Did you know Salzburg is the place where the hills are alive with the sound of music? If you are reading this article, chances are that you did. But you may be wondering how many of the original movie locations can actually be accessed today. That’s why we have put together this comprehensive guide to the Sound of Music locations in Salzburg. Some you can explore on the self-guided walking tour in the city, while others in the city’s surroundings are mostly just accessible by car. We hope you enjoy this Sound of Music tour on your own!
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Table of Contents
Why Choose This Free Self-Guided Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg?
This free self-guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg is perfect if you are short on time and trying to save some money. Whether you have access to a car or not, you can still see many of the famous filming locations inside the city. With our free map, you can follow the walking route quite easily without having to hire an expensive guide for the day.
The walking tour will take you past all Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg which means you will also see many of Salzburg’s popular attractions in general as well. We have designed the walking tour in such a way that you will also be offered splendid picture-perfect views along the way.
For those who want to explore further, no other self-guided tour is as comprehensive as ours which means hard-core fans of the movie will truly be able to see each and every filming location in Salzburg and surroundings.
Sound of Music Walking Tour in Salzburg
This self-guided Salzburg Sound of Music walking tour is precisely 4km long and shouldn’t take much more than 2-3 hours to complete. Of course, you are very welcome to take it slow and stop at some cozy cafes along the way.
Please just note that Salzburg is a relatively hilly city and that you will need to make a few small climbs. We recommend that you wear a pair of comfy shoes for this walking tour and bring along some water in the summer.
In case you have limited time in Salzburg, but want to make the most of your visit, check out our ‘Detour’ recommendations. These sights are only a short detour from our walking tour, but will allow you to also see the city’s most important landmarks along the way.
On this walking tour you will see:
- Schloss Mirabell
- Salzburger Marionettentheater
- Winkler Terrace
- Sound of Music World
- Pferdeschwemme
- Felsenreitschule
- Toscaninihof
- Domplatz
- Residenzplatz
- Kapitelschwemme
- Petersfriedhof
- Stift Nonnberg
- St. Erhard Church
- Kajetanerplatz
- Mozartsteg
1. Schloss Mirabell
The UNESCO-listed Mirabell Palace and its gardens are one of Salzburg’s most important sights as well as a notable Sound of Music filming location. Built in the early 17th century as a ‘modest’ residence for Salome Alt, the mistress of Price-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, it was a welcome reprieve from the crowded streets of the inner city.
Although a fire in 1818 destroyed much of the palace, the famous Angels Staircase, as well as the Marble Hall, remained unscathed. The surrounding gardens were designed later by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.
Fun Fact
The Marble Hall was where a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his sister Nannerl used to perform.
Sound of Music Scenes at Mirabell Palace & Gardens
The final portion of the song ‘Do Re Mi’ was filmed at the palace gardens. The first shot portrays Maria and the children singing and dancing around the so-called Pegasus fountain before you can see them running cheerfully through the vine tunnel at the western end of the gardens.
Maria and the children then pose with the two Greek statues at the very southern tip of the gardens. This scene is followed by a short scene in front of the Grand Fountain (Vier-Elemente-Brunnen).
The last two scenes at the gardens are probably the most popular ones, however. In one, you can see Maria and the children tapping a dwarf’s head in the Dwarf Garden (Zwergerlgarten). Please note that touching the dwarfs is prohibited now.
Finally, Maria and the children hop up and down on the steps to Rose Hill (Rosengarten), just north of the Pegasus Fountain (Pegasusbrunnen).
Time Stamps
01:01:56 Maria and the children sing and dance around the Pegasus fountain.
01:02:03 Maria and the children sing and run through the vine tunnel.
01:02:10 Maria and the children sing and pose with the Greek statues.
01:02:14 Maria and the children sing and dance in front of the fountain.
01:02:17 Maria and the children sing and tap the dwarf’s head.
01:02:21 Maria and the children sing and hold hands.
01:02:25 Maria and the children sing and hop on the stairs.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
It’s a good idea to start your day very early. The gardens get absolutely packed with tourists during the day which can make recreating your favorite scenes just a tad embarrassing.
Thankfully, the Mirabell gardens open at about 06:00 which should give you a good shot at a beautiful picture. I’d recommend getting the ‘step hopping’ and ‘tunnel running’ done first 😉
Unfortunately, however, the Dwarf Garden, as well as the vine tunnel, are closed during the winter months. The gardens are free to visit.
The Marble Hall can be visited free of charge Mo/Wed/Thu 08:00-16:00 and Tue/Fri 13:00-16:00.
Directions
Your next stop is the Salzburger Marionettentheater (2) which is located at the southen end of Mirabell Gardens.
2. Salzburger Marionettentheater
Established in 1913, the Salzburg Marionette Theater is one of the oldest in the world. Since its inception, it has performed more than 2,600 times around the world including various pieces such as operas and ballets.
The team was asked to perform for the movie but was unfortunately unable to do so at the time. Instead, American puppeteer Bil Baird assisted the production team together with his wife Cora Eisenberg.
