sound of music tour salzburg photos

• 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’.

Expand To See More See Less

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

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

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

More Information & Tour Booking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. The Hills Are Alive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.  Sound of MusicTour by Minivan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Guides

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

Robert Baker

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

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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The Sound of Music

The original tour.

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

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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

• Private Tours

Overview of our Original Sound of Music Tours by Panorama Tours

1965 Salzburg was the scenery of a film which would become famous: "The Sound of Music" starring  Julie Andrews  and  Christopher Plummer . Our busses were used by the film crew and our limousines carried the stars. After the release of the film, many fans came to  Salzburg  asking the original sites - and our drivers could naturally guide them.  That's how our sightseeing tour got so popular .

Enjoy our 4 hours tour to the Original flim locations in and around Salzburg from the movie "The Sound of Music" with our live guide.

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Original Sound of Music Tour® - Tour 1A

Tour the picturesque Salzburg and the beautiful landscapes where the movie The Sound of Music were filmed!

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Visit the original film setting in Salzburg and its surroundings

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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

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

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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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Tour Salzburg, Austria—the Iconic Setting of The Sound of Music

By Amy Liebster

“The Sound of Music”

The Alps, Bavaria, Germany

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, let’s start at the very beginning. Set in the mountains not far from Maria’s beloved abbey, this iconic sequence was actually filmed in Bavaria, in nearby Germany. The Sound of Music ’s title song introduces viewers to the majestic setting of the musical drama.

Nonnberg Abbey

At the start of the film, Maria (Julie Andrews) is a novice at Nonnberg Abbey in the center of Salzburg. Founded around 714, the abbey is where the real Maria von Trapp served as a novice of the Benedictine Sisterhood after World War I. The building’s outer courtyard and gate appear in the film multiple times, most notably when the nuns sing “Maria.”

“I Have Confidence”

Salzburg Residence Square

Part of the musical number “I Have Confidence” was filmed in the center of Salzburg in Residence Square, which was built in the late 16th century. Maria playfully splashes the water of the square’s grand baroque fountain—a very imposing backdrop—as she embarks on her new life as a governess.

Frohnburg Palace (Schloss Frohnburg)

The façade of Frohnburg Palace serves as the entrance to the Von Trapp family home, which was filmed at multiple locations in Salzburg. Maria arrives here at the end of “I Have Confidence.” Today, Frohnburg is home to the Mozarteum, a music conservatory.

By Mona Basharat

By Carly Olson

By Annabelle Dufraigne

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Schloss Leopoldskron

While Frohnburg stood in for both the front and rear façades of the Von Trapp villa, another nearby palace provided the lakeside gardens and vista. Named Schloss Leopoldskron, this large rococo estate overlooking the pond Leopoldskroner Weiher is never actually glimpsed in the film.

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During one memorable scene, Maria and the children fall into the Leopoldskroner Weiher as Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) returns from his trip to Vienna. The famous sea horses still stand in the garden of Schloss Leopoldskron , which is now a 67-room hotel.

“Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and "Something Good"

Schloss Hellbrunn

For the film, 20th Century Fox built a gazebo on the grounds at Leopoldskron, which can be seen in the distance in various sequences. A replica was created in Hollywood for the scenes shot just inside or around the gazebo, such as the romantic “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Something Good” sequences. The original gazebo remained at Leopoldskron for several years before it was moved to a public park at Schloss Hellbrunn, where it stands to this day.

“The Lonely Goatherd”

Though nothing was filmed at or inside Schloss Leopoldskron itself, its stunning Venetian Room served as the model for the ballroom set in which the marionette show and ball scenes take place.

The Alps near Salzburg

Maria takes the children on a picnic in the mountains outside Salzburg, where she teaches them to sing. The iconic “Do-Re-Mi” number begins on a verdant hillside surrounded by the Alps’ craggy peaks.

Mirabell Palace Gardens

“Do-Re-Mi” continues throughout the historic center of Salzburg. Maria and the children sing and dance through the Mirabell Gardens adjacent to the Mirabell Palace, which was built in the 17th century. The song’s final sequences—racing through the arbor, marching around the Pegasus Fountain, and climbing the steps at the end—were all filmed in these intimate, enchanting gardens.

Karajan Platz

The children master their singing voices as they take a carriage ride through Salzburg, during which they pass the baroque Karajan Square and Pferdeschwemme (Horse Pond) by architect Fischer von Erlach.

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In the movie, the wedding of Maria and Captain von Trapp takes place in the abbey. The actual filming location, however, was Mondsee Cathedral in Mondsee, Austria.

“Edelweiss” and “So Long Farewell (reprise)”

Felsenreitschule (Rock Riding School)

The festival concert, in which the Von Trapp family performs under the watchful eyes of the Nazis, takes place in the historic Felsenreitschule (Rock Riding School), a theater built into the mountain of Mönchsberg in the 17th century. The space was originally used as a stable until the founding of the Salzburg Festival in the 1920s; the real Trapp Family Singers performed here in 1935.

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St. Peter’s Graveyard

After fleeing the music festival, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis at the abbey. The actual filming location was a set in Hollywood based on St. Peter’s Graveyard—the oldest Christian cemetery in Austria—located near Nonnberg Abbey.

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These porticoes enclosed by wrought-iron fences and built into the Mönchsberg served as the inspiration for the movie set.

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In the final scene of the movie, the family travels over the Alps to freedom in Switzerland. In reality, the Von Trapps traveled by train to Italy, before eventually emigrating to America. They went on to settle in Stowe, Vermont, where they opened the Trapp Family Lodge , a beautiful mountain resort.

By Alia Akkam

By Elizabeth Stamp

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 $ 99 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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The Sound of Music Tour

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

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

Original shooting locations from the Sound of Music movie include:

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

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

Hellbrunn palace (singing scenes)

Nonnberg Convent (where the young Maria was a novice)

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

Mondsee Basilica (wedding scene)

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

Panorama Tours

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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!

‎ 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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Book The Sound of Music Tours

Original Sound Of Music Tour From Salzburg

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

This tour is available in two languages:

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

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

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

Top things to do in Salzburg

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

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

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

All Your Sound of Music Ticket Options

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

Guided Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound of Music Highlights

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

Mirabell Gardens

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

Nonnberg Abbey

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

Leopoldskron Palace

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

Mondsee Cathedral

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

Hellbrunn Palace

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

Hohensalzburg Fortress

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

Lake Wolfgang

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

Mozart's Birthplace

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

Plan Your Visit To Sound of Music

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

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

Find on Maps

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visitor Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Sound of Music Tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sound of Music Tour, Berchtesgaden and Salzburg

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

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

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

Participants of the tour can choose between these possible sights :

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

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

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travel inspiration!

