the ultimate in voyeuristic and nostalgic travel, here we give you all the must-see sites to visit and behind-the-scenes scoops you'll learn as you journey through the film in order of the soundtrack, naturally.

"My heart wants to sing every song it hears"

Track 1: The Sound of Music

We all know the scene: snowcapped mountains, picturesque rolling green hills, flower-dotted meadows, and a whirling Julie Andrews, about to launch into the song that will take on the world. Arguably one of the most famous openers in movie history, The Sound of Music is sung by Andrews at the top of the Untersberg , a 6,473-foot peak only nine miles from the city center.

And there's the rub.

Anyone who remembers the scene that follows knows the impossibility of such a scenario. Maria, caught up in nature and song, loses track of time before hearing the abbey bells and rushing down the hill. Turns out geography wouldn't quite work for in her favor.

Behind the Scenes : The actual location for this distinctive opening scene was a mountain in Bavaria. Getting a spat of sunshine long enough to capture the shot was extremely difficult for director Robert Wise and company, as there were consistent clouds during filming. For four consecutive days, Andrews and crew schlepped up to the top of the hill to capture the scene and failed.

Not to mention, poor Andrews kept getting blown over by the helicopter's blade winds, despite attempts to dig her heels into the ground for leverage. Needless to say, she got quite frustrated with the whole ordeal. On the fifth day, the crew finally had some luck with about 20 solid minutes of sun. If you watch closely, you'll see that toward the end of the opening song, the sky isn't nearly as bright and blue as when it started.

"How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"

Track 4: Maria

Flustered and embarrassed about her tardiness, Maria arrives at the Nonnberg Abbey , greeted by a group of nuns who've just finished singing about their conflicting feelings for the would-be nun. "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" they croon from the central courtyard of the abbey.

Behind the Scenes : In the film, we see the interior of an abbey that's actually a Hollywood studio, but the exterior shots are authentic. After a one-on-one with the Mother Abbess, Maria is sent off to pursue a new life's quest, which is when we see Nonnberg's exterior door, plaque, and some of its surroundings.

This site is arguably the most quaint and picturesque that you'll see on the real-life tour—and one you won't have the privilege of getting to on the bus version. The abbey sits atop a hill accessed by thin, windy, cobblestone streets, inaccessible by coach. (It's the part of the bike ride where you'll start to work off some strudel, but the reward at the top is worth the effort.)

"Besides which you see, I have confidence in me!"

Track 5: I Have Confidence

A quick refresher for those who haven't watched the movie 27 times: Andrews' character, Maria, the young and adorable nun-in-training, is sent away by the Mother Abbess on a "mission" to help raise the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp's seven children as their new governess (a.k.a. nanny). The Mother Abbess secretly knows that Maria will enjoy this job more than life at the abbey, and sure enough, Maria falls in love with the children, and, in short order, the Captain (a dashing young Christopher Plummer) too.

As Maria leaves the abbey and embarks on her journey, singing "Confidence," we see some of Salzburg's most famous sites in Altstadt (Old Town), such as Cathedral Square and the Residenzplatz horse fountain where she flips a splash of water for good measure. She then arrives at the Von Trapp's clicking her heels as she exits the bus and runs down Hellbrunner Allee , ready to meet her new challenge.

Behind the Scenes : The yellow home used to film the exterior of the von Trapp house is actually the Mozarteum Salzburg , a music and dramatic arts university founded in 1841, named after the city's most respected and renowned artist, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The wrought iron gate is as tall as it appears in the film, sitting around eye level with Andrews. During one take of the scene where she tentatively opens the door before running inside, Andrews accidentally tripped.

The directors loved this flub so much, they decided to keep it in the final cut and work the clumsy, approachable side more into Maria's character. Just one of the many reasons audiences can't help but love her.

The back of the house, where you'll see scenes with the Captain and the lovely, but ultimately short-lived Baroness Schraeder, is from another location, Leopoldskron , which now functions as a five-star hotel. In the film you can catch glimpses of this white, stately, lakeside estate right after the Captain returns from a trip to Vienna to find his children forever changed (in the best possible way) by their new governess.