Sound of Music Scenes at the Salzburger Marionettentheater
One of the most famous scenes of the movie consists of Maria and the children performing the piece “Lonely Goatherd” for the Captain and his guests. In fact, the scene was filmed in Hollywood on a set modeled after the opulent Venetian Room at Leopoldskron Castle in Salzburg.
Time Stamps
01:18:55 Maria and the children perform ‘Lonely Goatherd’ for the Captain and his guests.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
While the actual scene takes place on a set in Hollywood and the original room is found at Leopoldskron, it can be great fun to see the puppeteers in action.
What’s more, the Salzburger Marionettentheter actually performs The Sound of Music, written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and directed by Richard Hamburger several times per week.
Tickets cost as little as 28 EUR p.p. to a show which is the perfect evening filler in Salzburg. You can find more information about the showtimes on their official website.
Insider Tip
Just a few hundred meters from the Puppet Theater lies Hotel Bristol. While not a Sound of Music filming location, it was here where wardrobe and makeup for the movie were stored. In the evenings, members of the cast were known to come for a drink at the bar.
Directions
Your next stop is Winkler Terrace (3). Cross the Salzach river over Makartsteg bridge and turn right. Take a left at Museumsplatz. Entrance to the lift is at the end of the street. You’ll be walking about 600 meters.
3. Winkler Terrace
Perched on the side of Mönchsberg (monk’s hill), the Winkler Terrace offers some of the most beautiful views of Salzburg. It was once the location of the famous Cafe Winkler. Today, it is the location of the Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne).
Sound of Music Scenes at Winkler Terrace
Two different scenes were filmed at this panoramic spot in Salzburg. We first get to see it when Maria leaves the abbey to live with the Von Trapp family. She is seen strolling along the terrace with her luggage, singing the first lines of the song ‘I Have Confidence’.
Later in the movie, the terrace offers the backdrop for a scene in which Maria teaches the Von Trapp children how to sing in the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage.
Time Stamps
00:19:26 Maria strolls along the terrace and sings ‘I Have Confidence’.
00:59:30 Maria teaches the children ‘Do Re Mi’. (‘When you know the notes to sing’) .
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Winkler Terrace can be reached on foot, however, for the purpose of this walking tour you may take the Mönchsberg Lift. It only takes 30 seconds to reach the top which makes it convenient if you are short on time. A two-way ticket costs 4.20 EUR, but if you have the Salzburg Card, you can ride it for free.
In our experience, the terrace doesn’t get overly crowded, but it’s generally a good idea to come earlier in the morning rather than later. The lift runs from 08:00 every day of the year.
Directions
Your next stop is Sound of Music World (4). Simply continue on Gstättengasse before turning right on Bürgerspitalplatz. You’ll be walking about 130 meters.
4. Sound of Music World
Salzburg fully embraces its fame as the filming location of the Sound of Music. As such, it’s not a surprise that there is an entire museum, Sound of Music World, dedicated to the movie and the family behind the story.
Actually, the museum strives to highlight the history of the Von Trapp family in the context of Austria in the early 20th century.
It features original documents, such as a letter describing Georg von Trapp’s wedding to Agathe Whitehead in 1911. The museum follows the family’s history through Agathe’s death, Georg’s wedding with Maria, the Great Depression, the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany, and finally the family’s emigration to the USA.
Admission to the museums costs 8 EUR but is free with the Salzburg Card.
Detour: Getreidegasse
The Sound of Music museum is located just at the beginning of Getreidegasse, one of the inner city’s longest and busiest streets. At No. 9 you will find the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and lived until he was 17; it is now a museum of the composer’s life.
Directions
Your next stop is Pferdeschwemme (5). Simply continue on Bürgerspitalgasse. You’ll be walking about 75 meters.
5. Pferdeschwemme
The Pferdeschwemme (horses’ trough, also known as Marstallschwemme), built in 1695, is a marble fountain in what was once the yard of the palace stables. Here, horses were watered and washed throughout the day.
The backdrop of the fountain consists of a wall decorated with intricate frescoes. In 1732, the trough was reconfigured into the opulent fountain you see today.
Sound of Music Scenes at the Pferdeschwemme
The Pferdeschwemme is one of the backdrops for the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage in the movie. You can see Maria and the children passing the fountain before stopping to admire the statue and frescoes.
Time Stamps
00:55:11 Maria and the children pass the fountain during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
The Pferdeschwemme still exists as it can be seen in the movie today. Of course, the surroundings have changed a bit and the area can be relatively busy with buses and cars. It’s perhaps a good idea to stop by here outside of rush hour.
Directions
Your next stop is Felsenreitschule (6). Cross Herbert-Von-Karajan Square and continue straight on Hofstallgasse. You’ll be walking about 200 meters.
6. Felsenreitschule
The Felsenreitschule was built in 1693 under the orders of Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun. Located next to the royal stables, it was meant to function as a summer riding school.
