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The ultimate Sound of Music tour – all filming locations in and around Salzburg

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  • The ultimate Sound of Music tour – all filming locations in and around Salzburg

The ultimate Sound of Music tour – all filming locations in and around Salzburg

Since its premiere sixty years ago "The Sound of Music" among the most successful movie musicals of all time. The drama surrounding the von Trapp family won five Oscars and was at times the highest-grossing film in history. People worldwide love the songs and the landscapes of Salzburg – yet surprisingly many in Austria itself have never seen the film.

We chose that Sheraton Grand Salzburg as a starting point for a weekend on the Traces of the film. In this report, we'll show you which places we visited, how the tour works, and why Salzburg is worth a visit even without the Hollywood hype.

Our starting point: Sheraton Grand Salzburg

On Friday evening we check in Sheraton Grand Salzburg one. The elegant house is located directly on the Mirabell Gardens and is therefore the perfect starting point for a Sound of Music discovery tour. Before we delve into the world of the Trapp family, we'll test the hotel's own Restaurant Mirabell. Every Friday it invites you to FRIDEX Dinner – the „Friday Experience“ – a served all-you-can-eat experience with 16 small dishes, which you select using a Post-it note and can reorder as often as you like. Water and a glass of sparkling wine are included – all at an unbeatable price.

We deliberately chose the Sheraton because it The perfect package for Sound of Music fans offers – with the following inclusions:

  • Two nights including breakfast at the Sheraton Grand Salzburg
  • Welcome message in the room (Sound of Music Guide)
  • Original "Sound of Music" bus tour to the film locations
  • Apple strudel & coffee in the hotel's piano bar
  • Signature cocktail „Edelweiss“ in the hotel's piano bar

Here you will find All information about the package “The Hills are Alive – 60 Years of The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria | Sheraton”. 

Two people clink glasses of green-lacquered drinks at a table with a colorful magazine and a vase of red and yellow tulips. Their faces are not visible. Two people clink glasses of green-lacquered drinks at a table with a colorful magazine and a vase of red and yellow tulips. Their faces are not visible.
A cozy hotel room with a double bed, red and cream-colored bed linen, matching pillows, two red chairs, a table by the window, lamps, curtains with red patterns and a television on a wooden cabinet.A cozy hotel room with a double bed, red and cream-colored bed linen, matching pillows, two red chairs, a table by the window, lamps, curtains with red patterns and a television on a wooden cabinet.
A person holds a fork and prepares to eat a piece of cake with powdered sugar and strawberries, while a latte, a glass of water and a vase of flowers are on a round table. A person holds a fork and prepares to eat a piece of cake with powdered sugar and strawberries, while a latte, a glass of water and a vase of flowers are on a round table.
A piece of white fish fillet with cream sauce and herbs, served on a bed of julienned carrots and other vegetables on a white plate.A piece of white fish fillet with cream sauce and herbs, served on a bed of julienned carrots and other vegetables on a white plate.
A square piece of cake with a swirl of whipped cream, caramel splashes, a halved strawberry and red currants, served on a white plate with a spoon reminiscent of a scene from The Sound of Music.A square piece of cake with a swirl of whipped cream, caramel splashes, a halved strawberry and red currants, served on a white plate with a spoon reminiscent of a scene from The Sound of Music.
A modern, well-lit lounge with green and red sofas, armchairs, wooden tables, decorative lamps, and shelves with vases. The lively background hum is reminiscent of The Sound of Music and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.A modern, well-lit lounge with green and red sofas, armchairs, wooden tables, decorative lamps, and shelves with vases. The lively background hum is reminiscent of The Sound of Music and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As film fans, we were especially thrilled that the child actors who played the von Trapp children happened to be at the Sheraton on the same evening as us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music.

