Sound of Salzburg

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Have you just arrived? Or are you planning to come to one of the most beautiful cities in the world and want to see as much of it as you can? Did you grow up watching Julie Andrews and the von Trapp Family and are dying to see where those beloved scenes were filmed? Then this tour is for you! We, Salzburg’s only bicycle tour, charge less than the bus tours, but offer you so much more. We take you to places other tours will only show you from the road. We take you to locations buses can’t even reach. You don’t need to be a The Sound of Music fan, or even to have seen the film to love our tour!

TOURS FOR EVERYONE IN ANY WEATHER

Film locations.

Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours starts in April and ends in October.

We highly recommend to book in advance to secure a place on the tour. We can´t guarantee a spot without booking altough we try to keep spots left for show ups.

Through June, July and August we also run late afternoon tours. A reservation is necessary for this tour.

Are our times not good for you, or would you rather be alone with your family? – Private tours can also be arranged for anytime April – October.

If you are unable to make a tour that you have reserved a place on, we would more than appreciate you contacting us to cancel the reservation. A guide may be turning up and waiting just for you.

  • from the age of 18 up
  • 13-17 years
  • under 12 years

Our normal prices are already so crazily low for a tour of Salzburg, but there are still a few discounts available.

• For +10 groups we have special discounts and provide special times.

• Price for private tours depend on participant numbers.

We prefer payment being made in cash on the day to the guide.

Please arrive at least 10 min before departure time.

Note: „Daily“ is every day, including Sunday and Holidays.

Our tours last around 3,5 hours.

Meeting Point

We are easy to find and centrally located. Our meeting point is located at Mirabellplatz 4 – 50m left of the entrance to the Mirabell palace. We are right opposite the big Saint Andrews Church/Andräkirche. Just look out for our famous Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Sign and a whole lot of bicycles.

How are you getting to us?

By Bus: All lines between the station and the old city center stop at Mirabellplatz (Bus stop Mirabellplatz).

By car: You can park your car in the garage directly under Mirabellplatz.

By foot: An easy distance from the old city or the train station – right next to the entrance to the palace Mirabell, opposite the St. Andrews Church/Andräkirche.

By plane: you can land your aircraft in the Mirabell garden, but watch out for the flowers, the attendants are very protective of them! 😉

We would be happy to put together a suitable offer for you.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

My name is Rupert Riedl. I was born and grew up in Salzburg. As is true of most of my fellow Austrians I had never heard about the Trapp Family, until I was lucky enough to work in a youth hostel where I caught the spirit from Fräulein Maria.

While working at the hostel I booked and recommended a lot of bus tours for people with the tour companies in Salzburg, but I saw that some people weren’t totally satisfied with this impersonal and commercial way of seeing the city. In time for the next summer, full of ideas and ambition and after cycling every single road and bike path to find the best route for you, I left my job at the Youth Hostel and my Scottish wife and I started Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours. We had found a way to bring our guests close enough to touch all the sights… even in Salzburg´s old town where cars, let alone buses aren’t allowed. We started with just ten bikes, but we soon had to buy more!

Since starting in 1999 we have had the chance to show thousands of tourists our beautiful city and sing along with them in the footsteps of Fräulein Maria.

Our guides aren’t bike racers or stubborn history freaks, but they love the movie and being outdoors, they know the city and most importantly they love sharing their passion with you. We have a mix of native English speakers and original Salzburgers in our team, and this combination might be one part of our success.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

We use Cruiser bikes with 7 gears and very comfortable seats. Your arms will be well stretched out and your back upright! The most difficult thing about the tour is forcing yourself to get off the bike at the end of the day and back on your feet =)

We know how boring long bus drives are for kids so we love having families come along! We have a wide range of different sizes of children’s bikes. For boys and girls who can’t yet ride on their own or don’t feel confident we have child seats, trailers, tag along trailers and a tandem. We have helmets for the kids, and for adults on request. So bring your kids… and drag your husbands… we love them all. We have even had some dogs coming along with us too! If you don’t feel confident riding alone we also have an adult tandem bike available to double the fun!

We have them in ladies and men’s styles. Each bike is kitted out with the name of one of the characters from the film, a basket that can carry up to 5 kilos (11 pounds) and the best feature of all – a huge Fräulein Maria Ding Dong Bell making you unstoppable…

FMBT_Ausstattung2.jpg

Dipl. Sptl. Rupert Riedl

Fotogalerie

John Munson (originally from Lake Forest, Illinois, USA) welcomes you to an all-season interesting, lovely, relaxing, and comprehensive 6-to-7-hour Sound of Music film site E-bike tour for small groups (up to 7 people) of the old city of Salzburg and the surrounding green area within the city limits. See all the breathtaking film sites from the Sound of Music and the most beautiful 400-year-old palaces and green areas in Salzburg, Austria while riding at an easy-going, leisurely pace along the Salzburg valley floor on mostly bike paths which are on flat terrain! We make many stops to take photos and to discuss the filming trivia of those sites, as well as visiting the original Trapp Family home and talking about how their real story compares with the film narrative! 

Bicycle riders of all levels of ability are welcome, provided you have confident and competent biking skills and have ridden a bike in the recent past. We cover about 31 km/19 miles over the course of the day adventure. My tour offers you a much more private and personalized tour than any other Sound of Music bike or bus tour offered in Salzburg (which usually have between 15 to 80 guests, respectively). We will take a relaxing 30-minute late lunch break to sit and eat in a lovely Baroque Garden next to several ponds at the charming Hellbrunn Palace or at other picturesque nature locations en route. You can bring your own food to eat, or purchase food "To Go" from one of the many cafes/restaurants that we will pass along the way in Salzburg.   Riding E-bikes is a great way to see Salzburg while getting exercise at the same time in the open fresh air, instead of being confined in a bus or van with a lot of people. The great thing is that you can exert whatever amount of effort you wish to because of the various assist levels on the electric bike, as long as you are pedaling (these are not self-propelled E-bikes). The E-bikes provide a very smooth ride with very easy control. In case of inclement weather when it is either too cold (below 45 degrees F.) or rainy (raining hard for much of the day) to ride, I offer the option to shift over to a combined city bus or van & walking version of my tour, using umbrellas and rain gear. 

My Sound of Music E-bike tour costs 135 euro/person, with bikes which have baskets for your things, and helmets included. Ages 11 and up are welcome.  

 I also offer an all-season/all-day separate private van tour for up to 4 guests to the Sound of Music film sites in the mountains (including the opening, closing and picnic scene meadow hilltops) just within a 25-40 minutes' drive from Salzburg, customized to your wishes. This can also include the Eagle's Nest and other WW2 noteworthy areas around Obersalzberg, where Hitler's Berghof mountain retreat house site was located (where he spent a third of the war up until it was destroyed at the end of the war). This private tour is reasonably priced at 500 euro. This price does not include the fee for the mandatory Eagle's Nest shuttle bus (28 euro each round trip) from the Eagle's Nest parking lot, Eagle's Nest museum/documentation center fee (3 euro each), or any other incidental fees  such as for the state park entry (8 euro for the group) to drive up to the final meadow scene where the Von Trapp's climb over the mountains to escape Austria in the film Sound of Music. Write me below for more details. It is a historically fascinating area to see!  

Additionally, I further offer a second all-season/all-day private van tour for up to 4 guests to the gorgeous village of Hallstatt on Lake Hallstatt, as well as to the surrounding lakes and mountain region, including seeing the inside of the St. Michael's Basilica in Mondsee (built in the 1400's), where the wedding scene was filmed in the Sound of Music. We will also visit the lovely villages of St. Gilgen or St. Wolfgang on the magnificent Lake Wolfgang. We also will go to the spectacular Lake Gosau, nestled in the high mountain peak region. This private tour also costs 500 euro (not including any parking or gondola fees up the mountains to spectacular lookouts).