Since 1926, the former riding school has been used as an open-air stage during the Salzburger Festspiele, an annual festival of music and drama.
Sound of Music Scenes at the Felsenreitschule
The Felsenreitschule serves as the backdrop for some of the most powerful scenes in the Sound of Music. It is here that the Captain performs the song ‘Edelweiss’ before he is joined by Maria and the children for the performance of ‘So Long, Farewell’.
Time Stamps
02:19:48 The children rehearse for the Salzburg Festival under the guidance of Max.
02:34:47 The Von Trapp Family performs ‘Do Re Mi’ at the Salzburg Festival.
02:35:57 The Captain performs ‘Edelweiss’ at the Salzburg Festival.
02:39:44 The Von Trapp Family performs ‘So Long, Farewell’ at the Salzburg Festival.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Unfortunately, the Felsenreitschule is not freely accessible. If you would like to see where the Von Trapp family performed in the movie, you either need to attend a performance at the venue or join one of the guided tours.
The tours take place daily, but times depend on the season. It costs 7 EUR but is free with the Salzburg Card. You can find more information on the official website.
Directions
Your next stop is Toscaninihof (7). At the end of Hofstallgasse, simply turn right. You’ll be walking a distance of about 60 meters.
7. Toscaninihof
Whether or not you take a tour of the Felsenreitschule, be sure to pop your head into Toscaninihof, just around the corner. From here it is also possible to ascend Mönchsberg in case you did not want to make use of the lift.
Sound of Music Scenes at Toscaninihof
In the movie, Rolf hands a telegram to a confused Liesl on this square. It is a telegram from Berlin for her father who is currently on honeymoon with Maria. The Nazi flag is hoisted in the background.
Time Stamps
02:19:35 A car carrying Nazi officials arrives at the Felsenreitschule.
02:22:15 Rolf hands a telegram to Liesl outside the Felsenreitschule.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Unlike Felsenreitschule, Toscaninihof Square is freely accessible. However, it somewhat functions as an access route which means there will probably be cars in your picture.
Directions
Your next stop is Domplatz (8). Continue straight on Franziskanergasse. You’ll be walking a distance of about 170 meters.
8. Domplatz
The Domplatz (Cathedral Square) in its present dimensions and boundaries was created during the massive urban development measures (developments) commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau.
In particular, it was influenced by the reconstruction of the Old Residence in 1600, the construction of the courtyard arch building in 1606, as well as in the 17th century through the construction of the convent tract of the Benedictine abbey of St. Peter. The Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) dominates the square.
Sound of Music Scenes at Domplatz
The Domplatz first appears in the Sound of Music when Maria exits it through the arches. It can further be seen during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage when Maria and the children scurry across the square in their picnic clothes.
Time Stamps
00:20:01 Maria walks through the arches at Domplatz.
00:55:03 Maria and the children run across the Domplatz.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
It should come as no surprise that the Domplatz is one of the busiest addresses in Salzburg. Consequently, it is difficult to get a shot without a million people in the background.
Additionally, the square also functions as a theater venue on occasion which means there may be scaffolding obscuring your perfect shot. It is best avoided while the Salzburg Festival is ongoing.
Directions
Your next stop is Residenzplatz (9). Access it through the arches at the north-eastern end of Domplatz. You’ll be walking a distance of about 120 meters.
9. Residenzplatz
The Residenzplatz (Residence Square) is one of the most impressive squares in Salzburg. In the center of the square, you’ll find the Residenzbrunnen, a monumental fountain, which was built between 1656 and 1661 on behalf of Prince-Bishop Guidobald Count von Thun and Hohenstein and probably executed by Tommaso di Garona.
Some of the buildings surrounding the square are the Old and New Residence, the Salzburg Cathedral, St. Michael’s Church, as well as a few representative city apartments.
Sound of Music Scenes at Residenzplatz
The Residence Square features several times in the movie. It first appears in the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage when Maria splashes water in the Residence Fountain. Later in the movie, the Old Residence can be seen covered by a Nazi flag as soldiers march onto the square, marking the annexation of Austria to the Third Reich.
Time Stamps
00:20:17 Maria sings ‘I Have Confidence’ while splashing water on the horse in the residence Fountain.
02:19:07 Soldiers march onto Residence Square during the Anschluss scene.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Just like Domplatz, the Residenzplatz can be fairly busy. People tend to congregate around the fountain, especially during the summer when it offers a welcome reprieve from the heat. With a bit of patience, however, you can still get your perfect shot.
Just know that the ledge of the fountain is a bit high and if you’re short like me, you may have trouble reaching the water and recreating the scene. To get it perfect, position yourself so that you have the Old Residence in the background.
Directions
Your next stop is Kapitelschwemme (10). Walk around the cathedral until you reach Kapitelplatz. You’ll be walking a distance of about 250 meters.
10. Kapitelschwemme
Kapitelplatz is one of Salzburg’s most attractive fountains, and offers outdoor games and fun for everyone.
