Discover where The Sound of Music was filmed – from Salzburg to stunning Alpine estates – with tips on food, stays, and planning your trip.
I grew up watching The Sound of Music on repeat, memorising every song like it was a personal mission from Maria herself. My childhood bedroom window wasn’t the Austrian Alps, but that didn’t stop me from belting “The hills are aliiiiive…” to my neighbours’ despair (it helped that I had a vocal coach).
Years later, I discovered that the real Trapp Family descendants had moved to Stowe, Vermont, where they created the von Trapp Family Lodge – a slice of Austria in New England run by the actual family whose story inspired the film. Suddenly, everything felt beautifully real… and a little magical.
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🎶 Where Was The Sound of Music Filmed?
If you’ve ever watched the film and found yourself asking where The Sound of Music filming locations really are, pick up your imaginary guitar and explore these must-visit Sound of Music places to see in Salzburg for a magical journey through the film’s iconic locations.
🏰 Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg
If you’ve ever imagined becoming a singing nun (or running away from one), Nonnberg Abbey (Stift Nonnberg) is the place your dreams were born. This is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited nunnery, and in 1965, it served as one of the central locations for The Sound of Music filming.
The film crew used the abbey’s courtyard and gates, though interior scenes were recreated on studio sets. Still, the abbey’s atmosphere feels suspended in time, as if Julie Andrews might skip down the steps at any moment because she’s “not a postulant anymore.”
It also holds deep real-life resonance: this is where the real Maria Augusta Kutschera lived, prayed, doubted, and eventually made the life-changing decision that brought her to the Trapp family. So in many ways, the abbey is where the true story began long before the cameras rolled.
Scenes filmed here:
- Maria leaves the abbey to become a governess
- The nuns close the gates as the Trapps flee
- Background establishing shots for early sequences
🏞️ Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg
If you’ve ever danced on a bench or hopped up steps while singing “Do-Re-Me,” you owe that moment to the Mirabell Gardens, one of the most famous The Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg.
The gardens, once a private royal retreat, have become a pilgrimage site for fans attempting to recreate the choreography they thought was easy at age six. Spoiler: it’s not. Mirabell radiates symmetry and joy – grand statues, bright flowers, vine tunnels, and sweeping pathways.
In 1965, it became the Technicolor playground where Maria led the seven von Trapps through Salzburg in one of the most iconic movie montages of all time. Today, tourists line up to stand on the Pegasus Fountain edge, reenacting steps that now exist in every pop culture memory map.
If you’ve ever wondered where The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens is your answer – and your photo opp. Local couples stroll hand-in-hand, dogs sniff flowers like aristocrats, and buskers sometimes break into “Edelweiss,” adding to the magic.
Scenes filmed here:
- “Do-Re-Me” steps and fountain sequence
- Tunnel of ivy arches montage
- Pegasus Fountain choreography
🏡 Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg
Schloss Leopoldskron is so picturesque it looks like it was created for the movie – but no, this shimmering lakeside palace is very real. Built in 1736, it played a crucial role as part of the von Trapp villa in the film.
The lakeside terrace? That’s Leopoldskron. The iconic boating scene where the kids fall in? Leopoldskron again. The sweeping lawn where Captain von Trapp sternly blows his whistle? Also here.
If you’ve ever wondered where The Sound of Music filmed its idyllic home scenes, this is one of the answers. While interiors were filmed on Hollywood sets, visiting Leopoldskron still feels like stepping into the movie’s soft-focus dream world.
The palace is now an elegant hotel and cultural retreat, so yes – you can actually sleep here and pretend Georg von Trapp is about to call you to a formal dinner. The quiet lake, the swans, and the reflections of the palace on the water all veil you in nostalgia. If peace had a physical form, this might be it.
Scenes filmed here:
- The children fell into the lake
- Rear exterior of the von Trapp villa
- Captain von Trapp’s garden scenes
🌉 Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg
If you ever practiced slow-motion twirling while dreaming of your first kiss, The Sound of Music pavilion is to blame – and it lives here at Hellbrunn Palace.