Some of the sites Maria passes in her confident singing jaunt reappear later in the movie under a more somber tone. The cathedral and its beautiful square appear are seen when the Germans have overtaken the city and strung swastika flags in Old Town. The filming for this scene was controversial, as local government officials did not want Wise to hang the flags in public for obvious reasons. However, when Wise mentioned he would instead use original newsreel tapes from Hitler's visit to the city, officials agreed it would be better to recreate the scene so as not to showcase Nazi sympathizers who appear in actual archival footage. It was a no-win situation.

Although Wise agreed to film the scenes just after sunrise to mitigate crowds, some confused residents still saw the flags and became unsettled. The site of swastikas only 20 years after the war was a fresh wound for many.

"Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet"

Track 6: Sixteen Going on Seventeen

Soon after Maria's hopeful hop through town and arrival at the von Trapp residence, we find out that the Captain's oldest daughter, Liesl, played by the late Charmian Carr, has a secret love interest. On Maria's first night as a dinner guest, the sixteen-year-old Liesl escapes from the dinner table to meet the telegram delivery boy, Rolf. They share a song, "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," dance, and saccharine-sweet kiss (though we'll later learn that Rolf isn't such an upstanding young Austrian after all) inside the garden's gazebo.

Behind the Scenes : The gazebo you'll see on Maria's Bicycle Tour is the actual gazebo used for this scene, gifted to the city of Salzburg after the filming of the movie. But the inside of this gazebo is not where the Liesl and Rolf dance—or the subsequent love scene between Maria and the Captain—took place. It turned out the interior was too small for the actors to perform their dance, so producers recreated the interior at their Hollywood studio.

All that jumping from bench to bench was as dangerous as it looked and Carr injured her ankle during filming. Being the trooper she was, Carr kept dancing on the injury until directors were happy with the scene. Earlier versions of the film show a bandage peeking out of her shoe, though in re-mastered versions it's not visible.

"Let's start at the very beginning…"

Track 9: Do Re Mi

Depending on your guide's preference, you'll either start or end your tour at Mirabell Palace and its lush gardens. The gardens are featured in the movie when Maria first takes the children out in their "play clothes," which she has dutifully sewn from recycled curtains.

While teaching Liesl, Gretl, and the rest of the crew how to sing via the beloved, "Do-Re-Mi," Maria ushers the children through some of the most famous sites in Salzburg, ending the song with an iconic hand-on-head pose at the top of Mirabell's steps.

Behind the Scenes : Over the years, the city's population has endured a love/hate relationship with the movie. While it undoubtedly brought worldwide attention and fame to Salzburg, some felt the movie lacked the sophistication of its real musical heroes—particularly Mozart. But in 2011, a new tradition helped the city warm up to the Sound of Music 's tourism pull (and surely residents have come to understand the boon to tourism the film has become.) That new tradition, an annual performance of the musical in Austrian-German with English subtitles, was born at the Landestheatre Salzburg , a stone's throw from Mirabell Palace and gardens.

As one of Salzburg's central attractions, Mirabell Palace and its gardens help contribute to the 300,000 tourists a year who visit the city. As a last stop on your tour, it will require extreme willpower to refrain from running through the garden's arbor tunnel as Maria and her clan do during the joyful number.

"So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye"

Track 15: So Long, Farewell

After a three and a half hour bike tour and a sprint through the gardens, you'll be ready to treat yourself to the impossibly decadent sachertorte at the one and only Hotel Sacher , a short walk from the palace.

Behind the Scenes: Christopher Plummer did just that perhaps one too many times during filming. Toward the end of the shoot he had to be refit for wardrobe: Austrian pastries and schnapps, much of which was consumed at the Hotel Bristol , had gotten the better of him. The extra pounds didn't stop Plummer from some harmless flirting with a much younger Carr, who handled it graciously. When asked what she learned from him, she reportedly said, "how to drink."

It's little wonder that six weeks of filming in the magical city of Salzburg inspired a lifelong friendship among members of the cast, particularly Andrews and Plummer. Maria's Bicycle Tour makes it easy to see why…and hard to resist a sing along.