 I am also an authorized ticket seller for 2 different nightly Best of Mozart/Strauss/Vivaldi concerts (one of which includes dinner) in Salzburg, performed by ensembles of around 6 string musicians. In one concert, there is a man and woman opera singer (baritone and soprano) who wander around the guest dinner tables singing up close and personal to the guests! Both concerts take place in stunning palaces in magnificent grandiose concert rooms in Salzburg, one in which Mozart himself often performed in the Marble Room in the Mirabell Palace and the other is in the ballroom in St. Peter's Monastery, the oldest active monastery north of the Alps, founded in the year 696. Write me below for prices and details.  

When you write me a message below in the contact area or on What's App to book my tours or for more info, I always reply by the end of the Austrian day, if not within the hour.  If you like, we can also do a Skype or What's App video call to discuss everything you wish to know, face to face. 

Payment for my tours can be made below by credit card, or by Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, Wise or normal inter-bank wire transfer.  Full payment is requested at the time of booking your tour. One-third of the total tour cost is non-refundable. The remaining 2/3rds is fully refundable until 7 days before your tour date. I still give my tours in the rain, but in case the weather is really terrible on the day of the tour or you prefer to switch the dates at any time, I am happy to change your tour to any other date, assuming I have availability.

Reviews, blogs, photos and videos of my tours

City e-bike tour, private van tour to hallstatt & lakes & mountains area, private van tour to eagle's nest & sound of music meadows, do re mi - trapp family bike and private van tours.

Ignaz-Rieder-Kai 33, Salzburg, Austria, 5026

Contact me at [email protected] or just click on the button below: or call me at +436603802100

Come join me on the most personal, comprehensive and beautiful E-bike or van & walking tour of the Sound of Music film sites in and around the Salzburg area, plus seeing spectacular views of the high mountains, lakes and lovely natural and historic scenery in the green areas en route!

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The wheels are alive with the sound of music

All through Salzburg and the surrounding areas you’ll find sites from the Sound of Music. Don’t see them on a bus – do it from the back of a bike!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: July 11, 2023

Sound of Music cycling tour, Salzburg, Austria

Where to start? Well, let’s start at the beginning. It’s a very good place to start.

Sitting alone at an outside table in one the Salzburg’s largest beer gardens, a group of local drinkers come up and ask if they can join me. Of course.

As we chat, I mention that I’m doing a Sound of Music tour the following morning.

Oh, one of them says, rolling his eyes ever so slightly, “nobody in Austria has seen that movie. Well, maybe about half the people. But it’s not very popular here.”

He tells me a story – probably apocryphal – that during the Reagan Administration, the Austrian President was visiting the US and they played ‘Edelweiss’ for him, assuming it was an important national song.

Of course, as we know, it was written purely for the musical and has no historical link to Austria.

For Salzburg, The Sound of Music has two strong links – even if many of the residents don’t know much about it. Firstly, it was here that Maria and the Von Trapps actually lived and went through many of the events told in the movie. And, secondly, much of the movie was filmed in and around the city.

I suppose a should add a third link between the movie and Salzburg. It’s what inspires hordes of tourists to visit the city every year.

Sure, there is plenty here to entice and entertain without needing a movie to promote it. But let’s be realistic – it is a deciding factor for a lot of foreigners.

For this reason, there are plenty of offerings for tours in Salzburg based on The Sound of Music. The most common one is a bus tour, which drives around, spotting the sites out the window, and stopping at a couple for some fresh air. But children are meant to play, not march, right?

The bus tour does gets good reviews ( and you can see more about it here ) but that’s not really my style. So I decide to try a tour by bicycle.

We gather together in the morning. There are about 16, going on 17, of us. All, expect for me, are from the USA.

I’ve always found (on the rare occasions when I have put my mind to this question) that Australians and British have the same passion for The Sound of Music as Americans. Yet my friends from the US do see it slightly differently.

It’s a little magical, a little exotic, a slice of the stereotypical European charm they imagine exists far away in space but not time. For the rest of us, it’s simply a bit of camp good fun.

But a bicycle tour through the sites of Salzburg gives all of us a chance to release some camp good fun.

At the fountain in the square in front of the Salzburg Cathedral, people take turns splashing the water out, like Maria does as she proclaims that she has confidence. It’s so exciting to be out in the world, to be free.

At the Horse’s Bath, where Maria and the children sing some of ‘My Favourite Things’, some people do a little song and dance.

Locals walking past seem amused – perhaps by the idea of schnitzel with noodles, which seems to only exist as a rhyme for crisp apple strudels, which is actually common here.

We go through various spot in the city used for the movie – doorways, arches, squares, a graveyard. I must admit, though, these are not necessarily my favourite things.

I have seen them all already on a brief stroll through the historic part of Salzburg and there are crowds of tourists everywhere. Where this tour really helps us find our dream, is when we start to climb every mountain (actually, just one, thank goodness).

It’s up on this hill above the city that we reach Nonnberg Abbey.

In its own right, it’s a beautiful abbey. Away from the traffic, it’s quiet and peaceful.

I go inside and there’s a choir singing (but nothing from the movie, before you ask). Before I walk through the door, I whisper my favourite line under my breath, “What is it you can’t face, Maria?”

The line was probably done in a studio. But this abbey was used for the external scenes of Maria’s abbey.

There are no rolling green hills anywhere nearby for Maria to be beckoned from – a bit of Hollywood magic, that is – but I can imagine her coming through these gates. The best thing is that not all of the Sound of Music bus tours come here because there’s no accessible road.

In fact, as we go downhill from the abbey, it’s all uphill for the tour. Because now we enter the countryside around Salzburg.

The guide turns on the speakers and songs from the movie play around us as we cycle through fields with the wind in our hair. My heart wants to sing every song it hears and my heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees!

Speaking of lakes, that’s our next stop. We gaze over a lake to Leopold Palace, which reflects in the smooth water.

This was used for the filming of the exterior of the Von Trapp house when the lake was in shot. The tour group sings a little bit more here, naturally. I, however, don’t. I can’t. I’ve got a sore finger.

And then there’s a lovely ride on a track, to the Frohnburg Palace, used for other exterior shots of the Von Trapp house. I look up at the trees as we cycle past – I’m sure I could imagine children playing in curtains in the branches.

At the end of the path we find the famous gazebo, also known as the Sound of Music Pavillion.

These days it’s all locked up – no way to dance and sing inside, singing along to ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ as Rolf and Leisl did. In fact, that’s why it’s locked up because a few too many people had accidents while reenacting the scene.

Sad. It looks like an empty stage waiting for fate to turn the light on.

Perhaps it’s a good symbol for the day. I have a lot of fun and the weather has been kind.

It’s nice to see a bit of Salzburg and particularly pleasant to have a ride around away from the traffic. But nothing can quite capture the joy of The Sound of Music, even a tour like this.

Each of these sites seem a little sad without the characters in them and the music filling the space around them. But, then again, that’s what our imagination is for.

And, with that, I hate to leave this pretty sight. I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly. So long, farewell.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN SALZBURG

I would recommend staying in the historic centre – and there are wonderful options on either side of the river.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

You’ll find very comfortable and modern dorm rooms at the cool Wolfgang’s managed by a&o .

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

For great value right in the Old Town, check out Institut St Sebastian , which is in a historic building.

With an interesting design and very comfortable rooms, I would recommend Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse .

And if you’re looking for something special, Hotel Schloss Mönchstein is pure luxury with a stunning mountain location.

Time Travel Turtle was supported by the Austrian National Tourist Office  in partnership with Captivate but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

More stories about Austria

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  • Why is Vienna's World Heritage status at risk?
  • The best things to do in Salzburg
  • A Sound of Music tour in Salzburg
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5 thoughts on “The wheels are alive with the sound of music”

I am going to learn to ride a bike just to do this tour!