The Original Tour: Meeting Point and Itinerary

After a hearty breakfast, we'll set off on Saturday morning. The meeting point is the bus terminal at Mirabellplatz. Panorama Tours offers two tours daily – at 9:15 am and 2:00 pm; we opt for the morning tour.
Our guide David, who has been working for the company for fifteen years Sound of Music Tour David, who works there, greets us warmly. Erwin expertly steers the bus through Salzburg's streets. At the beginning, David tells us anecdotes about the film and about Salzburg.
The route initially leads through the old town. To the right we see the Mozartsteg Bridge, an Art Nouveau iron bridge over the Salzach River. In the film, Maria and the children run across it during the finale of „"My Favorite Things"“ We cross this bridge and point out the sights along the riverbank. Since the bus doesn't stop here, we plan to return on foot later to take photos.

A brief look: Nonnberg Abbey and Frohnburg Castle

The bus continues to the southern part of the old town. The castle sits perched on a hill. Nonnberg Abbey With its red onion-domed tower – the only building of its kind in Salzburg. The Benedictine convent, founded in 714, serves as both a filming location and a historical site: Maria Kutschera entered here as a novice before marrying Georg von Trapp. In the film, the nuns go to Mass, Maria is seen off at the convent gate and later returns too late; the von Trapp children plead for her return at the gate, and during the escape, Nazi soldiers wait outside. The song „"Maria"“ However, it was recorded in the studio. Since the bus can't stop here, we'll come back later.

A little later we pass Frohnburg Castle on Hellbrunner Allee. The baroque building served as the front of the Villa Trapp in the film. Maria dances and sings in front of the gate. „I Have Confidence“, ...when she first arrives as a governess; later, the Baron tears down the Nazi flag upon returning home. The grounds now belong to the Mozarteum University and are not open to the public. We decide to return by car the next day and peek through the gate.

These two photos were taken when we returned later. Unfortunately, you can't get that close from the bus.

A metal footbridge spans a river, with historic buildings and a hilltop fortress in the background, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Trees with green leaves frame the view under a cloudy sky.A metal footbridge spans a river, with historic buildings and a hilltop fortress in the background, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Trees with green leaves frame the view under a cloudy sky.
A large, yellow, historic building with a red roof, reminiscent of The Sound of Music, stands amidst tall trees laden with autumn leaves under a partly cloudy blue sky. A circular driveway and a no-parking sign are located in front of the entrance.A large, yellow, historic building with a red roof, reminiscent of The Sound of Music, stands amidst tall trees laden with autumn leaves under a partly cloudy blue sky. A circular driveway and a no-parking sign are located in front of the entrance.

Hellbrunn Palace: pavilion and park

We arrive at 9:40 am Hellbrunn Palace. Markus Sittikus had the pleasure palace built in the 17th century; it is known for its water features and grottoes. The famous [unclear text] has stood in the park since the 1970s. Gazebo, A love pavilion. Important: It is one of three replicas. The original was built in the garden of Leopoldskron Palace; the interior scenes were filmed in a studio. After filming, the pavilion was moved to Hellbrunn and has only been viewable from the outside for years – visitors had injured themselves inside. In the film, the songs are sung here. „Sixteen Going on Seventeen“ and „"Something Good"“ Sung: Liesl dances in the rain with Rolf and jumps over the benches, and later Maria and the captain confess their love to each other under the protection of the pavilion.

A white, octagonal pavilion with large glass windows stands on a stone platform surrounded by autumnal trees, reminiscent of "The Sound of Music". The ground is covered with gravel, and a yellow building can be seen in the background.A white, octagonal pavilion with large glass windows stands on a stone platform surrounded by autumnal trees, reminiscent of "The Sound of Music". The ground is covered with gravel, and a yellow building can be seen in the background.
A “Sound of Music” tour bus, parked on a tree-lined road, displays colorful images of the popular characters, with mountains in the background and people inside enjoying the view.A “Sound of Music” tour bus, parked on a tree-lined road, displays colorful images of the popular characters, with mountains in the background and people inside enjoying the view.

During the short stay, there is time for a toilet visit and a few photos; water features and zoo We'll visit another time.