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A Complete Guide to The Sound of Music in Salzburg

By Helene Sula

Austria has quickly become one of my favorite things. Walking around the charming town of Salzburg made me feel like I'm sixteen going on seventeen. The little towns nearby will make you want to climb ev'ry mountain and maybe you'll be lucky enough to see a lonely goatherd. Okay, how many “Sound of Music” songs did I just include in this paragraph? Hopefully my references won't make you say so long, farewell to this blog post. OKAY I'm stopping. Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Here's my complete guide to the Sound of Music in Salzburg.

Salzburg: The Sound of Music Shooting Locations

You know how a movie often over romanticizes a place and it's beauty? That isn't the case in Salzburg, or Austria in general. Watch the first few minutes of The Sound of Music and the movie pans to various locations of loveliness in Austria. This sincerely paints a picture of Austria's immense mountains, tiny villages filled with tower steeples, and crystal blue lakes. It's beautiful and quaint and I adore it.

When I started doing research on what to do in Salzburg I knew I was doing ONE thing for sure: The Sound of Music Tour. But I found a blog post talking about how it wasn't “authentic” and real Austrians didn't know a thing about the movie. To that I say: no, you're just wrong . The Von Trapp Family is a TRUE STORY and obviously made an impact not only because of the Hollywood movie. It illustrates the tough times during Nazi reign in Austria and across the world. It boasts some of the best music of all time and it traces through the real history of nuns, music, and Austria itself. Basically, don't listen to the haters and do your thing. Because seeing The Sound of Music sites is awesome. And yes, I sang aloud. A lot.

As far as your options go for tours you have: a bus tour, a bike tour, or do it yourself. I am not really a bus person and I just wanted to do it on my own. So we did a self guided tour. Don't worry, I'll provide you with all the details here! If you are wanting to do an organized tour then go for it! It's just a little pricey but obviously easier to find the spots when someone takes you around. Salzburg's official website does a wonderful job of listing out the locations as well.

The Sound of Music sites around Salzburg

This is the fountain they sing around before marching up the steps as pictured in the top photo.

Dress found here . ( Similar in blue )

You can frolic and sing around the gardens as you please. As you walk to the next locations, cross over the love-lock “ Makartsteg ” bridge for a great view of Salzburg.

From here, you can walk to Karajan Square and the “Horse Pond .” This is called the Horse Pond because it was used in the 17th century for horses to cool off. In the movie they marvel at the fountain while singing and as Maria sings “I Have Confidence” on her way to the Von Trapp family.

Walk just a short distance to the “ Felsenreitschule ” in German or Rock Riding School . This is where the whole family comes together for the talent show to sing for the choir competition right before they fled from the Nazis. This is the exact same place the real family sang!

Next, we walked over to Stitfskirche or “ Nonnberg Abbey ” which is the nunnery and prayer scene. Don't forget to go inside the beautiful church. The interior of the abbey was recreated in the studio, but the exterior is the actual nunnery where the real Maria was a nun! This is also the same backdrop for the movie.

Walk on over to towards the Fortress (the tall castle on top of the hill) to St. Peter's Cemetery . Here, you'll see more flowers than graves. This is well known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries. You'll notice this is a scene from when they are hiding from the Nazis.

Remember when Maria and the children are in the carriage ride through the city? In it, they pass by the lovely Residenzplatz Square and fountain . I loved this area in general because it's filled with beautiful baroque architecture. Fifty five medieval buildings were torn down to make room for this square, so it's huge. If you have time, you can also pop into the DomQuartier museum. This former palace, now museum has lots of beautiful artifacts and art.

The next day, we rented a car to tackle some more of The Sound of Music filming locations and go a little outside of town to Hallstatt- a beautiful lake about an hour or so from Salzburg. First, we headed to Schloss Leopoldskron which was the scenes for the Von Trapp Family home. It's now a hotel and sits right on the edge of the lake. It's really beautiful with meticulously decorated gardens.

Dress found here.