The fountain, best known as Kapitelschwemme and constructed in 1732, depicts the Greek god Poseidon with his trident. Just like the Marstallschwemme, this used to be a place to water and wash horses.
Sound of Music Scenes at Kapitelschwemme
The Kapitelschwemme can be seen in the background when Maria strolls across Kapitelplatz during the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage before getting on the bus.
Time Stamps
00:20:41 Maria strolls across the Kapitelplatz with the Kapitelschwemme in the background during the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Since the filming of the movie, Kapitelplatz has changed significantly. Today it is a busy square, serving cars as well as public transport.
While it is not possible to stroll across the square as seen in the movie, the Kapitelschwemme can still be admired.
Directions
Your next stop is Petersfriedhof (11). Finish circling Kapitelplatz and turn left onto Festungsgasse. You’ll be walking a distance of about 120 meters.
11. Petersfriedhof
St. Peter’s Cemetery is one of the oldest still-existing cemeteries in Salzburg. Although there is evidence of ancient graves at the same location, the cemetery as it can be seen today only came into existence in 1627 with the erection of the arcades by Christoph Gottsreiter.
It is best known for its catacombs which tie in fluidly with the rocky backdrop of the Festungsberg.
Sound of Music Scenes at Petersfriedhof
While no scenes were actually filmed at this location, the cemetery inspired the set which is used towards the end of the movie.
The Von Trapp family can be seen hiding here from the Nazis. It is, however, the final resting place of Franz Wasner, known as Max Detweiler in the movie.
Trivia Tidbit
St. Peter’s Cemetery is also the final resting place of W.A. Mozart, his sister Nannerl, and famous composer Michael Haydn.
Time Stamps
02:45:32 The Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis at the cemetery.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
While the actual cemetery in the movie is a set, the real-life Petersfriedhof bears a striking resemblance. While admission to the catacombs costs 2 EUR, general access to the cemetery is free.
It doesn’t seem to get overly crowded. Of course, you cannot climb behind any of the graves in order to recreate the scene, but the place in itself is serene and well worth a picture.
Detour: Festung Hohensalzburg
A few steps from the cemetery lies the funicular which can take you to the top of the mountain and to Hohensalzburg Fortress. Built during the 11th century in the middle of a religious war, this fortress offered refuge for Salzburg’s archbishops. It was extended gradually over time to the fortress you can see today. Besides its well-preserved medieval interiors, it is also the perfect place to get a birds-eye-view of Salzburg. From the fortress, you can descend by funicular and continue as normal, or descend the mountain on foot until you reach Festungsgasse where you can continue with our tour.
Directions
Your next stop is Stift Nonnberg (12). Simply continue straight on Festungsgasse which then merges into Nonnberggasse. You’ll be walking a distance of about 450 meters.
12. Stift Nonnberg
Stift Nonnberg is a Benedictine nunnery, founded in 714 by St Rupert. Much of the building was destroyed in a fire in 1423 which led to the erection of a new convent in the later 15th century.
Sound of Music Scenes at Stift Nonnberg
Several scenes were filmed for the Sound of Music at Nonnberg Abbey. Filming within the courtyard, as is seen several times in the movie, was not allowed, which is why it was recreated as a set in Hollywood.
However, the scene where Maria leaves the convent was filmed on location. The convent gates appear again when the children visit Maria and again at the end of the movie when the Von Trapp family is fleeing the Nazis.
Time Stamps
00:07:44 Nuns go about their day in the courtyard of the Nonnberg Abbey.
00:10:00 The nuns discuss the case of Maria in the courtyard of the Nonnberg Abbey.
00:13:56 Maria comes dashing into the courtyard of the Nonnberg Abbey.
00:18:31 Maria leaves the convent.
01:50:09 The children visit Maria at the abbey.
02:44:14 Two Nazi cars arrive at Nonnberg Abbey.
Trivia Tidbit
Stift Nonnberg is in fact one of the most important Sound of Music locations in Salzburg. It was here that Maria lived in real life from the age of 19 and it was also at the abbey’s chapel where she and Georg von Trapp got married in 1927.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Unfortunately, the inner courtyard is as inaccessible to visitors as it was to the makers of the movie. However, the abbey gates and a smaller courtyard inside are accessible.
If you are up for a challenge, you can come at precisely 06:45 every morning and listen to the choir sing, similar to what can be heard at the beginning of the movie.
Directions
Your next stop is St Erhard Church (13). Continue downhill on Nonnberggasse. At the end, take a sharp left onto Nonntaler Hauptstrasse. You’ll be walking a distance of about 510 meters.
13. St. Erhard Church
St. Erhard church is an unassuming church located further down the hill on Mönchsberg. It dates back to approximately 1404 when it was first mentioned.
Sound of Music Scenes at St. Erhard Church
St Erhard church can be seen as part of the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage when Maria and the children ride the horse carriage down Nonntaler Hauptstrasse.