Leopoldskron Palace: Rear view of Villa Trapp

Around 10:15 a.m. we continue on to Leopoldskron Palace. The Rococo building is situated on an idyllic pond. Our bus stops on the opposite bank; after a five-minute walk, the most beautiful view opens up.

Leopoldskron Palace served as the impressive backdrop to Villa Trapp in the film – one of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant filming locations for The Sound of Music. On the elegant terrace, the family enjoys lemonade with the Baroness, while the Captain hears his children's voices for the first time – a pivotal and deeply moving moment. The dramatic boat scene was also filmed here: when the rowboat capsizes, little Kym Karath (Gretl) falls into the water. Unable to swim, she was in danger of drowning and had to be rescued at the last second by her on-screen siblings – an incident that traumatized her so profoundly that she still fears deep water to this day.

A group of people stand on the shore of a lake, listening to a tour guide who tells stories from The Sound of Music, pointing to a large white building on the other side of the water, with mountains, trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.A group of people stand on the shore of a lake, listening to a tour guide who tells stories from The Sound of Music, pointing to a large white building on the other side of the water, with mountains, trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A large white palace with ornate architecture stands on the shore of a tranquil lake, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves, evoking a peaceful "Sound of Music" charm. In the background, a mountain rises beneath a cloudy sky.A large white palace with ornate architecture stands on the shore of a tranquil lake, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves, evoking a peaceful "Sound of Music" charm. In the background, a mountain rises beneath a cloudy sky.

The Venetian ballroom where the dance takes place in the film was recreated in a studio. Today, Leopoldskron is a hotel; day guests can have breakfast there. However, we have to move on again.

Panoramic lakes of the Salzkammergut

Normally the bus stops above St. Gilgen, where you can find the Wolfgangsee overlooks. During our visit there was a construction site, so we drove straight on. Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee They appear in the impressive aerial footage from Filmssalzburgerland.com. Here you can find all the information about Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee

A picturesque view of a lake surrounded by houses, autumn trees, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky reminiscent of "The Sound of Music." The sunlight highlights parts of the scenic landscape.A picturesque view of a lake surrounded by houses, autumn trees, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky reminiscent of "The Sound of Music." The sunlight highlights parts of the scenic landscape.

Mondsee: Wedding church and culinary break

We arrive in the market town at 11:40 am. Mondsee We have a full hour. We will visit the Basilica of St. Michael, whose baroque facade is imposing. In the film, the wedding of Maria and the captain is celebrated here – a romantic scene that had to be filmed due to filming restrictions in the Nonnberg Abbey after Mondsee was relocated.
A special curiosity can be found in the basilica itself: For a donation of two euros, you can take a small bottle of holy water with you – provided in empty Jägermeister bottles.

A group of people stand in front of a large, yellow Baroque church with twin towers under a cloudy sky. Nearby are autumn trees, a crane, and a white and red vehicle, creating the charm of a classic Sound of Music scene.A group of people stand in front of a large, yellow Baroque church with twin towers under a cloudy sky. Nearby are autumn trees, a crane, and a white and red vehicle, creating the charm of a classic Sound of Music scene.
The interior of a large cathedral with high vaults and ornate columns reminiscent of "The Sound of Music", where people sit in the pews in front of an elaborate altar bathed in natural light.The interior of a large cathedral with high vaults and ornate columns reminiscent of "The Sound of Music", where people sit in the pews in front of an elaborate altar bathed in natural light.

After the tour, we'll fortify ourselves with coffee and cake at Café Braun; the café already catered to the film crew back in the 1960s. Right in front of the church, Matt's Würsteleck (sausage stand) invites us to a Bosna (a type of sausage) break. A stroll to the lakeside promenade completes the stop.

Outdoor café with white parasols and people sitting at tables in front of colorful European-style buildings; pink flowers in the foreground and a clear, sunny sky above.Outdoor café with white parasols and people sitting at tables in front of colorful European-style buildings; pink flowers in the foreground and a clear, sunny sky above.