Next we drove to my favorite, arguably, most iconic spots: the gazebo. I admit it, I started tearing up as we made our way up to the beautiful little gazebo . And of course, I sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Here's another advantage of going on your own: there was no one around. I gallivanted, skipped, and leapt while my very kind husband snapped pictures. Then the throngs of people came off the tour bus.

The gazebo is on the grounds of Schloss Hellbrunn and you can take a tour inside of this bright orange palace. There are gardens and even “trick fountains” here as well. You do have to pay extra for that, but going to the gazebo is free.

Outside of Salzburg filming locations:

I didn't venture here, because truly, you can climb up any mountain in Austria to feel like the hills are alive. But if you want THE mountain, go over to Mount Untersberg , about 2 hours from Salzburg.

The wedding scenes were also filmed outside of Salzburg. You can go to Cathedral of Mondsee which was used for their ceremony. The church dates back to a 748 Roman settlement and is worth the trip to see the grand cathedral.

Here is a map of all the locations to make finding them a breeze! [powr-map id=24183cf8_1500905954]

Just walking around the city you'll get a feel for music and Salzburg. It's small and beautiful, so it's easy to tackle this city as well as Mozart's childhood home and a few museums, in addition to The Sound of Music shooting locations.

What I love about touring the city via the Sound of Music sites is that you unravel the truth about the Hollywood legend. The movie did a great job of capturing the beauty of Salzburg. The family truly believe in music as a way of bringing people together and you get that same feeling in Salzburg. Whether you're interested in the movie, Mozart, or just want to get a taste of the alps, this city should be on your list.

Find more guides to Austria here .

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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‎ 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.

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• This is Salzburg
• The Sound of Music

Musical - The Sound of Music

In 2011, the stage musical “The Sound of Music” celebrated its premiere at the Salzburger Landestheater. Since it was filmed back in 1965, the story of the Trapp family has become world famous.

A musical based on the life of the famous Trapp family

The story tells of the young novice nun Maria. Between the two World Wars, she came into the Trapp household as a nanny to the children. There, she fell in love with widower Georg von Trapp and married him. Their family choir made them famous, but finally they were forced to flee to the United States.

"The Sound of Music" comes home to Salzburg

Every year, many tourists walk in the footsteps of Maria von Trapp and visit original shooting locations from the movie, where Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer sang, danced and acted. For the longest time, “The Sound of Music” and the cult which surrounds it were practically unknown in Austria and Salzburg. But through the musical, a piece of Salzburg has now returned to its roots.

Performance lasts about 3 hours / one intermission

Event Overview

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Mozart in the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace

Enjoy finest chamber music and orchestra concerts with compositions of Mozart and his contemporaries.

Best of Mozart Concerts & Best of Mozart Dinner Concerts

Fortress Hohensalzburg: Culinary and musical delights high above the city's rooftops

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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)

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The 12 best things to do in Salzburg

M ozart on one corner, Maria on the next – Salzburg’s two biggest exports have made a massive mark on this city, whether you’re into high culture or Hollywood. And Salzburg offers plenty of high notes in terms of sights and setting, with baroque finery, a fortress of your wildest childhood dreams, fountain-splashed parks and a parade of Alpine peaks to explore and admire. Embrace the kitsch, hear classical music of world renown, go off-piste in quiet medieval backstreets, climb a mountain, dip into a modern art gallery, drift from abbey to palace to cathedral, and you’ll fall for a city that moves from urban to outdoors without missing a single beat.

Find things to do by area

• Altstadt: Left Bank
• Altstadt: Right Bank
• Mönchsberg 

Left Bank: Altstadt

Climb to the high-on-a-hill castle.

There are castles, and then there are castles, and this medieval fortress, strategically plonked on a hill above Salzburg’s baroque Altstadt, is one to outshine them all. Visits at Fortress Hohensalzburg present a fascinating romp through 900 years of history, whisking you back to when the prince-archbishops ruled the show. Top billing goes to the opulent Golden Hall – so named because of its gilded, coffered ceiling – where classical concertsreverberate year-round. The ramparts afford grandstand views over the city’s spires and domes to the mountains beyond.