Ultimate Salzburg itinerary for music lovers, the best musical gems

Salzburg is one of Europe’s very best music capitals. It’s the birthplace of Mozart as well as home to the famous Von Trapp family and a filming location for the Sound of Music film. The vibrant city holds music close to its heart. If you’re a music lover, then the city of Salzburg is the best place for you! You’ll experience opulent concert halls and some of the world’s most enchanting venues, historical sites, and high culture. It’s my kind of city!

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Table of Contents

Salzburg Itinerary for music lovers

Salzburg deserves at the very minimum a long weekend! I’ve crafted this 3-day Salzburg itinerary that includes the best things to see and do in Salzburg for music lovers. Feel free to mix this itinerary up anyway that works for you.

Salzburg is Mozart’s hometown! Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous composers of all time, was born in Salzburg on January 27, 1756, and lived here until 1781 when he moved to Vienna. The city of Salzburg is so proud of its connection to their famous one-time resident that they like to use the term “The City of Mozart” to describe the town.

Salzburg is a mecca for Sound of Music Fans. The town and surrounding area is home to several filming locations of the famous true story musical film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The 1965 Hollywood film from Robert Wise centers on the real life Von Trapp family.

Itinerary Highlights include:

• Mozart sites
• Sound of Music activities
• Palaces and other historical sites
• World Class Puppet theater
• Fancy dinner concerts for classical music lovers

Arrival in Salzburg

Ideally, you’ll want to arrive early on the first day so you can fit all of these great things in!

By Air (Salzburg Airport) Salzburg is served by Salzburg Airport (SZG), which is located about 4 km from the city center.

By train or bus Salzburg is well-connected to other parts of central Europe by train or bus. The city’s main train station, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, is in the city center.

By car Driving in the city center is challenging, and parking is costly. Fortunately, it’s easy to visit Salzburg without a car! If you opt for the self-drive for the Sound of Music sites you can pick up a car on day 3 at Salzburg Airport or at various rental agencies located throughout the city.

Purchase the Salzburg Card

The first thing you’ll want to do is purchase a Salzburg Card (tourist discount card) from your hotel or at one of the Tourist Information offices in town. We found that it saved us about 31 euros per person over 3 days, it’s the best way to save money. Cost for the 72-hour card: 41 Euros.

With the Salzburg Card: Free admission to many attractions, ride area buses for free, one free round trip river cruise from Salzburg City Cruises, discounts on the hop-on-hop-off bus tours, free use of most modes of public transportation , and more!

Tourist Information office locations:

• Mozartplatz 5
• Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: Südtiroler Platz 1

Modern Art Statue

The Homage to Mozart (Mozart – Eine Hommage) Statue in Bronze by Markus Lüpertz is a bit polarizing since it’s not a very accurate likeness. Location: Ursulinenplatz, in front of St. Mark’s Church (free)

Boat Ride on the Salzach River

After the rush of getting into town and getting checked into your hotel this is a good time to sit back and relax on a river cruise. Salzburg Austria, with it’s fanciful mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture, sits prettily on the banks of the Salzach River. Embark on a riverside cruise for amazing panoramic views of Salzburg’s decidedly ornate skyline. Boats leave from the ‘Marko-Feingold-Steg’ bridge on the outskirts of Old Town. The free tour included with the Salzburg Card is an eight-kilometre round trip route. You can check the schedule at the Salzburg Stadt Schiff Fahrt website . (cost without card: adults 17 euros)

Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus)

Now it’s time to head across the river. While in my opinion not as impressive as the birthday house, the Residence (also known as The Dance Master’s House / Tanzmeisterhous) is worth a quick look. The Mozart family moved to these larger rebuilt apartments when Mozart was about 17 years old. Here you’ll find family portraits and original Mozart instruments. (covered by the Salzburg Card. Price without card: adults € 13.50) Location: Makartplatz 8

the graves of Mozart’s wife and father

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was buried in an unmarked grave in Vienna. However, many of the Mozart family are buried in Salzburg. You can visit the resting places of Constanze and Leopold, Mozart’s wife and father, at the St. Sebastian’s Cemetery. Location: Linzer Gasse 41 (free)

Mirabell Palace, Mirabell Gardens

This stunning 17th century palace and attached garden were once the home of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. The beautiful baroque pleasure garden features flowers, manicured lawns, statues, sculptures, and elaborate fountains. The Pegasus fountain at Mirabell Palace is the filming location where Maria and the children sing the song “Do-Re-Mi.” The palace may close as early as 4 pm so be sure to check the schedule, the gardens are open until dusk, partial closures in winter. (free) Check the website for more information on Mirabell Garden concerts.

evening concert at Mirabell Palace Marble Hall

Classical music concerts (Schlosskonzerte Mirabell) are hosted in the historic baroque Marble Hall (Marmorsaal) at Mirabell Palace, where Leopold Mozart and his children Wolfgang and Nannerl performed for the Archbishop. The hall, one of the most beautiful in Austria, is a real stunner. (First-serve seating, so arrive early for the best seats) Duration: 1.5 hours, start time 6:00 pm.

Book it here on Get Your Guide !

Dinner Concert Mirabell also offers a dinner concert complete with 3-course dinner at Restaurant Mirabell at the Sheraton Grande. Afterwards, you’ll make your way to the Marble Hall for a classical music ensemble concert. Duration: 4 hours, start time 8:00 pm, no concerts on Monday.

Book it here on Get Your Guide (free cancellation, reserve now & pay later)

Today we celebrate all things Mozart! You’ll find Mozart in nearly every nook, cranny, and corner of the city.

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum (Mozarts Geburtshaus)

The Mozart family lived in this house when Wolfgang was born in 1756. The entire house is now a museum, full of interesting historical treasures, dedicated to all things Mozart. Inside, Mozart’s keyboard, violin, music written in his hand, a lock of his hair, and more! Location: on Getreidegasse #9 (covered on the Salzburg Card. Price without card: adults € 13.50)

Try the famous Mozart Balls (Mozartkugeln)

Mozart Balls are a popular treat created in 1890 by Paul Fürst and named after Salzburg’s most famous resident. The original confection consists of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat covered in dark chocolate. The original Fürst Shop, where it all began, is located at Getreidegasse 47.

Try the delicious Mozart Cake

Thin layers of almond paste made from sweet almond milk, and topped with chocolate, modeled after the famed Mozart Ball! Stop in for some Mozart Cake at Cafe Tomaselli. The historic cafe, patronized by the Mozart’s themselves, was established in 1700!