Walking through the old town: Mirabell Gardens & other filming locations

The return journey via the motorway is short. Around 1:15 pm, the bus drops us off at Mirabellplatz. From here, we explore the filming locations on foot: Our first stop is the Mirabell Gardens, who was in the final of „Do Re Mi“ plays a main role.

Six striking filming locations await us:

  • Do Re Mi Steps: On the northwestern edge of the park, five small steps lead up to the rose hill. In the film, Maria uses them as a musical scale – the children jump up one step with each note. There's no particular view from the top; the fun lies in imitating the choreography.
  • Pegasus Fountain: Right next to the steps is the Pegasus Fountain. The children run in a circle around the basin and sing. „Do Re Mi“; Even today, many visitors pose for photos. This concludes our tour. Panorama Tours, but the guide explains exactly where the rest can be found.
  • Dwarf garden: On a hill next to the fountain stand baroque dwarf figures (right in the corner, outside the circle); in the film, the children tap their heads and laugh.
  • Large fountain: In the middle of the garden is another water basin that spouts water and can be seen in the film.
  • Pergola (hedge tunnel): A green tunnel of hedges provides a shady backdrop for another line of the song.
  • Borghese Fencers and Statue Avenue: At the garden's exit stand copies of the "Borghese Fencers". Maria and the children imitate the statues' movements and dance through the sculpture-lined avenue.
Stone statues of unicorns flank a wide open staircase with ornate wrought iron gates and stone railings, creating a Sound of Music ambience amidst trees with bright autumn foliage.Stone statues of unicorns flank a wide open staircase with ornate wrought iron gates and stone railings, creating a Sound of Music ambience amidst trees with bright autumn foliage.
A bronze Pegasus statue stands on a rocky base in the center of a round fountain, made famous by the film The Sound of Music, surrounded by trimmed hedges and a historic building, while several people walk along the nearby path.A bronze Pegasus statue stands on a rocky base in the center of a round fountain, made famous by the film The Sound of Music, surrounded by trimmed hedges and a historic building, while several people walk along the nearby path.
A weathered stone statue of a short, stocky man with exaggerated features stands outdoors in a park, evoking the quirky charm of The Sound of Music. Autumnal trees and a building form a picturesque backdrop.A weathered stone statue of a short, stocky man with exaggerated features stands outdoors in a park, evoking the quirky charm of The Sound of Music. Autumnal trees and a building form a picturesque backdrop.
A gravel path leads beneath a curved trellis of climbing plants and grapevines, forming a green tunnel. The stone walls and plantings are reminiscent of The Sound of Music and create a peaceful, natural atmosphere.A gravel path leads beneath a curved trellis of climbing plants and grapevines, forming a green tunnel. The stone walls and plantings are reminiscent of The Sound of Music and create a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
A large fountain in a formal garden with clipped trees and statues, where people are walking or sitting. In the background, a large white building stands under a cloudy sky reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music.A large fountain in a formal garden with clipped trees and statues, where people are walking or sitting. In the background, a large white building stands under a cloudy sky reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music.
Three people stand in a park lined with autumn leaves, mimicking the outstretched arms of two stone statues, reminiscent of a playful Sound of Music moment. In the background, a stone balustrade and several other visitors can be seen.Three people stand in a park lined with autumn leaves, mimicking the outstretched arms of two stone statues, reminiscent of a playful Sound of Music moment. In the background, a stone balustrade and several other visitors can be seen.

The Mirabell Gardens It's freely accessible; we'll take our time to photograph each filming location. Afterwards, we'll stroll through the old town and visit other locations from The Sound of Music. 

Other Sound of Music highlights in Salzburg City

Horse watering place (chapter watering place)

The baroque horse trough at the foot of the Mönchsberg was once used to wash parade horses. In the „"My Favorite Things"“ On Monday, Maria and the children ride past the watering place in a horse-drawn carriage. Today it's flanked by bus lanes, but a short stop is still worthwhile.