Time Stamps
01:01:23 Maria and the children sing ‘Do Re Mi’ while riding in a horse carriage on Nonntaler Hauptstrasse
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Walking down Nonntaler Hauptstrasse is actually a pleasant stroll and will lead you directly from Nonnberg Abbey to the two final stops on this Sound of Music tour.
To go all out, you could rent a horse carriage at Residenzplatz and ask to drive up in this direction, but for the sake of the horses, we don’t actually recommend you do so.
Directions
Your next stop is Kajetanerplatz (14). Continue straight on Nonntaler Hauptstrasse until it merges onto Petersbrunnstrasse. Then, take the first on your left. You’ll be walking a distance of about 400 meters.
14. Kajetanerplatz
Kajetanerplatz is a public square in the southeastern part of Salzburg’s old town. The most notable building on the square is the Kajetanerkirche, a relatively large yet unassuming church.
The entire area is pedestrianized and since 2015 markets are taking place regularly again.
Sound of Music Scenes at Kajetanerplatz
Kajetanerplatz appears during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage when Maria and the children shop for vegetables at the market. It is also here that you can see Maria juggle with tomatoes.
Time Stamps
00:55:20 Maria and the children shop at the local market.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Kajetanerplatz is freely accessible throughout the year, however, markets only take place on certain days. If you want to juggle tomatoes like Maria, come on a Friday between 08:00 and 13:00.
At those times you’ll find a local farmers’ market on the square and there’ll be at least one stall to buy tomatoes at 😉
Directions
Your last stop is Mozartsteg (15). Continue straight on Kaigasse and follow it until you reach Mozartplatz. Cross Rudolfskai to get to the bridge. You’ll be walking a distance of about 520 meters.
15. Mozartsteg
Mozartsteg is a small pedestrianized bridge, connecting the Old Town of Salzburg with the left Salzach bank. It is named after the famous composer and Salzburg native W.A. Mozart.
In 2011, the bridge underwent extensive restoration work during which the wooden planks seen in the movie were replaced with more durable material.
Sound of Music Scenes at Mozartsteg
Like many other parts of Salzburg, Mozartsteg appears in the movie during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage. Maria and the children come running down the bridge in their picnic clothes before stopping to enjoy the view of the city.
Time Stamps
00:54:43 Maria and the children come running down Mozartsteg during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Unfortunately, the bridge doesn’t look quite as quaint as it used to due to the loss of the wooden planks. Still, it makes a beautiful background for a photo.
Because the footbridge is relatively small, a lot of people may crowd your picture. Again, it’s wise to come early in the morning.
Sound of Music Locations Outside Salzburg
Apart from the Sound of Music filming locations in the Old Town of Salzburg, some scenes were filmed in the outer districts of the city or even in the surrounding villages.
Below we have listed those locations which are not accessible by foot from the city center. While some are accessible by public transport, we recommend renting a car in order to see all of them.
1. Mondsee Lake
Mondsee is a lake located to the east of Salzburg, approximately 30km from the city center. The lake and surrounding town are popular among locals to visit during the summer months. Its natural setting is absolutely stunning.
Sound of Music Scenes at Mondsee Lake
Mondsee Lake appears several times throughout the movie. It first appears in the reflection of the window when Maria takes the bus to the Von Trapp villa. More notably, it’s the backdrop for the scenic bike ride Maria and the children take during the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage.
It’s then seen again in the scene where the Captain returns from Vienna with Max and the Baroness. They comment on local children dangling from the trees.
Time Stamps
00:20:50 Maria rides the bus to the Von Trapp villa.
01:00:57 Maria and the children ride bikes along the lake.
01:04:21 The children dangle from the trees.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
As beautiful as the lake is, it has unfortunately lost a lot of charm since the filming of the movie. The unpaved roads that appear in the movie have been replaced with asphalt and cars zoom along the streets at high speed.
Because the area has changed significantly over the last few decades, it is actually difficult to determine the exact filming locations, although on the map we have marked a point which we believe to be fairly accurate.
You can reach that point most easily by car. There isn’t much in terms of parking around as everything is public property, but there is a small nave where you can park your car for a few minutes to take a snapshot.
Alternatively, you can travel to the town of Mondsee by public transport from where bus 596 departs approximately every 2 hours. It takes 20 minutes to reach the stop ‘Innerschwand/Mondsee Niedersee’.
Because the bus runs so rarely, we don’t particularly recommend this option. There is nothing else to see or do around here.
2. St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee
Coming back to the town of Mondsee, St. Michael’s Church is one of the few instances where Sound of Music scenes were filmed on-site rather than on a set in Hollywood.
Even without the Sound of Music connection, St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee is well worth a visit. It simply is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in the region.
Sound of Music Scenes at Mondsee Basilica
The basilica in Mondsee can be seen in one of the most pivotal scenes in the movie. It is here that Maria and the Captain get married (for the movie that is, as the real wedding took place at Nonnberg Abbey). The church can be seen from the outside as well as the inside.