Ha ha – it seems like a good enough reason to learn! Although it’s actually quite easy, so don’t worry too much if you’re still learning by the time you get to Salzburg! 🙂

I have always loved the Sound of Music.. In fact I grew up with Julie Andrews. 🙂 I think that it was an awesome idea to bring it all back again.. The memories sure are wonderful.. Thanks for sharing your memories in the making and thanks for bringing back mine as well.. You are truley a work of art and your words are very inspiring.. Peace to you friend.. 🙂

I didn’t know that The Sound of Music had bus tours. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun to have a music based tour. Is this something that is offered everywhere they do The Sound of Music stuff?

It is a great idea to do this tour by bike 🙂 I also wrote a post about Sound of Music tours in Salzburg!

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The Sound of Music film - Maria on the hill © 20th Century Fox

Original Sound of Music Tour ® - Tour 1A

Join us on a wonderful ride through salzburg on the original sound of music tour ®.

Tour the picturesque World Heritage City of  Salzburg  as well as the beautiful  landscapes where the opening scenes of the movie   The Sound of Music  were filmed with our live guide!

The Sound of Music Tour Salzburg includes original shooting locations from "The Sound of Music" movie:

  • Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain , where Maria and the children danced in the movie
  • Nonnberg Convent , where Maria was a novice
  • Schloss Leopoldskron ,  the house, where the Trapp Family lived in the movie which is now a luxury hotel
  • Hellbrunn Palace (singing scenes in the movie)
  • Gazebo (now placed in Hellbrunn), where the Baron von Trapp kissed Maria for the first time
  • Church Mondsee , where Maria and the Baron get married

The Sound of Music in Salzburg

The enormous success of  The Sound of Music  Broadway Musical by  Rodgers & Hammerstein  premiering in 1959 made film director Robert Wise and 250 crew members turn  Salzburg  and its surroundings into the  Sound of Music filming location  in 1964. And it was  Salzburg Panorama Tours  who took the  Sound of Music  film crew to the  various locations  where the  famous movie  was filmed.

Shortly after its release, the film became a tremendous success, receiving five Academy Awards, becoming the highest grossing movie ever and reaching cult status over the years. Both musical and film are based on the "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" written by  Maria von Trapp  in 1949.

Get to know Salzburg

Follow the traces of the  Trapp family  and take a tour through Salzburg and its surroundings. See the  original film settings  and just imagine being  Julie Andrews , the main character in the film, playing  Maria von Trapp . Learn about the historical and architectural landmarks of Salzburg as well as the Lake District while enjoying the highlights of the movie. Relax and listen to the  Original Sound of Music  soundtrack and of course feel free to sing-along  Edelweiss  and many more... Our live guide will tell you everything you need to know about The Sound of Music, the Trapp Familiy, the film locations and about the shooting.

FAQs Original Sound of Music Tour®

The true story, that The Sound of Music is based, on took place in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Large parts of the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg, some scenes even in the original locations. Featured in the  Original Sound of Music Tour® are among many others Leopoldskron Palace and the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace . 

Maria was asked to teach Georg von Trapp's children in 1926 and their wedding took place in 1927. In 1938, the Trapp family moved to the US to escape the Nazi regime in Germany and Austria. Their move was however far less dramatic than it is portrayed in the film. The 1965 film is an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical and based on Maria von Trapps 1949 memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers".

There are three locations associated closely with the Trapp family in Salzburg. The original Trapp family home Villa Trapp is located in Aigen to the southeast of Salzburg and not seen in the movie. Two other estates were used to portray the Trapps' home in the movie: Leopoldskron Palace and Frohnburg Palace .

The gazebo featured in the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" scene was located in the gardens of Leopoldskron Palace during filming. It was later moved to the gardens at Hellbrunn Palace to make it accessible to interested visitor. The Original Sound of Music Tour® stops at the gazebo to give you the opportunity for unforgettable moments and souvenir photos.

While many other scenes were filmed in the city of Salzburg, the romantic wedding scene in the movie The Sound of Music was shot at the church in Mondsee. A stop at this church is part of the Original Sound of Music Tour® by Salzburg Panorama Tours  and gives you the opportunity to explore this beautiful filming location.

This tour is operated daily with two start times at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm.

Leopoldskron Palace with Fortress in the back © Panorama Tours

For more information about the route, please visit our interactive map.

See the beautiful Mirabell Gardens where the song "Do-Re-Mi" was filmed. After or before joining the tour, we recommend seeing the gardens on your own exploring the Pegasus Fountain as well as the Do-Re-Mi steps.

Enjoy the spectacular view during a photo stop at Lake Leopoldskron mirroring the palace, where the famous boating scene was filmed. From there you will see the Captain´s backyard and private palace gardens.

Remember the song "16 going on 17" scene as well as the kissing scene of Liesl and Rolf? Visit the original gazebo rebuilt especially for all movie fans in the gardens of Hellbrunn Palace. 

You will pass by the Nonnberg Abbey which is still an active women’s convent nowadays. In this convent the "real" Maria was a novice and also got married to Baron von Trapp. The Abbey does not allow visits within its walls, but you are most welcomed to walk up to the front gate of their Gothic Church or to visit a church service after our tour.

After touring the film-locations within the town of Salzburg, you will drive to the Lake District, passing Lake Fuschl and Lake Wolfgang, where panorama shots and scenes of the picnic were filmed. Enjoy the wonderful view down on to St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang at the photo stop!

In Mondsee you see the famous church, where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed in the movie The Sound of Music. Afterwards there will be some time to explore this little picturesque town on your own.

Important information:

daily at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm

Panorama Tours Bus Terminal Mirabellplatz / corner Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1 5020 Salzburg Tel.: +43 662 874029

Arrival to the bus terminal

free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to tour departure

Please notice:

We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel. Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure.

Only Salzburg Panorama Tours is responsible to schedule the tour vehicles.

Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat.

Pets are not allowed in the tour.

This Sound of Music Bike Tour is the Best Way to Experience Salzburg, Austria

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music!

Hop on your bike (that's named after a character from the movie) & explore the enchanting town of Salzburg, Austria where most of the filming of the beloved Sound of Music took place with "Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tour"!

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

After a beautiful drive through Germany, our adventure in Salzburg started off with a cold and rainy morning-- but the tour must go on! After arriving at the meeting location, Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tours kindly provided us with a rain poncho and we were on our way!

A short ride around the block, our very first stop was right in front of the Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the Von Trapp kids scale the edge of the fountain and sprint through the vine covered pathway, all while belting out "Do-Re-Mi," (and maybe we did too.)

But the tour really gained its magic when we continued on, the rain calmed down, the weather was perfect, and our guide broke out his speaker and started playing the soundtrack from the movie. Just imagine a group of tourists all chorusing the songs like we were stars in the movie (it felt like we were!)

I won't spoil all of the locations for you because I truly hope you make your way to Salzburg to experience this tour...BUT they have a little flip book on your bike handlebars that showcase a photo of the scene from the movie at each location you stop at--and believe me, you hit literally all of them!

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Another really neat aspect about this specific tour is that it is currently the only bicycle Sound of Music tour in all of Salzburg! In our opinion, it's much better than riding on a bus because not only do you get some exercise but you get to step off the bikes and explore much more frequently! And more than that-- you can reach locations that buses can't!

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Need we say more? Go on this tour! Whether you are a Sound of Music lover or not...this tour captures the essence, history and beauty of Salzburg and you will thank yourself for going!

P.S. I'm sure all the tour guides are exceptional but we're convinced Tom is the best! If he still works here, we highly recommend him!

Click here to learn more or to book your tour!