Mozart Statue / Mozart Monument

Head over to Mozartplatz (Mozart Square) to find the Statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. While you’re here head towards the river to Mozart Bridge. You’ll get some of the best views of the castle from this pedestrian bridge. (free)

The DomQuartier for history and concerts

DomQuartier is a museum complex located in the historic center. These buildings were once part of the archbishop’s palace. The complex includes the Residenzgalerie, which houses a collection of European art from the 16th to the 19th centuries, the Dom Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Salzburg archdiocese, and the state rooms of the former archbishop’s palace. Location: DomQuartier, Residenz Pl. 1 (covered under the Salzburg Card. Price without card: adults € 13.00)

Mozart Violin Sonatas at DomQuartier Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played music for the Prince-Archbishop in the state rooms of the Old Residence. Daily violin sonatas at 5:00 p.m. (except on December 24th) Duration: 45 minutes (20% discount with the Salzburg Card.)

Piano Concertos Mozart piano concertos at the Baroque era Salzburg court. Check the website for performance dates, 3:00 pm Duration: 45 minutes (20% discount with the Salzburg Card)

Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg or Salzburger Dom)

See the baptismal font where little Wolfgang was baptized. This lavishly decorated cathedral was Mozart’s home church where he served as organist for the next 25 years. Location: Domplatz 1a

Get entry tickets on Get Your Guide! (OR choose the guided tour OR the midday organ concert )

Nannerl’s resting place

Mozart’s sister Maria Anna, affectionately known as Nannerl, is buried in St Peter’s Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) Location: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk. While here you’ll want to visit the catacombs (Katakomben) the former residing place of Medieval hermit monks. (covered on the Salzburg card. Price without card: adults € 2.00 ) and the little 12th century Abbey Church of St. Peter. (free)

St. Peter Stiftskeller

The recommended Stiftskeller St. Peter restaurant in the courtyard boasts that Charlemagne ate here in 803, making it perhaps the oldest restaurant in Europe. If you don’t plan to attend the Mozart Dinner Concert, consider stopping by this historic building for a meal or even just an Apfelstrudel.

Guided Walking Tour (private tour)

Would you rather have a guide complete with historical commentary? The “Life of Mozart Private Guided Walking Tour” is a 2-3 hour private Mozart themed walking tour from a local guide.

Book it here on Get Your Guide!

Mozart Dinner Concert

I think this is Salzburg’s very best experience! The concert, held in a most elegant candle-lit baroque setting, includes a delicious three course dinner crafted with Mozart era recipes, and three 20-minute courses of Mozart’s most popular compositions. Performers don Mozart era costumes making this a truly immersive experience! The Mozart family frequented this restaurant and attended events much the same as this one! Duration 2.5 hours. Location: Stiftskeller St. Peter Restaurant, Sankt-Peter-Bezirk ¼, at St. Peter’s Monastery

Book it now on Get Your Guide! (free cancellation, reserve now & pay later

Sound of Music sites

Today we celebrate the famous Hollywood movie! You’ll want a car, or to take the tour discussed below. With a car it will take you about 2 hours to drive this route, round trip. If you opt for public transport explore your options on Rome2Rio and then book through the Deutsche Bahn website or app.

You’ve already visited the fountain at Mirabell. Other Sound of Music sites include:

• Nonnberg Abbey , the oldest convent in German-speaking Europe. Maria Von Trapp underwent religious training here. (free)
• Leopoldskron Palace , the exterior was used as the Trapp family home and the small lake here is where the Von Trapp children were seen boating and playing in the water. 1 hour castle tour starts at 10:15 a.m. when available, cost: adults: EUR 26.00, or book one of their special breakfasts.
• Hellbrunn Palace Park at Schloss Hellbrunn is where you’ll find the original gazebo used for both Maria and Georg’s romantic love scene and the duet “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”. You’ll want to make time in your schedule to tour the palace and unique gardens with their fanciful trick fountains (covered under the Salzburg Card. Price without card: adults € 15.00) Built in the 1600’s, what makes the baroque Hellbrunn Palace so special are the dozens of playful trick fountains located in the gardens. The palace interior is stunningly decorated and worth seeing for its intricate frescoes and ornate furnishings.
• Sound of Music Trapp Villa (Villa Trapp) The real Trapp family lived in this villa from 1923 until they fled the National Socialists to the USA in 1938. The house no longer hosts a museum but can be viewed, at a respectable distance, from the outside. Location: Traunstraße 34, 5026
• Lake Fuschl, the filming location for both St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang lake scenes shown at the beginning of the movie.
• Basilika St. Michael (Mondsee Cathedral) , a 20-minute drive from the lake, is the location of the wedding scene. Maria, led by Liesl, walked down the aisle to meet the baron in front of the stairs of the main altar. (free)

take a Sound of Music tour from Salzburg

Why not sit back and let the pros do all the work? All of the above-mentioned places can be seen on an organized tour with a professional tour guide that leaves from Salzburg. This half-day tour takes you from Salzburg through the picturesque Lake District and countryside and includes music from the original film soundtrack. Tours leave at 9:15 and 2:00. Duration 4 hours

Book the Original Sound of Music Tour here on Get Your Guide! (free cancellation, reserve now & pay later)

Also available from this tour operator: Sound of Music & Berchtesgaden Salt Mines Tour

Hohensalzburg Fortress and concert

The 1,000-year-old medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), the focal point of the town, is the expansive castle complex that looms above the city. It’s one of Austria’s most famous landmarks . I recommend touring the castle, the most visited attraction in town, before attending the evening’s classical music concert. Castle highlights include the Marionette Museum, castle museum, and the STUNNING Regency Rooms and castle interiors. The castle’s high location affords magnificent panoramic views of Salzburg’s fanciful rooftops and the surrounding mountains. The castle is open until 8:00 pm. Location: Mönchsberg 34 (covered by the Salzburg Card)

The best way to get to the castle, located on Festungsberg mountain, is to take the funicular / cable car (no extra cost to you with the Salzburg card which includes skip the line privileges! cost of funicular and castle ticket without Salzburg card: adults, 14,40 Euros)

Mozart Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress

World class Mozart Concerts are hosted in the fortresses’ stunning concert hall. You have the option to choose with or without dinner. The VIP option allows you to sit on the terrace during dinner with great views of beautiful Salzburg. Without dinner: Duration 1.5 hours, start time 8:30 pm. Dinner concert: Duration 4-5 hours, start time 5 pm

Book on Get Your Guide (free cancellation, reserve now & pay later)

Optional experiences

If you are lucky enough to have more time to add to this “Salzburg itinerary for music lovers,” consider these worthwhile itinerary additions:

Salzburg Marionette Theater (Salzburger Marionettentheater)

Salzburg is home to a world class marionette theater which offers performances of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Sound of Music, and other lesser-known tales. Duration: 1-2 hours. (free cancellation, reserve now & pay later.

book tickets to the Marionette Theater here on Get Your Guide!