Though moved from its original filming location to protect it, the gazebo still attracts romantics, nostalgics, and musical fans who believe love should always be choreographed.
Hellbrunn’s vast grounds, trick fountains, and palace exteriors created some of the film’s most charming settings. Visiting today feels a bit like wandering through a cheerful royal prank – water surprises, grottos, hidden jets. A whimsical match for a whimsical film.
Scenes filmed here:
- “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” inside the gazebo
- Maria and the Captain’s romantic scene (recreated in the studio)
- Palace grounds used in establishing shots
💒 Basilika St. Michael, Mondsee
Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee starred in one of the most unforgettable moments of The Sound of Music – the wedding of Maria and Captain von Trapp.
The church’s soaring baroque interiors, soft golden light, and ornate altars created a breathtaking cinematic backdrop that felt almost heavenly.
Visitors step inside and instantly recognize the aisle Maria walked down. The basilica’s frescoes, carved woodwork, and quiet reverence make it a must-see for fans and architecture lovers alike.
It’s one of those places where movie history and real-life beauty blend effortlessly, giving you a moment you’ll want to linger in.
🏔️ The Austrian Alps, Austria
The opening shot is the reason the movie doesn’t need caffeine. The majestic Austrian Alps, filmed near Werfen, Mondsee, and Untersberg, formed the sweeping panoramas that gave The Sound of Music its soul.
These scenes cemented the film’s place in cinematic history and sparked every traveller’s desire to shout into the wind. The mountains became one of the most crucial The Sound of Music filming locations, shaping the tone of freedom, defiance, and joy.
Their role wasn’t just scenic – their gravity and scale reflected the deeper emotions of escape, resilience, and hope.
Scenes filmed here:
- Opening “The Hills Are Alive” sequence
- Family’s mountain escape at the end
- Panoramic montages throughout the film
🎻 Top Places to See in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a city where music, mountains, and baroque beauty converge, offering far more to explore than its iconic fame from The Sound of Music. Here are some of the best places to see in Salzburg:
- Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus): Step inside the home where the musical genius was born and explore exhibits about his early life.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: Ride the funicular up to one of Europe’s largest medieval castles for panoramic city and Alpine views.
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens: Baroque elegance, marble halls, and beautifully manicured gardens made famous by the “Do-Re-Me” scene.
- Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg): A stunning baroque masterpiece with towering pillars, domes, and centuries of history.
- Getreidegasse: Wander the old town’s most charming shopping street lined with wrought-iron signs, boutiques, and cafés.
- Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains: A playful 17th-century estate where water surprises greet you around every corner.
- St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery: One of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, with a hauntingly beautiful graveyard.
- Salzburg Museum: Dive into the city’s artistic, musical, and cultural heritage through engaging exhibits.
- Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) & Berchtesgaden: A breathtaking blend of Alpine scenery and WWII history – perfect day trips just beyond Salzburg.
- Hallstatt Day Trip from Salzburg: Experience an exclusive private tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt with unforgettable refreshment stops in St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.
🏨 Where to Stay in Salzburg
Choosing where to stay in Salzburg shapes your entire experience, with options ranging from actual filming locations and the historical family home to luxurious riverside hotels.
- Villa Trapp: The genuine former residence of the Trapp family (yes, really) – you’re surrounded by original touches and a lived-in warmth that no movie set could ever replicate. It’s a rare chance to stay in a place where history wasn’t filmed, but truly lived.
- Schloss Leopoldskron: Leopoldskron Palace is a dream stay for movie fans, especially with its package that includes an exclusive guided Sound of Music tour – letting you sleep in luxury and step right into movie history.
- Hotel Sacher Salzburg: Offers classic Austrian luxury wrapped in old-world charm. Its serene river views make every morning feel like a scene from a postcard.
- Hotel Goldener Hirsch: Blends traditional Austrian style with centuries of history in every detail. Its storybook charm makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-world Salzburg tale.