#austria #soundofmusic #music #biketour #tours #travelblog

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The Sound of Music Tour

Sound of Music bus from Panoramatours | © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / Johanna Röck

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

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

Original shooting locations from the Sound of Music movie include:

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

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

Hellbrunn palace (singing scenes)

Nonnberg Convent (where the young Maria was a novice)

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

Mondsee Basilica (wedding scene)

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

Sound of Music Tour-Bus | © Panorama Tours / Heiko Mandl

Panorama Tours

tour with Bob's Special Tours | © Bob´s Special Tours

Bob's Special Tours

Other "sound of music" experiences, this might also interest you:.

Hotel Amadeus | © Michael Grössinger

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View of Fortress Hohensalzburg across the Salzach River | © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

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hotel room with balcony | © Amadeo Hotel Schaffenrath

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4-star hotel near Hellbrunn Palace. Double rooms from 148€/night with breakfast - Book now!

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Fraulein Maria “Sound of Music” Bicycle Tour in Salzburg, Austria

Fraulein Maria “Sound of Music” Bicycle Tour in Salzburg, Austria

This post contains affiliate links.

When I was little, I checked out “The Sound of Music” movie so many times from the library that for Christmas that year I found my own copy under the tree. The magic of The Sound of Music stayed with me and I’ve already forced the boys to watch the movie quite a few times. Therefore, when a recent driving trip took us near Salzburg, we stopped for the express purpose of taking the Fraulein Maria Bicycle Tour .

The Fraulein Maria Bicycle Tour gets so many great reviews that I knew it was the tour for us. We love bike tours in cities and I really wanted to see as many of the sights from the movie as we could. The Fraulein Maria Bicycle Tour combines a sing-a-long with a city bike tour. It is just lovely!

What you need to know.

If you plan to take this tour make your reservation now. The tours fill up as they are very popular!

The plan was for the whole group (two seniors, two adults and three kids) to go on the tour. Fraulein Maria offers tow behinds, ride behinds and kids bikes in addition to their normal bikes. We scheduled one tow behind trailer and one ride behind for the Big Little. Unfortunately, as we were getting on the bike the Big Little, who had a headache, threw up and we decided to have Jeff take him back to the hotel to sleep. Instead, my parents and I took the two littles in the trailer.

Our summer tour picked up in the center of town. You start by getting fitted on a bike. Each bike has a name, I ended up on Gretl – perfection.

Each bike has a basket to stow your stuff and a flipboard of film sights from each stop. I highly recommend you bring a water bottle. We were there in the height of the summer and it was H-O-T! We drained all the water we brought multiple times. We had some extra room in the tow-behind trailer as well. I packed a ton of snacks and water for the kids to enjoy in the trailer.

The tour has lots of stops where you get off the bike and get up close with the location. I didn’t want to get the kids out at each location, so I just kept the trailer open so they could see and listen without getting out. The guides are knowledgeable and funny, so even the kids were entertained.

When you are not stopped at a sight a portable speaker turns the ride into a sing along.

I ride my bike most days and still found two of the hills on the ride quite challenging. I ended up needing help getting the bike and trailer up one of them! (I think I would have made it on my own but gladly took the help when offered.) The city was also quite crowded and I nearly took out a few other people with the tow-behind. Sorry!!

What you will see.

There are so many stops and small tidbits on this tour, I haven’t captured them all. This is a highlight of some of the more famous places to give you an idea of how close you get to many of your favorite spots.

The Nonnberg Abbey

Built in 714, the Nonnberg Abbey is not only the setting in the movie, but also where the real Maria started her adventure. Clinging to the gate and asking to see Maria is a must!

Don’t leave this spot without catching a view back over the city! It is stunning and makes the uphill pedal worth it!

Residence Square

You can march up to this fountain just like Maria and splash the fountain. (Just make sure you face the right way when you take your fountain photos, unlike me who faced in the completely wrong direction!)

Rock Riding School

The Rock Riding School is a former quarry. It was created while building the cathedral and was transformed into a unique riding school and later converted into a theater. When we were there a music festival was holding concerts at the venue.

The Mirabell Gardens

It was hot and crowded on the day of our visit so we didn’t go jumping around, but this is where Maria and the children run on the ring of the fountain and jump on the stairs. It is a must visit in Salzburg even if you are not a Sound of Music fan.

Frohnburg Palace

Frohnburg Palace was used as the front of the von Trapp House. On bike you can pull right up to the gate and check it all out for yourself. The house is now a student residence for the music university.

Pivot just a bit from the house and you are on Hellbrunner Alley, where Maria skips along on her way to the von Trapp house for the first time.

This was our second visit to the Gazebo, as it sits in the Hellbrunn Gardens now. We caught a glimpse while taking the trick fountain tour – which is a must! You can no longer skip around the benches, thanks to a few too many falls, but it is still magical to visit in person.

The flower garden here was just so beautiful that I had to wander over and check it out again!

Schloss Leopoldskron

The von Trapp’s backyard, lake, balcony and garden. You can actually stay overnight in the building now as it is owned by the Salzburg Global Seminar and run as a hotel and event space.

St. Peter’s Cemetary

The cemetery lies behind the oldest church in the city. There was no actual filming here, but it was the inspiration for the cemetery scene in the movie. As it is in the middle of the city, you can only reach this place on foot. We parked the bikes in a square out front and walked in. We enjoyed this stop so much we actually came back after the tour to explore a bit more.

I’ll leave you with another little gem of sing along time from our journey! I highly encourage you to check out this tour if you’re going to be in Salzburg. It was family friendly and so much fun. There is nothing better than seeing a city by bike!

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13 Must-See Sound of Music Tour Salzburg

By Raphael last updated 6 months ago

Salzburg, Austria, holds a special place in the hearts of fans of The Sound of...

Salzburg, Austria, holds a special place in the hearts of fans of The Sound of Music. This picturesque city is where the iconic movie was filmed, and it attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to experience the magic firsthand. While most Austrians may not be familiar with the film, visitors can’t help but hum along to the beloved songs and explore the enchanting locations featured in the movie. 

“The hills are alive with the sound of music!” – Maria

From the grand Mirabell Gardens to the charming Nonnberg Abbey, 13 must-see Sound of Music tour locations in Salzburg transports you into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family. Let’s embark on a delightful journey through these iconic spots and relive the joy of this timeless classic.

Here are 13 must-see tour locations that will transport you into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family.

1. Leopoldskron Castle

Leopoldskron Castle - A Majestic Historic Castle on the Lake

Visit the majestic Leopoldskron Castle, which served as the von Trapp family home in the movie. Stroll along the shores of Leopoldskron Lake, where the children had a mischievous boating adventure. 

Take in the serene beauty of the surroundings and imagine the von Trapp family’s life within the walls of this historic castle. With its stunning architecture and picturesque lake, Leopoldskron Castle offers a glimpse into the captivating world of The Sound of Music.

2. Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Mirabell Palace & Gardens - Beautiful Palace and Gardens

Step into the enchanting world of The Sound of Music at Mirabell Palace & Gardens. This picturesque location is where Maria and the children joyfully danced around the statue of Pegasus, singing their famous “Do-Re-Mi” song. 

“Do-Re-Mi, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun.” – Maria

Explore the beautifully manicured gardens, stroll along the pathways, and relive the iconic scenes that captured the hearts of millions. With its vibrant atmosphere and musical history, Mirabell Palace & Gardens is a must-visit destination for any Sound of Music fan.

3. Horse Bath

Horse Bath - A Horse Enjoying a Refreshing Water Bath

Transport yourself to the scene where Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath while singing “My Favorite Things.” This picturesque location adds a touch of charm to the movie and offers a delightful backdrop for capturing memorable photos. 

Experience the magic of the movie firsthand as you immerse yourself in the surroundings and create your special moments.

4. Winkler Terrace

Winkler Terrace - A Serene Outdoor Space with Panoramic Views

 Ascend Monk’s Hill and discover the breathtaking Winkler Terrace overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg. This is where Maria and the children brought their infectious energy, mixing up the musical notes of “Do Re Mi” as they introduced the song to Salzburg. 