Time Stamps
02:16:04 The organ plays during Maria’s wedding.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Throughout most of the year, the church is freely accessible. Opening hours vary, but generally, the doors are open between 09:00 and 19:00. As this is an active place of worship, we ask that you do not take pictures during church services.
The town center of Mondsee can be reached within 25 minutes by car. Parking in the town is sparse, which is why you need to park just outside the town square.
Getting here by public transport requires taking bus 140 which leaves every 40 minutes and takes about 50 minutes to travel from Salzburg to Mondsee.
P.S.: It is actually possible to get married in the church, just in case you really want to go all-in 😉
3. Schloss Leopoldskron
Leopoldskron Castle is a splendid example of rococo architecture, located about 6km south of the city center of Salzburg.
It was built in 1736 as a residence for prince archbishop Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian and his family. The interiors consist of opulent rooms, such as the almost entirely golden Venetian Room.
Sound of Music Scenes at Leopoldskron Castle
Schloss Leopoldskron appears continuously throughout the movie as the location of all lake terrace scenes. In essence, Schloss Leopoldskron constitutes the backside of the Von Trapp home in the movie.
In addition, some sets were modeled after the interiors of the palace such as the puppet theater room. It is also in this room where Maria is first introduced to the children and where the dancing takes place during the party at the Von Trapp Villa.
Time Stamps
00:24:10 Maria enters the ballroom.
00:24:35 Maria meets the Captain for the first time.
00:36:43 Liesl leaves the house for her Rendezvous with Rolf.
01:04:33 The Captain and the Baroness arrive from Vienna.
01:09:00 Rolf arrives with a telegram for Max.
01:10:46 Maria and the children are playing and singing in a rowboat on the lake.
01:12:49 Maria confronts the Captain.
01:18:53 Maria and the children perform ‘Lonely Goatherd’ for the Captain and his visitors.
01:28:07 The Von Trapp family have a party at their villa.
01:44:55 The Baroness and the children play ball.
01:47:06 The children perform ‘The Sound of Music’ for Max.
01:57:45 The children return from visiting Maria at the abbey.
02:00:58 Maria returns from the abbey. She and the children sing ‘My Favorite Things’.
02:04:02 The Baroness leaves the villa.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Getting to Leopoldskron Castle is actually relatively easy and with a little bit of time can even be done on foot. By car, it is only a few minutes. Bus 23 (direction Freibad Leopoldskron) is the mode of public transport which gets you there the closest.
As the castle is now a luxury hotel and private property, unfortunately, the grounds are not freely accessible. The only way to see the interiors and even access the terrace is by staying at the hotel.
Alternatively, you can take beautiful shots of the exterior from across the lake. There is a small footpath that leads from the street up to the castle. You can park the car at the end of that street (corner Zwieselweg and König-Ludwig-Straße).
4. Sound of Music Gazebo
The beautiful pavilion that can be seen in the Sound of Music originally stood on the grounds of Leopoldskron Castle. Today, however, it is found in the gardens of Hellbrunn Castle.
Sound of Music Scenes at the Sound of Music Pavilion
The gazebo appears in the background of several shots in the movie as it was originally located just off the lakeside terrace at Leopoldskron Castle. However, it takes center stage in two scenes of the movie.
First, when Liesl and Rolf meet for their rendezvous, singing ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ and then again when the Captain reveals his feelings to Maria. Together they sing ‘Something Good’.
Time Stamps
00:36:55 Liesl meets Rolf for their rendezvous.
00:39:02 Rolf & Liesl perform ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’.
02:07:53 The Captain reveals his feelings to Maria.
02:11:57 Maria and the Captain sing ‘Something Good’.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Hellbrunn Castle is a popular tourist attraction, especially due to its ‘trick fountains’. As such, it is easily accessible. It is best to take bus 25 (direction Grödig Untersbergbahn) and get off at ‘Schloss Hellbrunn’. Alternatively, there is plenty of parking available on site.
While the fountains can only be seen on a guided tour, the Sound of Music pavilion is freely accessible. Unfortunately, its doors are usually locked which means dancing on the benches inside is not possible 🙁
5. Schloss Frohnburg
Built around 1620, Frohnburg Castle is more of a city palace than a castle. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful building and well worth seeing.
Today, the building belongs to the Mozarteum University and functions as both, a student residence and a place of instruction.
Sound of Music Scenes at Frohnburg Castle
As Schloss Leopoldskron is the backside of the Von Trapp villa in the movie, Schloss Frohnburg lends itself as the building’s front side.
It appears several times, for example when Maria first arrives at the Von Trapp Villa or when the guests arrive for the party as well as at the end of the movie when the family is about to leave.
Time Stamps
00:21:55 Maria arrives at the Von Trapp villa for the first time.
00:34:59 Rolf arrives at the Von Trapp villa with a telegram for the Captain.
00:54:30 Maria and the children depart the Von Trapp villa in their picnic outfits.