Experience the magical sounds of the bells of Salzburg.

Magical sounds rain down daily on the narrow surrounding streets and lanes of the Old City, just as they have for the last 300 years, when the bells of Salzburg ring out. Every inch of the historic district is filled with the acoustic melodies of the bells at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. To see the mechanism, called a carillon, responsible for coordinating the 35 church bells, head to the Salzburg Museum. As a bonus, the platform offers unique panoramic views of the city! It’s a great place to see some of the best views of the city!

Enjoy a bit of “church music”

If you happen to be in Salzburg on a Sunday, stop by one of the town’s cathedrals and enjoy a music-filled Mass. The 10:00 Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral often comes with both a choir and an orchestra performance.

The Silent Night Chapel (“Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”)

The popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr, was first performed in this chapel on Christmas Eve in 1818. Today the church is home to a “Silent Night” Museum . Nikolauskirche (parish church of Oberndorf) location: Oberndorf bei Salzburg. Distance: car 11 minutes, train 30 minutes, bus 30 minutes

Salzburg Festival Hall (Great Festival House)

Offers a series of performances throughout the year. Check their website for a list of events.

Salzburg Vienna (day trip to Vienna)

Vienna bills itself as the world’s capital of music. Check the Vienna Music Society (Vienna’s Musikverein) concert hall website for a listing of events. Or make your way to the park in front of City Hall on summer nights for a free “arts in the park” experience. The 60-foot-wide TV screen projects filmed performances by a variety of artists. Food stalls hosted by some of Vienna’s classical cafes serve up tasty delights. St. Peter’s Church has free organ concerts daily, and a live orchestra performs during Sunday Mass at the Augustinian Church at the Hofburg. Get a full list of music events in Vienna at the Wien website .

Festivals and Events

If you time your trip just right, you may be in town for one of Salzburg’s famous music festivals. Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music performances, and each summer it hosts its famous Salzburg Festival .

Use these maps to get your bearings on your first visit to Salzburg.

Mozart Attractions Map

Sound of Music Map

Salzburg Attractions Map

Austria Itineraries

• 7-Day Austria Road trip including: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Hohenwerfen Castle, Dachstein Caves, scenic drives and more!
• 2-week Road trip including: Austria, southern Germany, and Slovenia!
• 3-Day Salzburg Itinerary (ALL of the town’s highlights)
• Get a full rundown of all the fun ways to see Mozart in Salzburg!

Austrian food and eating in Salzburg

If you’re like me, then one of your favourite things about a trip is the great food! When in Rome, try the local cuisine!

• Eiernockerl (their version of Spätzle with cheese and fried onions)
• Speckknodel (dumplings with ham and bacon mixed in, served with broth)
• Salzburger Nockerl, (Soufflé resembling mountain peaks with a snowy dusting of sugar, it’s a baked mountain peak confection!)
• Salzburger wurst , simply delicious! try one at Getreidegasse, in the alleyway that leads to the famous Balkan Grill (Bosna Grill) which serves what is purported to be the very best wurst in town.

My favorite way to find the best restaurants is on TripAdvisor. You’ll get plenty of customer photos and reviews, all ranked top to bottom!

Accommodation: where to stay in Salzburg

The quieter outskirts of town:.

• Bloberger Hof : Want to escape the crowds of the city center and trade them for scenic meadows with highland cattle and a mountain backdrop? Bloberger Hof is the place for you! This adorable hotel sits conveniently on the bus route directly into the city center! The hospitality is second to none, the food outstanding. It’s my favorite hotel in Salzburg!

book it on Booking.com!

• Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron Palace : Splurge Alert! This palace was built in the 18th century, is surrounded by 17 acres of manicured grounds and mountains, and sits on an idyllic lake. It’s a 7 minute walk to the bus stop into the city center. Scenes from the Sound of Music were filmed here.

City Center options:

Rather Stay in the city center? Standout options include:

• Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug : a 700-year-old building located in historic old town
• IMLAUER Hotel Pitter : opened in 1864, panoramic views of the city, including the castle!
• Hotel Wolf : adorable hotel which dates from 1429!
• Hotel Stein : (adults only) the building dates to medieval times, beautifully renovated with eye popping color! sits on the Salzach River, a panoramic rooftop terrace with views of the town, including the castle!
• Hotel am Mirabellplatz : boutique hotel located in a 17th-century building (former residence of the Archbishop) looks out over Mirabell Palace
• Hotel Sacher Salzburg : another luxury option, this 19th century hotel is luxuriously decorated and has a beautiful quintessentially Austrian dining room with rich wood waxed to a high shine, on the banks of the Salzach River with views of the castle

Budget Hostels

Hostel options for budget-conscious travelers:

• Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg : Located just a short distance from the city center and offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms.
• A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: Located near the train station and offers both private and dormitory-style rooms.
• Eduard-Heinrich-Haus : Located just outside of the city center and offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms.

when is the best time to go?

Spring and Fall are ideal times to visit Austria. However, mountain regions may already or still be dealing with snow.

Winters are cold but with lovely snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Expect to deal with winter weather road conditions. Some mountain passes may be closed.

Summer months are prime time to visit for summer activities like swimming and boating but it will be crowded.

cost and trip planning resources

Cost: 3-day Salzburg Itinerary for Music Lovers How much can you expect to spend on this 3-day Salzburg Itinerary? Depending on your travel style prices can vary greatly. This is a middle of the road estimate:

(2024 prices)

Don’t forget to add the cost of airfare ( we fly free, learn how here ! ) PLUS sign up for “Going” (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get flight deals sent to your inbox! see the world for less! and don’t forget to insure your trip with Travel Insurance !

Frequently Asked Questions

What language do they speak in austria.

German is the official language of Austria.

What kind of currency do they use in Austria?

The Euro is the official currency of Austria.

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15 Insanely Popular Tourist Traps in Europe

Posted: May 27, 2024 | Last updated: May 27, 2024

Part of being a tourist is playing the tourist role to the hilt. Tourists want to eat the local food and do local activities. Unfortunately, this may include visiting tourist traps that may be overrated, according to the locals. But you’re a tourist. If you have to visit the tourist traps, check out those on this list.

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The tower opened in 1372, and leaned from the start, which attracted visitors. That means it’s been a tourist trap for nearly 700 years. Why fight history? You know you’ve pretended to push up the Tower of Pisa in photos if you visited the Pisa Cathedral. Don’t worry, we’ve done it, too.