A baroque fountain with a stone horse statue under a glass dome stands in a square surrounded by murals, historic buildings and a rocky hill in Salzburg, Austria – the city made famous by The Sound of Music – on a cloudy day.A baroque fountain with a stone horse statue under a glass dome stands in a square surrounded by murals, historic buildings and a rocky hill in Salzburg, Austria – the city made famous by The Sound of Music – on a cloudy day.

Rock Riding School

The Rock Riding School, Hewn into the rock of the Mönchsberg, it now serves as the stage for the Salzburg Festival. In the film, the closing concert takes place here: Georg von Trapp sings "Edelweiss," and the children bid farewell with "So Long, Farewell" before fleeing to the applause of the crowd. Please note: this is only accessible as part of a guided tour. in the venues of the Salzburg Festival to see. 

A modern theatre stage with old stone arches on one side, illuminated by violet and blue lights, opposite empty rows of seats under a dark ceiling.A modern theatre stage with old stone arches on one side, illuminated by violet and blue lights, opposite empty rows of seats under a dark ceiling.

Residence Square and Residence Fountain

The great Residenzplatz This is the center of the old town. Maria walks across the square on her way to the Villa Trapp, splashes water on the horse figures at the baroque fountain, and sings. „I Have Confidence“. The Residence Fountain Made of Untersberg marble, it is one of Salzburg's largest Baroque fountains, standing 15 meters tall. Here is the view from the terrace of the Cathedral Quarter. 

Salzburg Cathedral Quarter (c) Paul Weindl for 365Austria.com (61)Salzburg Cathedral Quarter (c) Paul Weindl for 365Austria.com (61)

St. Peter district and St. Peter's Cemetery

The St. Peter's Cemetery It is the oldest cemetery in Austria still in use. It inspired the hiding scene in the film: the von Trapp family hides in the cemetery while the Nazis search for them. Although this scene was recreated in Hollywood, the real cemetery, with its catacombs and arcaded tombs, is no less atmospheric. A walk here offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle.

St. Peter's Abbey – Salzburg Archabbey (c) Paul Weindl for 365Austria (21)St. Peter's Abbey – Salzburg Archabbey (c) Paul Weindl for 365Austria (21)

Mozartsteg and Salzach riverbank

In the afternoon we walk across the Mozartsteg bridge and along the Salzach riverbank – just like Maria and the children in the final of „"My Favorite Things"“. From here there is a beautiful view of the old town and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

A metal footbridge spans a river, with historic buildings and a hilltop fortress in the background, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Trees with green leaves frame the view under a cloudy sky.A metal footbridge spans a river, with historic buildings and a hilltop fortress in the background, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Trees with green leaves frame the view under a cloudy sky.
A pedestrian bridge spans a river, leading to historic buildings and a large fortress on a hill under a cloudy sky in Salzburg, Austria – the city made famous by The Sound of Music. A few people are strolling on the bridge.A pedestrian bridge spans a river, leading to historic buildings and a large fortress on a hill under a cloudy sky in Salzburg, Austria – the city made famous by The Sound of Music. A few people are strolling on the bridge.

Nonnberg Abbey

Now we climb the hill to the Nonnberg Abbey, which we had only seen from afar that morning. The monastery, founded in 714, is considered the oldest women's monastery north of the Alps. Throughout its long history, it was destroyed by fire several times and rebuilt in the 16th century. The Gothic wooden altar by Veit Stoss and the Romanesque crypt are particularly worth seeing. In reality, the young Maria Kutschera entered the monastery here as a novice and married Georg von Trapp in 1927.

The monastery is also central to the film: The nuns go to mass, Mary walks through the gate late, the choir sings the song. „"Maria"“, The children plead to return, and as they escape, the Nazis are waiting outside the gate. However, the courtyard scene was filmed in Hollywood.