Stand in awe of the panoramic view, feel the gentle breeze, and let the melodies of the movie resonate in your heart. Winkler Terrace is a serene spot that encapsulates the joy and harmony that The Sound of Music evokes.

5. Hedge Maze & Gnome Park

Hedge Maze - A Fun Green Puzzle Garden

Enter the whimsical world of the “Do-Re-Mi” song at the Hedge Maze & Gnome Park. Follow in the footsteps of Maria and the children as they skip through the vine tunnel and playfully interact with the charming gnome with glasses. 

This delightful location is perfect for families, allowing children to unleash their imaginations and immerse themselves in the magic of The Sound of Music.

6. Rock Riding School

Rock Riding School - A Special Place for Horse Lovers

Step inside the historic Rock Riding School, which played a pivotal role in some of the most memorable scenes from The Sound of Music. Let your imagination run wild as you envision these walls’ lively performances and heartwarming moments. 

The Rock Riding School is where history and film intertwine, creating an atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

7. Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion

Hellbrunn Castle and Glass Pavilion - Charming Castle and Beautiful Pavilion

“I have confidence in sunshine. I have confidence in rain. I have confidence that spring will come again!” – Maria

Embark on a journey to Hellbrunn Castle, an architectural gem from the 17th century. Explore its captivating gardens and discover the mesmerizing glass pavilion that has fascinated visitors for over 30 years. 

Marvel at the beauty of the surroundings and imagine the von Trapp family roaming these grounds as you walk in their footsteps. Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion are a testament to the timeless allure of The Sound of Music.

8. Mondsee Wedding Church

Mondsee Wedding Church - A Romantic Church by the Lake

Experience the magic of Maria and the Baron’s wedding by visiting the picturesque Mondsee Wedding Church. Step into the same church where their fictional union took place and feel the romance and joy that filled the air. 

Admire exquisite architecture, explore the charming town of Mondsee, and let the spirit of love and celebration resonate within you.

9. Nonnberg Abbey

Nonnberg Abbey - A Peaceful Place of Beauty and History

Delve into the rich history of Nonnberg Abbey, one of Europe’s oldest convents. This sacred place served as Maria’s home as a novice and was the backdrop for the enchanting wedding scene in the film. 

Explore the abbey’s tranquil surroundings, admire its architectural beauty, and feel a sense of serenity as you discover the connection between The Sound of Music and this sacred location.

10. St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang

St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang - Beautiful Town by a Peaceful Lake

Embark on a scenic journey to St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang, featured at the beginning of The Sound of Music. Bask in the landscape’s natural beauty as you gaze upon the stunning lake and surrounding mountains.

Take a moment to soak in the tranquility and reflect on the movie’s opening scenes that captured this beautiful region’s essence.

11. Werfen Picnic Meadow

Werfen Picnic Meadow - A Relaxing Spot for Outdoor Dining and Nature

Venture to the idyllic Werfen Picnic Meadow, perched above the village of Werfen. This picturesque location is where Maria and the children shared a delightful picnic and began singing the iconic “Do Re, Mi” song. 

Take in the breathtaking views, feel the fresh air on your skin, and let the melodies of the movie fill the atmosphere. The Werfen Picnic Meadow offers a serene and memorable experience for The Sound of Music fans.

12. Frohnburg Palace

Frohnburg Palace - A Majestic Historic Residence

Journey to Frohnburg Palace, the magnificent backdrop for the von Trapp family home. Marvel at the elegance and grandeur of this palace, which was featured in five pivotal scenes of the film. 

Let your imagination transport you to the world of the von Trapps as you walk through the halls and gardens, reliving the special moments that have captured the hearts of generations.

13. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs

Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs - Historic Resting Place

Discover the tranquil beauty of St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs, a historic site featured in The Sound of Music. This serene cemetery, with its rows of picturesque tombstones and peaceful atmosphere, is where Maria and the children hid from the Nazis in the film. 

Wander through the winding pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient tombstones, and feel a sense of tranquility as you connect with the scenes from the movie. 

Explore the catacombs beneath the cemetery, where you can delve into Salzburg’s intriguing history. St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs offer a unique and contemplative experience for The Sound of Music fans and history enthusiasts.

Exploring the Locations of The Sound of Music

Transportation options.

  • Bus Tours: Convenient transportation to all filming locations.
  • Walking Tours: Explore on foot and enjoy the surrounding areas.
  • Bicycle Tours: Fun and affordable way to visit the sites.

Cost and Booking Information

  • Tour Prices: Starting at around 45€ for Sound of Music tours.
  • Tour Providers: Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and more.
  • Package Inclusions: Transportation, tour guide, combined tickets, lunch, museum visits, and other attractions.
  • Discounts and Seasonal Offers: Check for special deals and reduced prices.

When planning your Sound of Music tour, you can choose between different modes of transportation. Bus tours provide a hassle-free experience while walking tours allow for more flexibility and exploration. Alternatively, bicycle tours offer a unique and enjoyable way to discover the sites.

Tour prices typically start around 45€ and vary depending on the provider and package inclusions. Popular tour companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Musement offer similar experiences, including transportation, knowledgeable guides, and various add-ons such as combined tickets, lunch, and museum visits. 

Keep an eye out for discounts and seasonal offers that may be available at certain times of the year.

To book your tour, you can use TourScanner’s search feature to compare prices and options from different providers, ensuring you find the best tour that suits your preferences and budget.

“Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ’til you find your dream.” – Mother Abbess

In conclusion, exploring the locations of The Sound of Music in Salzburg offers a delightful journey into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family. With 13 must-see tour locations, ranging from majestic castles and picturesque gardens to charming churches and historical sites, visitors can relive the magic of this timeless classic. 

Whether you embark on a bus tour for convenience, take a walking tour to immerse yourself in the surroundings, or enjoy a bicycle tour for a fun and affordable experience, there are transportation options to suit every preference. 

With tour prices starting at around 45€ and various providers offering inclusive packages and special offers, booking your Sound of Music tour has never been easier. So, get ready to sing along and create unforgettable memories as you explore the enchanting locations that captured the hearts of millions.

The Sound of Music tour in Salzburg typically lasts around 4 hours. It is available daily at 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM, but pre-booking is recommended, especially during Christmas and New Year, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience without any delays.

Yes, you can do a self-guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. This walking tour is approximately 4 kilometers long and can be completed in 2-3 hours. Feel free to take your time, enjoy the journey, and make pit stops at charming cafes.

Yes, it’s worth doing the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. It offers a breathtaking experience, even if you need to become more familiar with the movie. The Original Sound of Music Tour is a fantastic way to explore Austria’s beautiful region and appreciate the film’s charm.

You can stay inside The Sound of Music House, known as Meierhof. Experience a comfortable overnight stay in its rooms and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in either the Marble Hall or the palace’s ballroom. Additionally, you can visit various filming locations during the 4-hour Original Sound of Music Tour.

Raphael

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

Explorer’s note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing tours and top-notch travel advice.

Most Austrians have never seen the Sound of Music, but as a local guide with over a decade of experience, first navigating the streets on a bike taxi and now on foot, I’ve gone deep into the essence of the musical. I have also seen it many times as a kid because my father was from the Netherlands, and every time I visited my grandmother, she showed me the movie.

You see, The Sound of Music is popular everywhere except for Austria . Why that is the case, no one knows. But having met thousands of people like you, eager to explore the filming locations, I am here to share my insights on finding all the Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzburg.

This article is a self-guided tour crafted with passion and expertise. It invites you to step into the world of the Von Trapp family, exploring not just the Old Town but also its surroundings and day-trip destinations.