2. Checkpoint Charlie, Germany

This isn’t technically a tourist trap, but it still draws about 4 million visitors every year. Checkpoint Charlie is the most well-known spot along the Berlin Wall that divided East Berlin from West Berlin. You may also recognize it from the Tom Hanks movie Bridge of Spies .

3. The Mona Lisa, France

As one of the most famous paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa sees millions of visitors every year. Travelers make a point to visit the Louvre Museum to catch a glimpse of the “lady with the mystic smile.” Visitors do complain that they can’t get that close to the painting, and there’s always a crowd.

4. Blarney Stone, Ireland

Believe it or not, thousands of tourists visit Blarney Castle in Cork to hang upside down and kiss the Blarney Stone. The stone is steeped in myth and legend, and many believe if you kiss it, you’ll be gifted with eloquence. If you have an issue with germs, though, we suggest passing on this activity.

5. The Hills of Salzburg, Austria

Julie Andrews sang “The hills are alive!” in The Sound of Music. Fans of the musical can tour locations in Salzburg where the movie was filmed. If you must, you can also re-enact the famous scene with the sweeping, snow-capped Alps in the background for your movie moment.

6. Durres Beach, Albania

Durres Beach is the most visited beach in Albania. The area is covered in a sea of umbrellas, shading visitors from around the world. So, good luck finding a spot. However, there are other beaches that are less crowded and offer the same abundant sunshine and amenities. All you have to do is look around.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik was once a quiet village on the coast of Croatia, tucked behind its wall fortress. It’s now flooded with tourists. We can thank Game of Thrones for using it as a filming location for its rise in popularity. The locals probably aren’t as thankful, except for the revenue the tourists bring in.

8. The Little Mermaid Statue, Denmark

The emphasis is on “little” for this attraction. You’ll be surprised how small the sculpture is in real life — just 4 feet tall. Still, thousands of visitors travel to Copenhagen to take a photo of the statue, inspired by the fairy tale made famous by Hans Christian Andersen — and later by the Disney movie juggernaut.

9. Buckingham Palace, England

Nothing says British royalty more than Buckingham Palace in London, and what it represents. Built by King George IV in 1707, it’s a historic and cultural touchpoint, plus you can see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Just don’t try to make the guards laugh. They take their jobs very seriously.

10. Oktoberfest, Germany

Each year, 6 million beer enthusiasts visit Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest during late September and early October. The festival has been running, at least informally, since 1810. Eat, drink, and don’t forget to grab a beer stein to take home.

11. Trevi Fountain, Italy

Who knows why a landmark becomes a tourist trap? One good guess is that it was a movie location. Rome’s Trevi Fountain was the centerpiece of the 1954 film Three Coins in The Fountain , which also spawned a hit pop song. It’s on the bucket list of many visitors who take a trip to Italy. The legend connected with the fountain says if you throw a coin into the fountain, you’ll return someday.

12. Bran Castle, Romania

Was Dracula real, and did he drink the blood of his enemies? Vlad Tepes was certainly a real person, and he definitely has an unsavory reputation. Bran Castle, in the town of Bran, was built in 1377 and is believed to be the inspiration for Castle Dracula in Bram Stoker’s famous novel. It’s a popular tourist spot that attracted more than 1 million visitors in 2023.

13. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

About 3 million tourists flocked to the Acropolis in 2022. The complex features several buildings of architectural and historic significance. Walk around the original foundations of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and the Theatre of Dionysus. It’s a trove of history, culture, and mythology and sees crowds year-round.

14. La Rambla, Spain

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most well-known street market, with the most foot traffic. The shops along La Rambla cater to visitors looking for souvenirs and food, although they usually pay too much for both. Still, it’s a good place to sit for a while and watch the people go by.

15. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

No, this isn’t the 1980 Brooke Shields movie. This Blue Lagoon in Grindavik is the most famous and most visited geothermal spa in Europe. It may not be a natural hot spring, but it is the most photogenic. It’s also child-friendly and accessible for those in wheelchairs.

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Prague, Salzburg, Vienna & Budapest Pilgrimage

Spiritual director: monsignor michael begolly, group leader: gina abdallah, september 19 – 28, 2024, spiritual director:.

Monsignor Michael Begolly

Prague · Altotting · Salzburg · Mariazell · Melk · Vienna · Budapest

• What's Included
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Dates & Prices
• Destination Information

Book your trip now

On this exciting ten-day tour through Europe you will see breathtaking sites like the Alps and Danube River, explore famous Churches, Basilicas, Shrines, and Cathedrals, and even tour filming sites from the film “The Sound of Music” and the childhood homes of Mozart and Strauss.

Any Questions? Contact Us:

Account Manager

Assistant to Account Manager

Why travel with 206 tours, additional information, view printable flyer.

Your trip includes

• Round-trip airfare from Pittsburgh (PIT) with Add-On’s * or book without airfare (land only option)
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• Base Price: 2 Travellers in 1 Room: Queen or King Bed or 2 Twin beds
• Optional - Additional Cost: ◦ Solo Traveler: No Roomate ◦ Triple Room: Upon Request

• Transfers as per itinerary
• Breakfast and Dinner daily
• Glass of Wine and Water with Dinners
• Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
• Tour Escort throughout
• Assistance of professional local Catholic guide(s)
• Sightseeing and admission fees as per Itinerary
• Mass Daily and Spiritual activities
• Whisper headsets
• Luggage handling (1 piece per person)

Centrally located hotels or similar

Occidental Praha Five

Goldenes Theater Hotel Salzburg

MAXX by Steigenberger Vienna

Mercure Budapest City Center

Not included.

• Lunches and Beverages not mentioned, Tips to your Guide & Driver.

Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Know Before You Go

Day 1 | Thursday, September 19: Depart for Prague

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Meals served on board.

Day 2 | Friday, September 20: Arrive in Prague

As we touch down in the ancient city of Prague, we embrace the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints and gather the fruits of our faith. Upon collecting our luggage, we are greeted by our local guide who offers a welcome to this beautiful city. As we are transferred to our hotel, we immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and striking architecture, a testament to the enduring Catholic faith that has permeated this region for centuries. Free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Prague, acquainting ourselves with its unique character. In the evening, we assemble for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 | Saturday, September 21: Prague

Our pilgrimage begins in earnest after breakfast as we visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the sanctuary of the esteemed Infant Jesus of Prague. This 16th-century image of the Infant Jesus, holding the symbols of Christ’s dominion over the earth, becomes the focal point of our morning prayer and reflection. After a reverent Mass, we embark on a walking tour through Old Town Prague. As we traverse the Royal Route towards the Old Town Square, we witness a rich tapestry of architectural and spiritual history. In the Castle District, we take time to visit and pray at St. Nicholas Church, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, and Strahov Monastery – all living testimonies of the robust Catholic heritage of the region. The Charles Bridge, adorned with baroque statues of saints, offers us a serene moment to appreciate the beauty of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Our day culminates with the viewing of the Astronomical Clock and a walk through Wenceslas Square, named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas. As we retire to our hotel for dinner and rest, we reflect on our shared experiences and the grace we’ve received through this day of pilgrimage.