01:28:22 Guests arrive for the party at the Von Trapp home.
01:44:50 Opening scene of the second act.
02:22:52 Maria and the Captain return from their honeymoon.
02:29:22 The Von Trapp family quietly tries to leave their home.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Schloss Frohnburg is relatively easy to reach by public transport. It is best to take bus 25 (direction Grödig Untersbergbahn) and get off at ‘Schloss Hellbrunn’. From here, it is a short walk down Hellbrunner Allee.
If you come by car, just know that there isn’t really any parking and the road outside the castle is a bit narrow. There is little traffic, however, which means you can just park the car on the side of the road for a few minutes.
6. Hellbrunner Allee
Leading from Hellbrunn Castle to Frohnburg Castle is Hellbrunner Allee. As a matter of fact, it connects the Hellbrunn area with Salzburg’s old town. A mixture of species line the street, including lindens, oaks, chestnut trees, and more.
Sound of Music Scenes at Hellbrunner Allee
Although you can glimpse the street on a few occasions, it features most prominently in the scene where Maria gets off the bus and strolls down to the Von Trapp villa.
Time Stamps
00:21:03 Maria gets off the bus during the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage.
00:21:21 Maria strolls down the road during the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
While you are at Frohnburg Castle, you are visiting Hellbrunner Allee at the same time. There is relatively little traffic on this street which means you can easily take a couple of pictures along it.
Because the area has changed a bit since the filming of the movie, it is not exactly clear where Maria gets off the bus, but there are a few turns just around the castle that are good contenders. Unfortunately, no VW buses serve the area as seen in The Sound of Music (anymore?).
7. Rossfeld Panorama Street
Rossfeld Panoramastraße is one of The Sound of Music filming locations which, while absolutely stunning, is a bit difficult to access.
It’s a private street located atop a mountain just across the border in Germany. It offers some of the most stunning views and is definitely worth a visit if you have a car.
Sound of Music Scenes at the Rossfeld Panorama Street
During the production of the Sound of Music, Rossfeld Panorama Street was used to film the escape of the Von Trapp family across the mountains.
While in reality, they fled the country by train rather than on foot, the scene makes for a dramatic ending to the movie. The family actually climbs the Untersberg Mountain which can be seen from the viewpoint.
Time Stamps
02:52:51 The Von Trapp family escapes to Switzerland. Final scene.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Getting to Rossfeld Panorama Street from Salzburg takes a 50-minute car ride. As you reach the bottom of the street, you are required to pay a toll of 8 EUR per car. Once you reach the top, there are dozens of parking spaces available.
If you actually want to climb Untersberg Mountain like the Von Trapp family does in the movie, you can take a cable car from the valley station in the village of St. Leonhard to Geiereck spur at an altitude of 1,776 m. From here you can hike a bit further for even better views.
Just please be sure to wear adequate clothing and shoes if you are planning on this track. Tickets for the cable car cost 25 EUR p.p but are free with the Salzburg Card.
Fun Fact
The Sound of Music is not the only movie that has been filmed on Rossfeld Panorama Street. ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989) features a car chase scene which takes place at the same location.
8. Werfen
Werfen is a small village approximately 60km south of Salzburg. There is a Sound of Music trail which leads you from the center of the town to the location of one of the most iconic Sound of Music filming locations.
Sound of Music Scenes in Werfen
The Gschwandtanger viewing point towering above the town of Werfen is where Maria and the children enjoy their picnic with the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle in the background. At the same time, it features in the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage.
Time Stamps
00:56:12 Maria and the children have a picnic.
00:57:20 Maria teaches the children ‘Do Re Mi’.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
The town of Werfen is accessible by both, car and public transport. If you opt to take public transport, you can catch a train to Werfen Bahnhof which takes approximately 45 minutes. From the station, you can follow the 1.4 km trail which leads you up the mountain to the meadow.
A small installation honors the 50-year anniversary since the movie came out. All in all, the hike should take about an hour.
Alternatively, you can drive your car all the way up to the meadow. There is a handful of parking spots just opposite the meadow. Both, the street as well as the hiking trail, are closed during the winter due to snow.
9. Mehlweg
Mehlweg is a location best known as the backdrop for the famous Sound of Music opening scene. The area formerly belonged to a guesthouse but has since been made private property.
Sound of Music Scenes at Mehlweg
The most iconic scene in the whole movie is filmed here. During the opening scene of the Sound of Music, Maria is seen singing ‘The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music’ and twirling in the meadow atop this mountain. The small stream that features in the scene is actually artificial and not part of the natural landscape.
Time Stamps
00:02:44 Maria sings and twirls in the meadow. Opening Scene.
How to See & Recreate the Scenes
Mehlweg lies in Marktschellenberg, Germany, approximately 20km south of Salzburg. As the area is private property, it is not possible to access this Sound of Music location anymore. While that is pitisome, we urge you to respect the locals and visit the picnic meadow in Werfen instead.