Visitors should note the opening hours; the church is open daily from 6:45 am until evening, and the choir sings Gregorian chants early in the morning. You can find all the information here. Nonnberg Abbey

A historic European courtyard with beige stone buildings, arched windows, and the church tower of Nonnberg Abbey with its red dome and clock. Bare tree branches frame the overcast sky above.A historic European courtyard with beige stone buildings, arched windows, and the church tower of Nonnberg Abbey with its red dome and clock. Bare tree branches frame the overcast sky above.
An iron gate with ornate flourishes, framed by a stone archway, leads to an outdoor area with autumn trees, fallen leaves, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Two people are standing outside by a fence.An iron gate with ornate flourishes, framed by a stone archway, leads to an outdoor area with autumn trees, fallen leaves, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Two people are standing outside by a fence.

The day is slowly coming to an end, but we still have some things for you:

Culinary finale: Sound of Music dinner at Herzl

In the evening we reserve a table at Restaurant Herzl in the Hotel Goldener Hirsch. The menu is a tribute to the song. „"My Favorite Things"“, in which Maria from „cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles“ sings.

As Austrians, we wanted to know how to interpret this line – traditionally, schnitzel is served with potatoes or potato salad, not with noodles. The Herzl serves a hearty beef broth, followed by a natural schnitzel with noodles in a delicious cheese sauce; apple strudel is served for dessert.

A plate with a portion of creamy pasta, a piece of fried fish, a cherry tomato and a small side dish, all neatly arranged on a white plate – these are some of our favorite things, inspired by The Sound of Music.A plate with a portion of creamy pasta, a piece of fried fish, a cherry tomato and a small side dish, all neatly arranged on a white plate – these are some of our favorite things, inspired by The Sound of Music.
A slice of apple strudel, dusted with icing sugar, served with whipped cream, a chocolate heart, a raspberry and a mint leaf on a white plate with a heart-shaped logo – like in The Sound of Music.A slice of apple strudel, dusted with icing sugar, served with whipped cream, a chocolate heart, a raspberry and a mint leaf on a white plate with a heart-shaped logo – like in The Sound of Music.

For us, an unusual but delicious end to the day.
The next day also continues with a focus on The Sound of Music. But first, we treat ourselves to breakfast at... Sheraton Grand Salzburg 
We can also highly recommend the Eggs Benedict, they were fantastic!

A breakfast buffet with various dishes, salads, and condiments is laid out on a marble counter in front of an open kitchen. A chef cooks while the Sound of Music plays softly, and chalkboards displaying menus hang above the kitchen area.A breakfast buffet with various dishes, salads, and condiments is laid out on a marble counter in front of an open kitchen. A chef cooks while the Sound of Music plays softly, and chalkboards displaying menus hang above the kitchen area.
A poached egg with creamy hollandaise sauce and chopped chives rests on a round, breaded base topped with avocado slices – an elegant dish that is sure to become one of your favorites, just like The Sound of Music. Served on a white plate.A poached egg with creamy hollandaise sauce and chopped chives rests on a round, breaded base topped with avocado slices – an elegant dish that is sure to become one of your favorites, just like The Sound of Music. Served on a white plate.

Frohnburg Castle: Front of Villa Trapp

On the second day, we return to Hellbrunn Avenue and take a closer look at Frohnburg Palace. In the film, this baroque country estate serves as the front of Villa Trapp. Maria arrives here for the first time and impresses with... „I Have Confidence“ The household staff; later, the Baron removes the Nazi flag from the gate, and the family pushes their car out at night to escape unnoticed. Since the castle belongs to the university, visitors can only peek through the iron gate. Nevertheless, the walk along the avenue with its views of fields and mountains is a highlight.

A large, yellow, historic building with a red roof, reminiscent of The Sound of Music, stands amidst tall trees laden with autumn leaves under a partly cloudy blue sky. A circular driveway and a no-parking sign are located in front of the entrance.A large, yellow, historic building with a red roof, reminiscent of The Sound of Music, stands amidst tall trees laden with autumn leaves under a partly cloudy blue sky. A circular driveway and a no-parking sign are located in front of the entrance.
A tree-lined country lane runs alongside a yellow wall, behind which a house is partially visible, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Fallen leaves cover the ground, while sunlight filters through the branches under a partly cloudy sky.A tree-lined country lane runs alongside a yellow wall, behind which a house is partially visible, reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. Fallen leaves cover the ground, while sunlight filters through the branches under a partly cloudy sky.