Day 4 | Sunday, September 22: Prague – Altotting – Salzburg

Today, after breakfast, we journey from Prague to Altotting, a city that serves as a beacon of faith and pilgrimage in Germany. Here, we celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Mercy, housing a revered 13th-century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We take time to reflect on the miraculous cures attributed to her intercession, reinforcing our own faith in the power of prayer. Our visit also includes time at the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion, and St. Konrad’s Monastery, further immersing us in the rich tapestry of Catholic devotion present in Altotting. As we continue our journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of the renowned composer Mozart, we marvel at the majestic views of the Eastern Alps and anticipate exploring the city’s Baroque splendor. We conclude the day with some free time to unwind before gathering for dinner and resting in anticipation of the experiences that await us in Salzburg.

Day 5 | Monday, September 23: Exploring the Divine in Salzburg

Our day in Salzburg starts with a nourishing breakfast, after which we attend Mass at the ancient St. Peter’s Abbey, a spiritual center that has served the faithful for over a millennium. Following Mass, we immerse ourselves in the city’s history with a walking tour of the heart of Salzburg. Narrow streets and secluded passageways whisper tales of its medieval roots, while the grandeur of the Archbishop’s Residence at DomPlatz speaks to the Catholic Church’s enduring influence. The gardens of Mirabell Palace, a setting made famous by “The Sound of Music,” offer a tranquil space for prayer and reflection. The grandeur of the Romanesque Cathedral and the serenity of the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns further inspire our faith. Mozart’s birthplace beckons us with its cultural significance, and the gardens and hidden trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace provide a delightfully unexpected close to our day. As we gather for dinner, we share our experiences, impressions, and the ways in which our journey is touching our hearts.

Day 6 | Tuesday, September 24: Salzburg – Mariazell – Melk – Vienna

As we depart from Salzburg after breakfast, we traverse the Austrian mountains towards Mariazell, a revered pilgrimage site. We visit the Mariazell Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, housing the miraculous statue associated with the foundation of a monastic cell in 1157. We continue s to Melk, known for the imposing baroque Melk Abbey. Overlooking the Danube River, the Abbey is the final resting place of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. After time to explore and reflect in Melk, we journey on to Vienna, the capital of Austria, where we share a meal and prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Day 7 | Wednesday, September 25: Experiencing Vienna’s Cultural and Catholic Heritage

Our day begins with breakfast and a tour of Vienna, home to great composers like Johann Strauss and Mozart. Our visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna and a significant Gothic structure, allows us to witness the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapoch. We tour the cathedral, with (time permitting) the brave among us climbing the 343 steps to the top of the spire. Our journey continues to the Schonbrunn Royal palace, a summer residence with a Hall of Mirrors where a young Mozart performed. The palace’s inclusion in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites further testifies to its significance. Our day concludes with a visit to the Belvedere Palace, Karlsplatz and its Church of St. Charles Borromeo, and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. Amidst our explorations, we pause for a coffee break to savor famous Viennese pastries like the Sacher cake. As we return to our hotel, we share dinner and reflections on the day’s experiences.

Day 8 | Thursday, September 26: Vienna – Budapest (via Pannonhalma Abbey)

After breakfast, we depart Vienna and make our way to Budapest, stopping enroute at the Pannonhalma Abbey. Located atop St. Martin Hill, the Abbey is steeped in religious and historical importance, having welcomed Pope John Paul II for its 1000th anniversary. We visit the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Remete, the site of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, and recall how in 1991, Pope John Paul II kneeled and prayed here. After these spiritual encounters, we continue to Budapest, a city of breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views, and spend the evening exploring the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion in theheart of Buda’s Castle District. The day concludes with a shared meal and a restful overnight, providing us time to contemplate the divine experiences of the day.

Day 9 | Friday, September 27: Discovering Budapest’s Sacred Heart

Our final full day of pilgrimage begins with a morning Mass at the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Matthew. Subsequently, we venture into the historic heart of Budapest, taking in panoramic vistas from the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. As we visit the Church of St. Stephen and the Fisherman’s Bastion, we are reminded of the seven Magyar tribes who first settled here in 895. The city of Budapest is blessed with numerous natural hot springs, and we have the opportunity to visit an array of thermal baths, allowing for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell dinner, cherishing the shared experiences, spiritual insights, and fellowship of our journey.

Day 10 | Saturday, September 28: Return Home

As our journey draws to an end, we depart from Budapest Airport, carrying with us not only memories of ancient cities, beautiful landscapes, and historical monuments but also a deepened faith and a renewed spirit. As we make our journey home, we hold these experiences close, ready to share the blessings and grace we’ve received with our families and friends.

*206 Tours Disclaimer: Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.

Why buy “With Airfare” from 206 Tours

• In case your flight is cancelled 206 Tours will assist to get you to your destination.
• Your transfer will be waiting.
• In the rare event your tour is not operating we will refund you.
• Your seats will be assigned.
• If you need to travel a few days prior, stay a few more days or make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.

If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

• If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, 206 Tours is unable to rebook your flights
• To guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior. Any changes within 45 – 3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
• Any changes to your arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we may not be able to rebook your transfer, you may need to make your own arrangements.
• If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours may not reimburse expenses caused by your trip interruption or cover your expenses due to flight changes.

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: [email protected]

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$ 500.00 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

About your trip

About prague, salzburg, vienna & budapest:.

Begin your Pilgrimage in Prague touring beautiful Churches, Cathedrals, Basilicas and statues like the famous Infant Jesus of Prague. Continue to one of Germany’s most celebrated Shrines, the Chapel of Mercy in Alotting. In Salzburg you will see beautiful baroque architecture and stunning views of the Eastern Alps as well as tour St. Peter’s Abbey. In Austria, visit Mariazell Basilica, the country’s most important Pilgrimage site. In Melk you will experience the massive Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, overlooking the Danube river. Enjoy sightseeing in Vienna including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, its catacombs, and its famous spire. You will end your Pilgrimage in glamorous Budapest where you will celebrate Mass at the 13th century Cathedral of St. Matthew before returning home with your faith rejuvenated and renewed.  Click here to read more!

Options and upgrades

Know before you go to know before you go.