Insider's tip:  You can cheat by taking the lift, but a more memorable approach the fortress is the hike up Festungsgasse, ramping up the anticipation and views! 

Contact: salzburg-burgen.at 

Be floored by baroque finery

Salzburg’s historic centre is so architecturally impressive it has been stamped with Unesco World status, and the jewel in its baroque crown is the DomQuartier. This cultural colossus of a district brings together the copper-domed, lavishly frescoed cathedral, the Residenz palace state rooms and gallery, bankrolled by the prince-archbishops, the Dommuseum’s stash of sacred art, and St Peter’s Abbey, racing you through 1300 years of history.

Insider’s tip: A single ticket gives you access to everywhere, or you can get in with a money-saving Salzburg Card. Check out the website for the latest on events and themed guided tours.

Contact: domquartier.at

Hear the dawn chorus at Nonnberg Abbey

Remember the nuns belting out about Maria and waltzing on their way to mass in The Sound of Music? High on a hill above Salzburg, this abbey was used as the backdrop in the film (and it’s also where the real-life Maria was a novice nun before becoming a governess). Founded in 715 by St Rupert, the 1300-year-old Benedictine convent has grandstand views over the city’s rooftops and river. Climb up the Nonnbergstiege staircase from Kaigasse first thing in the morning, as the sun rises over the Alps, for the spine-tingling sound of nuns chanting Gregorian chorales at 6.45am, or take a peek inside the rib-vaulted church, adorned with time-worn Romanesque frescoes.

Insider’s tip: If you don’t fancy an early start, pop by in the afternoon (4:45pm on weekdays, 5pm on Saturdays, and 4:30pm on Sundays) to hear the abbey reverberate with song.

Contact: nonnberg.at

Price: free

Get into the Mozart groove

You can’t move for Mozart in Salzburg. Austria’s A-list composer was born and bred here - a fact celebrated at a double whammy of museums. First up is the yellow house on Getreidegasse where he was born in 1756, which explores his early days through instruments, portraits and memorabilia (look out for his miniature violin). On an operatic spin of his residence, you’ll see his original fortepiano. He could play both by the tender age of five! 

Insider's tip:  Save by buying a combined ticket for both museums. Intimate chamber concerts of Mozart’s music are held regularly in the lavish baroque Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace.

Contact: mozarteum.at ; Schloss Konzerte chamber concerts schlosskonzerte-salzburg.at

Right Bank: Altstadt

Do a maria as you cycle the city.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Julie Andrews – or even if you can’t sing for toffee – Fräulein Maria's Bicycle Tours are a blast. The fun-loving guides lead sing-as-you-pedal tours of The Sound of Music film locations, including the Mirabell Gardens of Do-Re-Mi fame, Nonnberg Abbey, and the gazebo at Leopoldskron Palace where Liesl and Rolf croon Sixteen Going on Seventeen.

Insider's tip:  Advance bookings are highly recommended and the 3½-hour tours take place no matter the weather (ponchos are provided for sudden downpours). The meeting point is on Mirabellplatz - look out for the sign just left of the entrance to Mirabell Palace. 

Contact: mariasbicycletours.com

Waltz around palace gardens

In terms of photo ops, there’s no finer place to see the fortress hovering above the domes and spires of Salzburg than from the immaculately landscaped gardens of the baroque Mirabell Palace. Bring a picnic and enjoy those wide-screen views as you take a wander through the ornamental rose gardens, parterres and along tree-lined avenues. Folk music bands blast out oompah-pah on summer weekends in the hedge theatre.

Insider’s tip: Sound of Music fan? Then you’ll certainly recognize the steps where the von Trapps practised Do-Re-Mi, the Pegasus fountain and the Dwarf Garden.

Contact: salzburg.info

Walk along medieval Steingasse

Just back from the river, tucked-away Steingasse is one of the city’s most endearing back alleys. The twisting lane’s cobblestones, arches and slender, pastel-hued houses have changed little since medieval times when potters, tanners and dyers plied their trade here. Back then it was the main north-south route through the mountains to Italy. The alley is at its prettiest in the soft light of morning or when lantern lit by night. 