Join me as we explore the locations where Maria and the children sang and danced, from the Mirabell Gardens to the Concert Hall. This journey isn’t just about revisiting iconic scenes; it’s an invitation to experience the soul of Salzburg, where the hills are still alive with the Sound of Music.

Self-Guided Sound of Music Tour on Foot

Salzburg is perfect for exploring on foot. The Sound of Music bus tours efficiently cover the wider region’s spots but miss the locations in the Old Towns because the Old Town is pedestrian-only. This walking tour complements any bus tour, offering an up-close experience of the musical landmarks within Salzburg’s streets. Depending on your pace and how much time you spend reenacting movie scenes, exploring these spots can take 2 to 4 hours.

1. Mirabell Gardens: Dancing to Do Re Mi

Mythology at the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg

Mirabell Gardens, a personal favorite and one of the top three sights in Salzburg is more than a singular attraction; it is a microcosm of wonders where every corner and path tells its story. The Sound of Music sights are integral to this microcosm within the garden. They bring to life the magic of the movie through locations like the Borghese Fencers, the Hedge Tunnel, the Dwarf Garden, the Pegasus Fountain, and the Do-Re-Mi Steps. Let’s explore each Sound of Music location in Mirabell Gardens together.

"Do Re Mi" in Mirabell Garden (2017)

The Borghese Fencers

Directions:  We begin our Sound of Music walk at the entrance to Mirabell Gardens coming from Makartplatz Square.

At the entrance of Mirabell Gardens, the Borghese Fencers stand as iconic sentinels. These statues are copies of a famous Italian figure (now housed in the Louvre). The original became popular in the 1500s and is the most copied ancient piece of art, with more than 1500 copies, four of which are in Mirabell Gardens. This spot, where Maria and the children imitated the statues’ poses in the Do-Re-Mi, is a must-visit. Although it’s often bustling, an early visit might offer a quiet moment to relive this classic scene.

Hedge Tunnel

Directions:  Turn left after the Borghese fencers and keep going.

Next, the hedge tunnel invites visitors to reenact another “Do-Re-Mi” scene. Just imagine Maria and the children skipping joyfully through this green passage. It’s a simple yet delightful experience, bringing a piece of cinematic history to life. At the corner, before entering the tunnel, you get a glimpse of the Marionettentheater (string puppet theater) with an ad for their Sound of Music show. More on that after Mirabell Gradens.

Dwarf Garden

Directions:  Keep going straight until the end of the hedge tunnel and until you find stairs on your left.

Climb the stairs near the tunnel and find the Dwarf Garden. Cross the bridge guarded by two of the 17th-century dwarf statues to discover a circle representing the months of the year. The dwarf with an open mouth, touched on the head by Maria and the children in the film, stands here. Recently renovated, these figures now shine in pristine condition, offering a unique photo opportunity. Touching the dwarfs is allowed so you can reenact the movie scene.

Pegasus Fountain

Directions:  Return over the bridge and down the stairs; the pegasus is right before you.

Returning to the main path, the Pegasus Fountain awaits. Originally part of a cathedral setting, this fountain has a storied history of relocation. The movie immortalized the scene of Maria and the children playfully circling the fountain’s wall in the Do-Re-Mi, now a key spot for visitors. From here, turn left to admire one of Salzburg’s most significant “Sound of Music” locations.

The Do-Re-Mi Steps

Directions: Turn left when facing the Pegasus, and you will see the Do-Re-Mi Steps.

Finally, the Do-Re-Mi Steps. While locals might not refer to them by this movie-inspired name, these steps hold a special place in film history. Here, the stairs transformed into a musical scale in the movie’s Do-Re-Mi, with Maria and the children’s joyful dance. The view from the top of these steps, true to Mirabell’s Italian meaning (beautiful view), offers a great panoramic view of Salzburg’s old town and a great photo spot.

2. Marionettentheater: A Puppetry Connection

Directions:  Return to where we first entered the gardens. At Makartplatz, turn right! At the crossing in Schwarzstraße, turn right again and follow the street to get to the Marionettentheater.

"The Lonely Goatherd" - THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

The string puppet theater is a remarkable piece of Salzburg’s cultural history. Here, the movie’s enchanting “Lonely Goatherd” scene was brought to life, not just on screen but as a real art form dating back to the 19th century. The theater’s recent embrace of “The Sound of Music” show adds a modern twist to its historical repertoire.

Recommendation: During opening hours, you can still enter the foyer and look around even if you don’t attend one of their shows. They have a permanent exposition of historic string puppets.

3. Winkler Terrace: Panoramic Views and Memorable Scenes

Directions: Cross the river and turn right in front of the Billa supermarket. You will notice a white building on the mountain, the Museum of Modern Art. Inside the mountain, there is an elevator.

Monchsberg Mountain Viewpoint in Salzburg Austria

Winkler Terrace stands proudly as the home to the Museum of Modern Art. Previously hosting Café Winkler and then a casino, this location atop Mönchsberg mountain has evolved significantly. Its transformation into a modern art museum in 2004 added another dimension to its significance.

In The Sound of Music, Winkler Terrace is showcased during the iconic Do-Re-Mi sequence, marking a cinematic transition from the countryside to the old town of Salzburg. This spot is a testament to Hollywood’s creative geography, where distant locations seamlessly blend into the storyline.

If you're ever looking for this film location from The Sound of Music, search for Winkler's Terrace. One of the best viewpoints of the city, this terrace also features Hohensalzburg Castle in the background for the perfect photo opportunity! #SoundofMusic pic.twitter.com/1G15u8Nnod — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) July 2, 2023

Visitors eager to stand where Maria and the children once did can easily access this spot. A convenient elevator inside the mountain, leading directly to the museum, offers a swift ascent. Once at the top, stepping out of the museum places you on the terrace, offering a chance to relive a piece of movie magic.

However, taking the elevator isn’t mandatory to enjoy the beauty of Mönchsberg. Opting for a free hike along the mountain is a great alternative, offering not just a glimpse into the world of The Sound of Music but also revealing many other stunning spots along the way. The Mönchsberg perfectly blends cultural immersion and scenic exploration and is one of my favorite Salzburg city hikes .

4. Horse Pond: A Charming Backdrop

Directions:  When coming down by elevator, turn right and keep going along the walls of the mountain.

Originally serving as a washing area for the archbishop’s horses before they entered the Hofreitschule (now the Festival Hall, the elongated building at the street’s end), the Horse Pond reflects Salzburg’s equestrian past. Today, its historical charm coexists with modern life, flanked by bus stops on either side.

In “The Sound of Music,” the Horse Pond is a picturesque scene where Maria and the children ride past in a carriage in the ‘My Favorite Things’ song. Once teeming with horses, this location now offers a peaceful moment to envision the city’s vibrant history. It serves as a reminder of Salzburg’s transformation from when horses were the main mode of transport to the present-day bustling city life. Visitors can enjoy this mix of old and new, imagining the sound of hooves and carriage wheels against the backdrop of contemporary Salzburg.

5. Rock Riding School: A Stage for Family Unity

Direction: Continuing along the street from where you’ve come, you’ll arrive at a wide space, transitioning into a square. The Festival House (Festspielhaus), stretching across the square to your right, faces the University of Salzburg’s main library on the left.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC FILM: After the Anschluss

This Festival House, initially the archbishop’s riding school, was repurposed in 1920 as a venue for the Salzburg Festival, the world’s largest classical music festival. Recall the climactic concert at the end of The Sound of Music. That’s where the von Trapp family performed during the Salzburg Festival in the movie, mirroring the real-life Trapp family’s rise to fame following their performance at the festival, which led to their invitation to America.

To view the Felsenreitschule, the oldest part of the Festival House where the “Edelweiss” and “Farewell Goodbye” scenes were filmed, walk to the end of the square. There, a passage to the right leads to Toscaninihof.