📅 Best Time to Visit Salzburg
Salzburg is beautiful year-round, but each season offers its own charm:
🌿 Spring & Summer – Green hills & open-air culture
Salzburg bursts into colour from April to August, with blooming gardens, riverfront strolls, and warm evenings perfect for outdoor dining.
What to see:
- Picnic at Mirabell Gardens when the flowers are at their brightest
- Take the Untersberg cable car for crystal-clear Alpine views
- Enjoy open-air concerts during the Salzburg Festival season
🍁 Autumn – Golden light & quieter streets
September to November brings crisp air, changing leaves, and far fewer crowds – ideal for slow, scenic travel.
What to see:
- Walk the Mönchsberg trails for panoramic autumn colours
- Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress without summer queues
- Explore cosy cafés for apple strudel and hot chocolate
🎄 Winter – Christmas markets & Alpine magic
December transforms Salzburg into a storybook city of lights, choirs, and warm spices drifting through historic squares.
What to see:
- Wander the Salzburg Christmas Market under glowing lanterns
- Ride up to Gaisberg for snowy vistas over the old town
- Catch an Advent concert inside baroque churches
🎄 Salzburg Christmas Market
The Salzburg Christmas Market is one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric festive traditions, dating back to the 15th century and beautifully set beneath the Salzburg Cathedral.
It’s where the city transforms into a glowing winter fairytale, filled with music, lights, and the cosy Alpine charm that makes December feel magical. One of the best reasons to visit is the incredible food.
You can wander the stalls and enjoy seasonal classics such as:
- Salzburger Nockerl – light, sweet, and cloudlike; Salzburg’s most iconic dessert
- Sacher Torte – rich, velvety, and famous worldwide
- Bosna sausage – spiced, smoky, and perfect as a warm street snack
The market turns these favourites into part of the holiday ritual, inviting you to sip mulled wine, sample festive treats, and soak in the atmosphere that makes Salzburg unforgettable at Christmas.
🚆 How to Get to Salzburg
Getting to Salzburg is refreshingly easy, with smooth connections by train, air, and road that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
🚉 By Train – Fast, scenic, and stress-free
Trains run frequently: 1.5 hours from Munich and 2.5 hours from Vienna, making Salzburg an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Travel hacks:
- Book early on ÖBB or DB for cheaper “Sparschiene” fares.
- Sit on the right side when arriving from Munich for the best Alpine views.
- Use the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof lockers if arriving early – perfect for exploring luggage-free.
🛫 By Air – Quickest international access
- Fly into Salzburg Airport (SZG), just 20 minutes from the city center.
Travel hacks:
- Bus No. 10 runs every 10 minutes and is far cheaper than a taxi.
- If flights to SZG are pricey, fly to Munich, then take the train – fast and often cheaper.
🚐 By Bus/Car – Flexible and scenic
Salzburg is well-connected by highways from Austria and Germany, making it easy to reach by road.
Travel hacks:
- Avoid driving inside the old town – much of it is pedestrian-only with tight lanes.
- Use Park & Ride lots on the outskirts for cheaper, hassle-free parking.
- If coming from Hallstatt or the lakes, take the bus routes via Bad Ischl for the best landscapes.
For hassle-free travel planning, download the Omio app – it’s the easiest way to compare and book train, bus, and flight tickets across Europe in one place.
🏡 Final Stop: Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
As the story winds from Salzburg’s mountains to Vermont’s rolling hills, there’s something magical about seeing where the Trapp family’s journey finally led. If the film captured your heart, a visit to Stowe, Vermont – home of the von Trapp Family Lodge – is the perfect final chapter.
It’s a place where the family’s legacy lives on in hiking trails, cosy lodges, and the same love of music and nature that shaped their story. Go for the nostalgia, stay for the scenery, and let Vermont surprise you with its own kind of Alpine charm.
Disclaimer: The Sound of Music and all related trademarks, characters, and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners, including Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the copyright holders.
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