Insider's tip:  Right at the start of the lane (close to the Imberg steps threading up to the wooded peak of Kapuzinerberg), look out for a plaque commemorating one-time resident Joseph Mohr, the lyricist of the Christmas carol Silent Night.

Price: Free

See marionettes perform on a miniature stage

Puppets just for kids? Not at Salzburg’s Unesco World Heritage Marionette Theatre, where puppeteers perform marionette magic with such finesse you barely notice the strings. The costumes and stage sets are every bit as intricate as in a real theatre, and the repertoire leaps from classics like The Sound of Music to Mozart’s Magic Flute, Beethoven’s Fidelio and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Insider's tip:  Arrive in plenty of time to appreciate the neo-baroque beauty of the building. The theatre is surprisingly grand, with stucco, chandeliers and even a miniature red curtain! 

Contact: marionetten.at

Roll along the river

With cycle paths threading along the banks of the milky turquoise Salzach River whisking you from meadow to the foothills of the Alps, getting on your bike in Salzburg is a brilliant way to give the crowds the slip – particularly when the city is fit to burst in the height of summer. Pack a picnic and your bathers, rent your wheels and roll on south, pausing for photogenic glimpses of the castle and domes and spires of the Altstadt. 

Stop off at the Volksgarten park for a refreshing swim in the lido, or continue south to the lavish summer palace and trick fountains at Schloss Hellbrunn. On hot summer days, Waldbad Anif is lovelier still, with its glassy green-blue waters for swimming, canoeing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. 

Insider's tip: E-bikes, city, mountain bikes and children's bikes can be rented at aVelo at the Staatsbrücke from April to October.

Contact: avelosalzburg.com

Admire cutting-edge art on a clifftop

A lift whizzes up to 540m Mönchsberg, whose sheer cliffs rise like a theatre curtain above Salzburg. Sitting astride this modest peak is the Museum der Moderne, which presents a cracking rotating line-up of contemporary art exhibitions in a stark white-marble rectangle, with mediums skipping from photography to graphic art. For fabulous views across the city to the fortress, check out the terrace at M32 café and restaurant.

Insider’s tip: The gallery is only the beginning. Go for a stroll up here and you’ll encounter a number of public art works. Or hike all the way to the Augustiner Bräustübl beer hall, taking the woods and dreamy mountain views in your stride.

Contact:  museumdermoderne.at

Price:  ££

Hitch a ride to the Alps

Getting from the city to the peaks is a breeze in Salzburg, where the sensational Alpine backdrop will have you itching to head into the hills. At 1972m above sea level and grazing the German border, Untersberg is high enough for a proper mountain fix, with walking trails, paragliding and mountain lodges dishing up hearty Austrian grub in summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. There are phenomenal views of the Berchtesgaden Alps and Salzburg from above. 

Insider's tip:  Bring sensible footwear if you’re planning on hiking. It’s a quick and easy stroll to the cross-topped viewpoint at Salzburg Hochthron (1853m). Memorable half-day hikes include the one to the Schellenberger ice caves over the border in Bavaria. 

Contact: untersbergbahn.at

Enjoy a regal soaking at Hellbrunn

The trick fountains are the icing on the fantastical baroque cake at Schloss Hellbrunn, the grand 17th-century summer palace where Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus gave flight to his humorous fantasies. Go on a day when the sun’s out and you won’t mind when you get drenched in the shell-bedecked grotto, mock Roman ruins and water-driven mechanical theatre. Hook onto one of the hourly tours. 

Insider’s tip: The landscape gardens are delightful, sprinkled with fountains and sculptures and lawns perfect for summer picnics. Keep an eye out for the Sound of Music pavilion of Sixteen Going on Seventeen fame.

Contact: hellbrunn.at

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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Start the week by scrunching your face to new Bleed From Within single Hands Of Sin

The Scottish metal aggressors will be supporting Slipknot in arenas later this year

Scottish metal juggernauts Bleed From Within have released a new single called Hands Of Sin .