6. Toscaninihof: A Square with Historical Echoes

Directions:  Walk along the Festival Hall to the end and turn right into Toscaninihof.

Toscaninihof, adjacent to the Festival House, is more than just a passage to the historic Felsenreitschule. It’s a space that resonates with historical and cultural significance.

Inside this courtyard, a staircase on the right wall ascends the mountain. Near the base of these stairs, a picture illustrates the various sections of the Festival House: the Small Festival House from 1920, the Large one from 1956, and the Felsenreitschule from around 1700.

Free Walking Tour Salzburg Tour Guide at the Concert Hall

The stairs lead to another “Sound of Music” scene, often mistakenly attributed to Winkler Terrace. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find where Maria, with her guitar, performed the “I Have Confidence” song with Salzburg’s three prominent churches in the background. This scene is an example of the movie’s clever editing, creating the illusion of proximity between locations that are, in reality, quite distant in Salzburg.

In the narrative arc of The Sound of Music, Toscaninihof serves as a backdrop to a tense moment: the arrival of the Nazis by car during the rehearsal at the Rock Riding School. It’s also here that Rolf, now aligned with the Nazis, confronts Liesl with a telegram for her father from Berlin.

To truly immerse yourself in these locations’ rich history and cinematic legacy, consider joining an official theater tour or attending a live show. This allows visitors to see the interior of the Felsenreitschule, where the von Trapp family’s cinematic escape unfolded, and to experience the thriving cultural life that continues in these historic venues today. The daily theater tour is included in the Salzburg Card .

7. Petersfriedhof: Inspiration from Real-Life Landscapes

Directions: Descending the stairs from the Toscaninihof area, you’ll find a tunnel opposite the picture depicting the Festival House. This path leads you toward Saint Peter’s Monastery. Past the two squares, you will find the Saint Peter’s Cemetery entrance in the corner on the right next to the restaurant.

Saint Peters Cemetery in Salzburg

In the film’s climactic moments, the Von Trapp family hides from Nazis in a cemetery. While this scene was set in Hollywood, inspired by Saint Peter’s Cemetery, the real cemetery was too modest for the film’s dramatic needs. Instead, Saint Peter’s Cemetery’s larger, flower-adorned crypts served as the perfect muse for these pivotal scenes.

Saint Peter’s Cemetery isn’t just a resting place; it’s a tapestry of Salzburg’s history, dating back to 700 AD, with catacombs that reach even further into the past, to 215 AD. The cemetery houses notable graves, including Mozart’s sister, Maria Anna (Nannerl), and Franz Wasner, who inspired the character Max Detweiler in the movie. Wasner was pivotal in the Von Trapp family’s musical journey, serving as their advisor and choir conductor.

Sidenote: This unique tradition might surprise many: grave plots in Austria are rented, not owned. You rent them for ten years. If the family stops paying, the grave gets removed. Families are responsible for the upkeep, ensuring the cemetery’s well-maintained appearance. This practice not only maintains the beauty of the place but also connects generations through the care of their ancestors’ resting places.

If time allows, delve deeper into the soul of Salzburg by visiting Saint Peter’s Church. I highly recommend it. Its stunning murals are a visual treat, and the neighboring Stiftskeller Restaurant offers a delightful gastronomic experience, complete with nightly Mozart concerts. Boasting a history from 803 AD, it’s revered as Europe’s oldest restaurant, even serving Emperor Charlemagne.

8. Kapitelschwemme: A Fountain with Cinematic Charm

Directions: Walk through the cemetery, proceed straight ahead, and veer left to exit, leading directly onto Kapitelplatz.

Kapitelschwemme within Salzburg’s Kapitelplatz is a historical artwork and a playful spot that adds vibrancy to the cityscape. Created in 1732, this fountain features a depiction of the Greek god Poseidon, trident in hand, showcasing the grandeur of classical mythology.

Originally, much like the Marstallschwemme, Kapitelschwemme served a practical purpose in the city’s equestrian life, being a place for watering and washing horses.

In The Sound of Music, Kapitelschwemme forms a backdrop during a pivotal moment in Maria’s journey. The fountain subtly enhances the scene as she crosses Kapitelplatz, brimming with determination in the ‘I Have Confidence’ montage.

9. Domplatz: Central Square in Film and History

Directions:  From Kapitelplatz, head towards the front of the Cathedral.

Salzburg’s Domplatz, or Cathedral Square, again blends historical evolution and cinematic charm but is more than that. I regard Domplatz and the Cathedral as the heart and center of Salzburg. It’s where every event in Salzburg happens. To learn about the Cathedral, read my article on the Salzburger Dom .

Domplatz Cathedral Square and the Statue of Virgin Mary

Once a must-see, the Salzburg Cathedral’s interior now requires an entrance fee.

In “The Sound of Music,” Domplatz appears as Maria exits through the arches. The square also features in the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage, capturing a moment as Maria and the children dash across in their picnic attire. This historic square, thus, is not only a cornerstone of Salzburg’s architectural heritage but also a memorable backdrop in one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

10. Residence Square & Fountain: Maria’s Joyful Path

Directions:  Facing the Cathedral, you turn left to pass the arches opposite of the ones you came from.

Residence Square is a testament to Salzburg’s historical depth and Italian architectural aspirations. The Residenzbrunnen (residence fountain), the largest baroque fountain north of the Alps, is at the heart of this square. Here, Maria’s exuberant splashing during ‘I Have Confidence’ brings a joyful contrast to the later, somber portrayal of Nazi soldiers marching through the square, symbolizing the dark period of the Anschluss, Austria’s annexation by Germany in 1938.

Residence Square Salzburg

Flanking the square, the Old Residenz Palace, draped with a Nazi flag in the movie, stands as a reminder of Salzburg’s complex history. Originally built in 1596 for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau, it houses staterooms and an art gallery with works by Rembrandt and Rubens.

On the opposite side, the New Residenz, once the Archbishop’s guest house, now contains the Glockenspiel Bell Tower, Heimatwerk Shop, and used to house the Salzburg Panorama, a hundred-year-old 360-degree paintings by Johann Michael Sattler until recently.

11. Mozartsteg: Bridging the Past and Present

Directions:  From Residence Square, you head towards the Salzburg Museum and the Mozart Statue. Pass the Mozart statue and turn left to the Salzach River.

The Mozartsteg, an art deco pedestrian bridge named in honor of Salzburg’s most celebrated son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stands as a symbol of the city’s artistic legacy. Opened in 1903, this bridge has witnessed over a century of Salzburg’s evolving landscape. Though not always highlighted as a top attraction, the Mozartsteg is on my list of must-see sights in Salzburg .

In “The Sound of Music,” the Mozartsteg is set during the ending of ‘My Favorite Things.’ Here, Maria and the children cross the Salzach River, pointing out the city’s sights and skipping along the grassy riverbank.

Click this link to see the scene at the right time stamp on YouTube.

The bridge was financed by a cafe owner from the right side of the river who wanted the wealthier folks from the left side to cross the river more often. Until the city acquired the Mozartsteg in 1921, crossing this bridge required a toll, marking a time when the Old Town and Steingasse movement was not as seamless as it is today.

12. Kajetanerplatz: A Vibrant Marketplace

Directions:  From Mozartsteg, you head back up and pass behind the Mozart Statue straight ahead into Kaigasse, which you follow to Kajetanerplatz square in about 2 minutes.

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Salzburg’s Old Town, Kajetanerplatz is a public square. Fully pedestrianized (like most of the old town), Kajetanerplatz has become a favorite spot for locals since 2015, especially with the reintroduction of its regular markets. It underwent a complete renovation in 2022 and now features a beautiful modern fountain surrounded by a sitting area. Dominating the square is the Kajetanerkirche, a church that, while large, retains a sense of understated elegance.