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |    [email protected]

4 star hotel accommodations in jerusalem at a discounted rate available, any questions  contact us:.

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21 best Christmas holiday destinations

Tokyo, india and the caribbean are among the best places to go at christmas — but there are plenty of destinations closer to home too.

‘I t’s the most wonderful time of the year,” declares Andy Williams each festive season. But while a roaring fire, presents under a bauble-laden tree and snow gently drifting outside might be the picture of Christmas sold by Hollywood, your reality can be a different kind of magical. How about a rum and coke on the sandy beaches of Barbados? Or meeting Santa Claus in Lapland? Or dialling up the tradition and visiting one of the thousands of Christmas markets in Germany? Here are the best Christmas holiday destinations — whatever kind of break you’re looking for.

Main photo: your reindeer carriage awaits in Finnish Lapland (Getty Images)

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. The Rhine

Spend the Christmas season afloat on the Rhine, accompanied by a glass of local wine as steep vineyards and historic castles slip by. You’ll find a Rhine cruise a soothing way to celebrate the festive season, as most journeys stop at Rhineland cities such as Cologne, Koblenz and Bonn. Here, amid the twinkling lights, yuletide lovers mingle in charming Christmas markets, while the swish of skates on an ice rink, shoppers’ voices and Christmas carols provide a lively soundtrack.

• Best Christmas markets in Europe • Best UK hotels to spend Christmas in

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Christmas holidays are celebrated with gusto in Germany as its famous Christmas markets overflow with copious helpings of mulled wine and shining Christmas lights. Hip Berlin offers up a huge funfair and you can get straight into the Christmas spirit with a ticket to the Alexanderplatz show. There’s a high chance of snow: temperatures can slip well below zero in December and the average low is minus 1C.

• Best things to do in Berlin

3. Barbados

The Caribbean is made for Christmas. Barbados , the go-to Caribbean favourite for Brits, is at its most relaxed between mid-September and mid-December, when hotel prices drop by up to a third and the air-kissing, winter-sun-seeking regulars haven’t yet jetted in. There’s a risk of rain, but it never lasts long and the temperature’s still a balmy 27C. Explore the wild east. The island’s Atlantic side is an exhilarating whirl of dramatic shores (particularly around the little town of Bathsheba), rolling surf, flapping coconut palms and topsy-turvy hills that seem a world away from the busy beach resorts lining the west and south coasts. Drive over to bask in the peace and fresh air; Bay Tavern in Martin’s Bay is a mellow spot where Bajans take a break on Thursday afternoons, shooting (and feeling) the breeze at a “lime” (informal hangout).

• Best hotels in Barbados • Best things to do in Barbados

4. Courchevel, France

Courchevel is still a gathering ground for the world’s superrich. Broad, easy-skiing pistes combine with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels to create the most luxurious of all ski resorts. Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve has the biggest social buzz: think champagne bars and perfect teeth, set against a razor-sharp mountain ridge. New Year in Courchevel isn’t cheap, so save where you can by booking a central self-catering apartment in the Forum. Brush up your skiing with New Generation Ski School, so you don’t take a tumble outside the key slopeside bars. And don’t wait until December 31 to start the celebrations.

• Best ski resorts in France

5. Muscat, Oman

Hop on an overnight flight, and wake up seven hours later in Muscat, then get straight to the beach — it’s only 15 minutes from the airport. For the rest of your stay, take a traditional dhow boat trip from Marina Bandar al Rowhda so the little ones can enjoy goggling at rare marine life, or absorb the Bedouin vibes of the Arabian desert with teens. Try stargazing and camel-riding at Wahiba Sands, or head to turquoise-hued Wadi Bani Khalid oasis. Alternatively hire a local driver through your hotel and day-trip around Muscat to explore its frankincense-scented Mutrah Souq. Nearby, the call to prayer echoes around the minarets at the opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, open most days for visits.

• Best hotels in Oman

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

It’s not just gingerbread-scented markets and riotous Hogmanay parties that make wintry Edinburgh so appealing. Even under grey skies, you’ve got warm, world-class museums and restaurants and the icy North Sea winds are your excuse to duck into a snug watering hole for a soul-warming Scotch.

For bargains, go in early December when the Christmas markets are open, but the city is still relatively peaceful. Take a spin on the panoramic big wheel above Princes Street, bar crawl under the fairy lights of George Street and pop into the Scottish National Gallery to contemplate winter scenes. After dark, head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its Christmas illuminations.

• Best hotels in Edinburgh • Best things to do in Edinburgh

7. Salzburg, Austria

Revel in the unabashed schmaltz — this is the fantasy festive break. Dressed to the nines in baroque finery and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Salzburg is the staunchly traditional, chocolate-box city of Mozart and The Sound of Music , and will cocoon you in comfort. Walk around the Old Town streets, dive into vaulted beer cellars and shop for lederhosen. To warm up? Climb every mountain, of course.

Make your first wander an atmospheric browse along the narrow Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s glitzy shopping alley, where five-storey Renaissance houses provide a bulwark against winter weather. Explore its dimly lit arched passages and within a few paces, you might stumble upon Balkan Grill Walter, a kiosk selling Balkan beef sausages since 1950. After, make a prosecco pitstop at Seppo’s intimate wine bar, or cosy up with the crowds in the hidden Sternbräu beer garden.

• Best ski resorts in Austria

8. Finnish Lapland

For the real deal and endless other wintry activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing and reindeer rides, head north to the smaller resorts of Levi, Yllas or Saariselka. Levi is just 20 minutes from the airport, making transfers with weary tots super speedy. Here, Santa’s village is way out in the wilderness: a huddle of twinkly log cabins hidden among snow-laden pines. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies with Mother Claus, make decorations and visit Elf school to learn Finnish words such as Hyvaa Joulua (Happy Christmas), as well as having a private tête-à-tête with Santa himself. The focus is firmly on wholesome festive fun and, refreshingly, souvenir stops are sparse.

But don’t go too early — travel from the second or third weekend in December for a guaranteed snowscape. Ample time is crucial: do not book one of those 24-hour round-trips, your child will be so tired and cranky you’ll wonder why you bothered. Four nights is better, and even then you’ll wish you had more. Darkness reigns here: daylight falls between 10am and 2pm, when an eerie green and pink glow illuminates the sky.