The gnarly-sounding track was unveiled today (June 10), accompanied by a music video directed by Zak Pinchin.

Drummer Ali Richardson comments: “ Hands Of Sin marks a new chapter for Bleed From Within.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard on this material and pushed ourselves as songwriters. The result is one of the best songs we’ve ever written and we’re incredibly proud to share it with the world.

“Can not wait to play this on the festivals stages this summer. Play it loud!”

Hands Of Sin is the band’s first new music of 2024, though they released three songs late last year – The Will To Resist , Overthrone and Chemical Carnival – as part of the deluxe edition of latest album Shrine .

As well as releasing material, Bleed From Within are busy on the road. They’re currently playing the European festival circuit, with appearances scheduled for Download (UK), Graspop (Belgium), Hellfest (France) and more.

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The band will then tour the continent with Slipknot as part of the nu metal legends’ 25th anniversary celebrations .

See the full list of those dates and get tickets below.

Bleed From Within formed in 2005 and have thus far released six albums: Humanity (2009), Empire (2010), Uprising (2013), Era (2018), Fracture (2020) and Shrine (2022).

The band’s breakthrough single, The End Of All We Know , was released in 2020 and has amassed upwards of 30 million Spotify streams.

They’ve since toured North America and Europe with the likes of Trivium , August Burns Red, Orbit Culture and more.

It’s unknown at time of writing whether Hands Of Sin is a standalone single or will appear on a seventh, as-yet-unannounced album from the band.

Slipknot / Bleed From Within 2024 tour dates:

Dec 05: Amsterdam Ziggo Dome, Netherlands Dec 06: Dortmund Westfalenhalle, Germany Dec 08: Stuttgart Schleyerhalle, Germany Dec 09: Leipzig Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Germany Dec 11: Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland Dec 12: Paris Accorhotel Arena, France Dec 14: Leeds First Direct Arena, UK Dec 15: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK Dec 17: Manchester Co-op Live Arena, UK Dec 18: Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK Dec 20: London O2 Arena, UK

Get tickets.

Louder’s resident Gojira obsessive was still at uni when he joined the team in 2017. Since then, Matt’s become a regular in Prog and Metal Hammer, at his happiest when interviewing the most forward-thinking artists heavy music can muster. He’s got bylines in The Guardian, The Telegraph, NME, Guitar and many others, too. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him skydiving, scuba diving or coasteering.

Watch The Dillinger Escape Plan play first show in seven years

“Dua Lipa and all the big pop stars are awesome, but how many times can you sing about a lover not being good enough?” Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes critiques pop music, names the artist he thinks represents what a “pop star should be”

Powerviolence nasties Nails announce new album Every Bridge Burning, release lead single Imposing Will, are still nasty

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Video Shows Bad Bunny's Crotch Area Snagged by Dancer's Tights During Show

Benito was flustered when the embarrassing moment happened in the middle of a tour stop in Puerto Rico.

A Bad Bunny performance in Puerto Rico took an embarrassin turn for the worst when the artist had a wardrobe malfunction onstage.

On Saturday (June 8), Benito had a show in San Juan, when a sultry move with one of his backup dancers accidently turned into a mishap. While the dancer began gyrating on him her tights caught onto his jeans and the two literally had to be ripped apart from each other. The moment got some laughs from Bunny and the rest of the onstage crew, although he and the dancer nearly took a spill.

The 17-second clip also went viral, and got various reactions, like one person thinking that the dancer's actual skin was tugged by Bunny's pants, while another guessed that his on-off girlfriend, Kendall Jenner , would be displeased.

Pequeño incidente de Bad Bunny y su bailarina anoche en su concierto en Puerto Rico. 😂 pic.twitter.com/z49DnZO2e1 — Bunny’s Network (@badbunnynetwork) June 8, 2024

Regarding his Most Wanted Tour, which ended on Sunday (June 9), Bad Bunny spoke to Complex's Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo in a feature published earlier this month.

"We can be working on something for a year, and two days before I say “no” [ laughs ]... Karina [Ortiz, choreographer] starts to show me what there is, and I say, “Yeah, ok, we have to change this, let’s do this,” and that’s the way I envision things," the 3-time Grammy winner said about his recent tour.