More filming locations and tips for film fans

Besides the stops on the bus tour, there are many other places in and around Salzburg that play a role in the film or are popular with fans – you can find current information at [website address]. Salzburg City Tourism.

Untersberg and Rossfeld

The Untersberg It rises south of Salzburg and plays a central role in the film The Sound of Music. In the famous opening scene, Maria stands on an alpine pasture and sings. „"The Hills Are Alive"“. In the finale, the mountain is portrayed as the supposed border to Switzerland, across which the von Trapp family flees. In reality, however, the Untersberg lies on the border with Germany – in exactly the opposite direction.

As an Austrian, one inevitably wonders where the family in the film actually wants to flee to, since crossing to Switzerland on foot from Salzburg would be impossible. Historically, the von Trapp family didn't flee over the mountains, but traveled by train from Salzburg to Italy. From there, they made their way to England via a circuitous route and later by ship to the USA, where they earned their living through their music and concert tours.

The summit of the Untersberg is now easily accessible by cable car; bus line 25 stops directly at the valley station.

Hohenwerfen Fortress

The medieval Hohenwerfen Castle It lies approximately 40 kilometers south of Salzburg. It is briefly in the „Do Re Mi“ The montage shows Mary and the children singing in front of the mountains. Right next to it is the Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave on Earth – an ideal day trip.

IMG_9346 Hohenwerfen Castle, 365 Austria by Paul WeindlIMG_9346 Hohenwerfen Castle, 365 Austria by Paul Weindl

Hellbrunn Palace with water features

Anyone who has already seen the Gazebo should see it again in the water features Come back again to experience the famous trick water features and grottos. Salzburg Zoo It is located right next to the castle grounds in Hellbrunn Park, but is an attraction in its own right and not part of the castle complex or the Sound of Music tour.

Fuschlsee, St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang

The aerial shots of these lakes are among the most beautiful sequences in the film. St. Gilgen is the birthplace of Mozart's mother, St. Wolfgang houses the legendary "White Horse Inn". Around the Fuschlsee You can swim or go boating.

The true and tragic story behind the film

Behind the cheerful music and idyllic images lies a true, moving, and tragic story. The von Trapp family really existed – but their escape unfolded very differently than Hollywood portrays it. After the annexation of Austria in 1938, Baron Georg von Trapp, a highly decorated U-boat commander from the First World War, was under immense pressure: He was to assume a command in the German Navy and, at the regime's request, make public appearances. His family was also asked to sing at Nazi events. The von Trapps firmly refused both.

Fearing reprisals, they fled – not on foot across the Alps, as depicted in the film – but by train across the border to Italy, since Georg von Trapp possessed a visa there due to his former Austro-Hungarian citizenship. From there, their journey continued to England and finally to the USA, where they enjoyed great success with their concerts and built a new life for themselves.

The film The Sound of Music immortalized their story and made Salzburg world-famous. But behind the idyllic screen image lies the true story of a family who, with courage, faith, and solidarity, defied an unjust regime – and gave up their homeland in the process.

Our conclusion

The Sound of Music Tour This is a must for fans of the film and for anyone who wants to discover Salzburg's most beautiful corners. Our guide David and driver Erwin made the trip entertaining with wit and background information; the music gave us goosebumps. Sheraton Grand Salzburg proved to be an ideal starting point, and culinary experiences such as the FRIDEX Dinner and that Sound of Music Dinner in Herzl rounded off the weekend perfectly. Whether you want to explore the filming locations in detail or simply enjoy the scenery – Salzburg is and will remain inextricably linked to this film classic.

One last little tip: Be sure to check out the “Salzburg Card”"Check it out - here you have all the important sights included!"

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