Other Sound of Music Locations in Salzburg
Apart from the Sound of Music filming locations mentioned above, there are a few more spots that we don’t want to go unmentioned.
Salzkammergut
Several aerial shots constitute the intro to the Sound of Music. These were filmed at a variety of locations in the region called Salzkammergut. While we have already discussed Mondsee, other locations are:
- The town of Fuschl
- The town of St. Gilgen
- The town of St. Wolfgang
Other locations included in the opening scene are Schloss Anif (00:02:07) and Höglwörth Abbey (00:01:59). While Schloss Anif is located in Salzburg, it is private property and not at all accessible. Höglwörth Abbey is located in Germany, near the town of Anger.
Villa Trapp
The original Von Trapp villa was not actually used during the filming of the movie. It is located in the town of Aigen, about 4km from central Salzburg. The family lived here until they fled Austria in 1938 upon which the villa was seized by the Nazis and made the private home of Heinrich Himmler.
Today, the villa is a hotel and museum to the lives of the Von Trapp family.
How to See
The villa is fairly easy to access by car or even public transport. In fact, the Salzburg Aigen train station through which the family escaped in real life, is only a 10-minute ride from the city center.
You can either book yourself into the hotel for a night or simply visit the rooms on a guided tour. The tours take place every day and take about 45 minutes.
Guided Sound of Music Tours in Salzburg
If you are very short on time or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of a self-guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, you can also opt to take a guided tour instead.
The Original Sound of Music Tour: This tour lasts about 4 hours and takes you to Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen, and the Mondsee Wedding Chapel.
From Vienna – Sound of Movies Musical Tour to Salzburg: This is a whirlwind one-day tour to Salzburg from Vienna. It includes stops in Mondsee, Hellbrunn Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, Mirabell Gardens, as well as a guided tour of some of the sights in the Old Town of Salzburg.
Now, what do you think? Did we miss any important Sound of Music locations in Salzburg? Which is your favorite Sound of Music filming location? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Jacky, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. With several years of experience in online marketing, I leverage my expertise to ensure that you get the best travel advice, tailored for the digital age. My travels have taken me to over 30 countries, and I love sharing those experiences with readers like you. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, science fiction, coffee, and all things cute. My travel tips have been featured on lonelyplanet.com and in the EasyJet Traveller magazine.
Hi Jacky
We did this tour today. Thanks so much, was so easy to follow. I just loved sound of music growing up and so happy to finally see a lot of the film locations. Only issue we had is The Sound of Music museum seems to be closed. We circled the street 3 times and couldn’t see it and it doesn’t appear on any web searches. Other than that it was perfect.
Hallo Mihir,
This site you created is awesome. It would be great if you had it as a book or a way to print it. My husband and I are going to Salzburg in Sept and want to see the areas of Sound of Music. This would be most helpful to us when we are there.
Let me know if you have any ideas on this!
Thanks,
Debbie Allen
hEY Debbie,
My husband and I are planning this same trip in September too! Where do you hail from?
Thank you so much for this incredible guide.
In Werfen, is there generally free/paid parking near the tourist office where the walk up the the meadow begins?
Hi Jacky
Im trying to plan a trip for myself and my mother as a surprise for her. This page has been super helpful thank you! Which area would be best to stay as a good base to be able to get access everything easily.. Also, do you know if they do hope on hop off bus tours? Can you recommend any of these?
Thank you Lou!
Salzburg is a pretty small city with excellent public transport connections. Still, anywhere in and around the Old Town would be useful. You can check out this Salzburg Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Have a great time in Salzburg!
Thank you so much for sharing this, did a brilliant self tour today using your guide and loved it, was so easy to follow on Google maps.
Hi Claire!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour!
Jacky
We absolutely LOVED this commentary. We have traveled extensively through most continents and this is (by far) the best, most thorough commentary/walking tour we have ever read. I love the SOM. I acted in the play when I was 12 (I played one of the children), and we watch the SOM every Christmas Day (with my mother when she was alive and with my kids). I know all the words to all the songs, and this made our trip special. My husband (who wasn’t a SOM fan before me) also loved everything. Today, we drove to the Werfen meadow site. There was a young couple with wine, a picnic lunch, and the SOM music. It was so special. Thank you Thank you Thank you
Hi Emily, thank you so much for your lovely words! We both love The Sound of Music and designed this tour to be as comprehensive as possible. So nice to hear that you and your family had a wonderful time in Salzburg!
This post was just so helpful as we plan a visit to Salzburg in a few weeks. My daughter is the biggest fan of Sound of Music and this will serve as our guide to making sure we hit all of the highlights. I love that she can refer back to the movie easily with your timestamps as well. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Hi Kate, thank you for your kind words. So glad you found the post useful. It’s just more convenient to jump straight to the scenes with the aid of timestamps. Hope you and your family have a great time in Salzburg. Cheers!
There is a scene in the movie, I think during the do-re-mi song, where they sit in a little train going up a mountain. Any idea where that is?