• Best hotels in Lapland • Best things to do in Lapland

9. New York, US

This city is the face of Christmas, especially in films. Don’t miss the magical displays at Macy’s ( Miracle on 34th Street ); the steps of the Plaza Hotel ( Home Alone 2 ); and the Rockefeller tree ( Elf ). The chance of snow isn’t as high as in the perma-dusted movies, but it’s always possible as temperatures can dip to a bracing -10C. New York’s stores turn charitable at Christmastime, with epic window displays resembling free galleries. Start with the glittering scene at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue, then pass Tiffany’s before nipping over to Saks. Next head to the Rockefeller Center for a mulled wine and a gawp at the tree. For Christmas shopping, Bryant Park is transformed into a Winter Village, with stalls selling affordable gifts such as handmade scarves and soaps. It’s free to hit the ice rink here, too.

• Best affordable hotels in New York under £190 • The best things to do in New York

10. Tenerife, Spain

If you’re hoping to add some winter sun to your Christmas this is the place to be. Yes, tourism has made its mark on Tenerife , but the resorts in the south-coast destinations of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas take up only a fraction of the island. Beyond, unspoilt beauty awaits: seaside villages and picturesque coves, gracious colonial towns, a rainforest dripping with lichen, and ravishing ravines. And all beneath the awesome gaze of a 200,000-year-old volcano, Spain’s highest, Mount Teide.

• Best hotels in Tenerife • Best villas in Tenerife

11. Cities along the Danube

Here is one of Europe’s great rivers, perfect for a Christmas cruise taking in cities along the Danube such as Budapest , Bratislava and Regensburg. Passing through the heart of central Europe, revellers can celebrate the festive season at Christmas markets garlanded with Christmas lights and spirit. A mulled wine here, a juicy, grilled sausage there — which Christmas market will be your favourite?

• Best river cruises in Europe

12. The Ganges, India

Spend Christmas on a luxurious cruise along India’s holiest river where the warmth of the winter sun mixes well with the Christmas spirit. On these cruises, you’ll find a journey whose stand-outs include misty early mornings revealing ancient temples and small boats bumping along in the water, devotees by the edge, followed by the wake-up call of bazaars and the solemn fortresses of Jaipur and Varanasi.

• Best places to visit in India

13. Marrakesh, Morocco

There’s a local saying that Morocco is “a cold country with a hot sun”, and while snow on the Atlas Mountains from mid-November to April shows you how bitterly cold it can be at night, there are also piercing blue skies and sunshine warm enough for you to hit the pool. This is the time to snag a bargain to Marrakesh , but pack layers and stay somewhere with heating. Only July and August are cheaper, but only worth it if you can handle temperatures in the high 40Cs.

• Best hotels in Marrakesh • Best things to do in Marrakesh

14. Mauritius

It’s the blossoming of flame trees rather than the dressing of firs that marks the start of the festive season in Mauritius . These trees, red as Santa’s suit, bloom between late November and early December. Shortly after, hotel lobby decorations and seasonal shop window displays appear across the island. Food is central to a Mauritian Christmas and hotels in beach resorts like Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac offer gala dinners and festive brunches so you can tuck in with a cocktail or two.

• Best hotels in Mauritius

15. The Maldives

Trade in the traditional festive colour palette of red and green for a landscape that’s a centillion shades of blue. Fly to the capital, Male, then take a seaplane to a private island resort such as Medhufushi. Sleep in a villa suspended on stilts above the Jacuzzi-warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and snorkel and day-sail your way through the season. Many hotels in the Maldives offer traditional menus on Christmas day. However, if you boycott the sprouts, you’ll be rewarded with platters of fresh lobster, oysters and grouper — all washed down with a bottle of something sparkling.

• Best hotels in the Maldives

16. Singapore

Singapore soups up the Christmas experience. Festivities start in mid-November when almost four kilometres of Christmas lights are switched on in the Orchard Road shopping area. Shortly after, restaurants debut their festive menus and Christmas Wonderland opens at Gardens by the Bay. The season’s crescendo is the extravagant countdown and fireworks party at Marina Bay. If you’re worried about it all feeling a little too merry and bright, stay at a beach hotel like Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island. With its infinity pools, 30-acre gardens and views of the South China Sea, it’s a sanctuary amid the festive flamboyance.

• Best hotels in Singapore • Best things to do in Singapore

17. Antalya, Turkey

No jokes about eating turkey in Turkey please — here in Antalya, you can be as festive or not as you want. Many of the resorts in the region will have stonking good deals on all-inclusive breaks, with gala dinners put on for Christmas day. Even if you’re not set on a fly-and-flop, the fact that Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday here means you can shop, go to restaurants and visit attractions as normal. There’s a good chance of sun, but it’ll probably be too cold to hit the beaches. Instead, why not visit one of the ancient ruins for some light culture without the crowds? Termessos and Perge are particularly impressive.

• Best hotels in Antalya • Best things to do in Antalya

18. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo goes all in on the Christmas spirit, but with its own twist. Around the city are illuminations, where lights are strung up around buildings, trees and just about everything else from around mid-November. Look out, too, for festive fairs and Christmas markets where you can pick up kawaii (cute) handmade gifts. If you have kids, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland is essential. And no, you don’t have to adopt the tradition of eating KFC instead of a roast on Christmas Day — plenty of hotels will offer a more traditional festive meal.

• Best things to do in Tokyo • Best hotels in Tokyo • Best cities to visit in winter

19. Christmas Island, Australia

What could be more apt than spending the festive period on Christmas Island? This slice of paradise is actually closer to the tropical waters of Indonesia than the Australian mainland, making the weather here pretty much hot all year round. That said, December tends to be the rainy season in the region, with days often overcast — no matter, you’re likely to spend most of your time snorkelling its bath-warm waters anyway. Back on dry land, you’ll see one of the most spectacular annual migrations: it’s mating season for red land crabs and millions of them will be scuttling from the forest to the coast.

20. Iceland

Iceland is the perfect holiday destination for travellers in search of Christmas spirit. Here, the festive season pulsates with lively Christmas markets where wooden booths brim with food and drink, and gifts glitter as imposing Christmas trees stand guard. Expect a true winter wonderland made up of wild lava fields and craggy mountains topped with snow for added sparkle. Take a self-drive into the mountains and catch the northern lights glimmering in the dark sky, and don’t forget other seasonal sojourns such as trekking near the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

• Best hotels in Iceland • Best things to do in Iceland

21. London, England

London does a stonking good job of putting on a good Christmas display — as you would expect from any capital city — but what it’s particularly good at is the stunning array of settings where twinkling lights breathe magic into the air. There’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where fairground rides, circus acts and Christmas market stalls selling mulled wine and bratwurst will make anyone giddy. Or Battersea Power Station, where the brightly lit facade overlooks a riverfront ice rink. And of course, who could forget the shopping streets around Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where shops compete to put on the best displays. Fortnum & Mason’s is unmissable.

• Best things to do in London at Christmas

Take me there

Inspired to go abroad this Christmas but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Jet2 Holidays and Tui .

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