View this video on YouTube

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Spotify’s 2024 Podcast Trends: sight meets sound & the rise of the ‘podfluencer’

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By Jenni Baker, Senior Editor

June 6, 2024 | 5 min read

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Diving into Spotify’s ‘2024 Podcast Trends Tour’ report, we give you the rundown on the latest happenings in the space and how brands can capture their audience’s attention through podcasts.

Spotify's '2024 Podcast Trends Tour' discusses how podcast hosts can be powerful tools for advertisers

From Taylor Swift’s latest album drop to The Traitors finale, various sports events and film awards, cultural moments naturally dominate the online news agenda, both on our screens and in our ears, as audiences increasingly turn to podcasts on Spotify to get their fill.

The trend is just one among the 12 featured in Spotify’s ‘ 2024 Podcast Trends Tour ’, with huge spikes in podcast listening around these conversations. And speaking of culture, another notable trend Spotify highlights in the report is the evolution from social media influencers to a new powerful marketing conduit: the ‘podfluencers’.

These influential podcast hosts are commanding substantial trust and authority among audiences, with 63% of people saying they trust their favorite podcast host more than their favorite social media influencer. What’s more, this trust is translating into purchasing decisions: 48% of Gen Z and millennials say they are more likely to be interested in ads and products when they’re promoted by their favorite podcasters.

These podcasters are moving away from traditional formats and towards interactive tools to build stronger connections with their audience; one in three say that polls and interactivity are most helpful, while more say they are achieving higher consumption times and completion rates in this way. The report finds that, for advertisers, the addition of call-to-action cards to podcast campaigns can double website visits, compared to standard non-clickable ads.

“Through the Podcast Trends Tour, we’re uncovering just how powerful podcast hosts can be for advertisers looking to connect with audiences in a real way,” said Jenny Haggard, global brand strategy and thought leadership lead, Spotify. “Almost half of millennials and Gen Zs said they trust brand or product ads in podcasts because of the trusted relationship they have with the hosts. That’s powerful, and it’s only one of the many reasons podcast ads are so impactful.”

From stream to screen

Hold the phone (literally) because another key takeaway from the report is that podcasts aren’t just for listening anymore. In fact, Spotify has seen a 39% global increase in average daily streams of video podcasts – with +64% more video episodes and +78% more video shows released on Spotify year-on-year, suggesting there’s a new opportunity to tap into sight and sound to deliver messages that resonate with audiences.

The advice for brands who want to make a deeper impact is to tell their brand story across multiple formats, with immersive audio spots that fit seamlessly into the user experience in a non-disruptive way, as well as video ads that are only served when the app is in view.

“It’s clear we’re in the midst of a podcast era. As video consumption continues to grow on Spotify, this provides a strong opportunity for advertisers on our platform to reach our hyper-engaged audience of over 615 million,” says Rak Patel, head of EMEA sales, Spotify. “In fact, we’ve found that campaigns with a multi-format approach drive strong full funnel performance. With video on the rise on Spotify, I’m excited to see how brands will lean into this format and get creative with their content.”

And podcasts continue to grow in popularity – the number of podcast shows streamed by each person in the UK has increased +8% year-on-year, which may seem small but is impressive given the large amount of podcast streaming already. Gen Z in particular is tuning in to more podcasts than they did in 2023, while older generations (45 and over) stream more minutes than last year.

As for brands, there’s proof that podcasts are driving business results. The report states that 62% of respondents took action after hearing an ad during a podcast, either by searching for the product, purchasing the product or simply talking about it.

The clear takeaway for brands is that there’s much to be gained by leveraging the trust and authenticity of podcast hosts, creating engaging and interactive content, and integrating cross-platform strategies. By embracing these trends, marketers will be better equipped to navigate the dynamic podcast ecosystem and maximize their marketing impact.

Explore the report here and for a deeper dive into some of these trends, tune into this special podcast episode here featuring The Drum’s Sam Anderson and Spotify’s Jenny Haggard.

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