In the movie Kajetanerplatz, Maria and the children engage in everyday joys during the ‘My Favorite Things’ montage while shopping for vegetables at a local market, with Maria playfully juggling tomatoes.

If you’re inspired to recreate Maria’s tomato-juggling scene, the best time to visit is Friday morning between 08:00 and 13:00, when the farmers’ market takes over the square.

13. St. Erhard Church: A Scenic Ride Through History

Directions:  From Kajetanerplatz, you head to the edge of the old town around Mönchsberg mountain. Turn right after Schanzlgasse and keep going along the mountain.

Sing along to The Sound of Music to celebrate World Music Day! 🎵 @RnH_Org #WorldMusicDay pic.twitter.com/ykoXPVtyoq — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) June 21, 2023

St. Erhard Church stands with quiet dignity. Its history stretches back to its first mention in 1404, but it was rebuilt during baroque times, making it a humble yet significant piece of Salzburg’s architectural landscape.

In The Sound of Music, this unpretentious church plays a subtle yet memorable role. It appears in the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage as Maria and the children enjoy a carriage ride along Nonntaler Hauptstrasse. This moment showcases St. Erhard as a backdrop. A walk down Nonntaler Hauptstrasse offers a delightful experience. Nonntaler Hauptstrasse is where many restaurants frequented by locals are, for example, the Green Garden, one of our favorite vegan restaurants in Salzburg .

14. Stift Nonnberg: A Convent with Deep Narrative Ties

Directions:  Keep going along the mountain until you see a set of stairs on your right. These stairs lead you directly to Nonnberg Abbey.

Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey) is not just a historic site but a significant location in both the real and cinematic worlds of The Sound of Music. Founded in the early 8th century by Saint Erentrudis, niece of Saint Rupert, it is regarded as the oldest nunnery in the world.

Four memorable scenes from the movie were filmed at the abbey gates, including Maria’s departure, conversations about her, the children’s visit, and the tense moment of the Nazis’ arrival. Though filmed in a studio, the courtyard’s “Maria” song is forever linked to Nonnberg. However, the real interior of the convent, where daily life unfolds, remains private and inaccessible to tourists.

Maria from The Sound of Music (Official HD Video)

The real Maria von Trapp, orphaned at age 6, joined Nonnberg as a postulant at 19. While teaching at the Benedictine Convent, she met the von Trapp children, eventually leaving the convent to marry Georg von Trapp in its chapel in 1927. Interestingly, their wedding took place a decade before the Nazi annexation of Austria, and Maria was considerably younger than Georg, unlike their film counterparts.

For a deeper dive into the distinctions between historical events and their portrayal in The Sound of Music, explore our blog post that separates Sound of Music facts and fiction .

While many overlook the climb to Nonnberg, the journey is rewarding. Visitors can experience the haunting beauty of Gregorian chants sung by the nuns at 6:45 am and four more times a day. The church and cemetery are open daily, offering a space for reflection and admiration of the Gothic architecture.

Sound of Music Locations in the Surroundings

After exploring the Sound of Music locations within Salzburg’s Old Town, all reachable on foot, our journey now takes us to five more captivating sites beyond the city’s heart. While dedicated walkers could continue on foot to Leopoldskron Palace, Frohnburg Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace, embarking on a trek through Salzburg’s scenic outskirts, be prepared for a 2-3 hour adventure.

This route is part of my regular daily walk.

However, a self-guided bike tour presents a splendid alternative for those seeking a blend of convenience and excitement. Cycling through these locations is not just a treat for Sound of Music fans but a journey through some of the most picturesque parts of Salzburg’s landscape. We once even offered our own Sound of Music bike tour.

The Lonely Goatherd BIKE TOUR Salzburg: Cycle Salzburg's Surroundings with the SOUND OF MUSIC!

If the idea of charting your path seems daunting or if you are looking for a more structured exploration with insights into each location, consider joining Fräulein Maria’s Bike Tour . This guided experience offers a comprehensive and very engaging way into the world of The Sound of Music.

1. Leopoldskron Palace: The Heart of the Von Trapp Family

Leopoldskron Palace, built in 1736, initially served as the residence of Archbishop Leopold Firmian and was later owned by King Ludwig I. The palace saw a transformation under the vision of theater director Max Reinhardt, who co-founded the Salzburg Festival. During the Nazi era, Reinhardt was forced to flee, and the Nazis took control of the palace. Post-war, it was acquired by the Salzburg Global Seminar, which continues to utilize it today.

In The Sound of Music, Leopold was the backdrop for many unforgettable lake terrace scenes. This location is where the moments of Maria with the children in the boat and the Captain hearing his children sing were filmed. While the movie didn’t feature the palace’s interior, the ballroom and grand foyer were recreated in Hollywood for various indoor scenes. However, the exterior shots of the front of the Von Trapp home were filmed at Frohnburg Mansion, our next stop.

The Rowboat scene from The Sound of Music (Official HD Video)

Notably, the original Gazebo from the “16 Going on 17” song, now located at Hellbrunn Palace, was once in the palace’s garden.

Today, Leopoldskron Palace is also a boutique hotel, offering a unique stay for movie enthusiasts and history buffs. It’s one of my top three favorite castle hotels in Salzburg. Hotel guests have exclusive access to the lake terrace and can glimpse the historic Venetian ballroom.

Due to the surge in “Sound of Music tourism” in Salzburg, which significantly increased visitor numbers, Leopoldskron Palace had to revise its access policy. The palace grounds, once open to the public, are now available to hotel guests only to manage the influx and maintain the garden’s tranquility. For those not staying at the hotel, a viewpoint across the lake provides a stunning view of the palace, immersing visitors in the magical setting of the film. I highly recommend the scenic walk around the lake for everyone.

Getting There : Located just south of Salzburg’s Old Town, Leopoldskron Palace is a 20-30 minute walk from Nonnberg Abbey and Old Town. Alternatively, Bus 25, bicycles, or taxis are available for convenience.

Staying at the Palace : An overnight stay is highly recommended for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the palace’s history and charm. The Meierhof guesthouse offers rooms from 150-200€ per night, while the main building’s suites are priced between 400-600€.

2. Frohnburg Palace: Front of the Von Trapp Home

Frohnburg Palace (Schloss Frohnburg) on Hellbrunner Allee served as the setting for the front of the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music. This key location is featured in five scenes that capture both the joyous arrival of Maria and the tense moments of the family’s confrontation with Nazi forces. It’s most recognizable from Maria singing ‘I Have Confidence’ as she arrives and from the Captain’s poignant removal of the Nazi flag following their honeymoon.

I Have Confidence from The Sound of Music

Today, Frohnburg Palace is integrated into the Mozarteum Music Academy. Key areas from the movie, like the gates and the surrounding wall, are publicly accessible alongside the road. From the road, you can also often hear students practicing their instruments. Theoretically, the palace is also publicly accessible since it belongs to the University. Still, you will have to be careful and respectful when exploring so as not to disturb anyone.

Getting There: The palace is about a 40-minute walk from Leopoldskron Palace or the Old Town. By bike, you reach Frohnburg within 10 minutes from the old town or Schloss Leopoldskron. You can also reach Frohnburg Palace via Bus 25, alighting at Kleingmain Hacksteinerweg Bus Stop, and a short walk east to Hellenbrunner Allee. Since you will likely also visit Hellbrunn and the Gazebo, you can ride bus 25 to Hellbrunn and walk 20 minutes along the Hellbrunner Allee.

3. Hellbrunn Palace: Romance at the Gazebo

The iconic Sound of Music Pavilion, where Liesl sang ’16 Going on 17′ and Maria and the Captain shared ‘Something Good’, remains a romantic highlight on the Sound of Music tour. Originally constructed as a prop near Leopold Palace for lake scenes, the gazebo was later moved to Hellbrunn Palace after fans began trespassing on private property to see it. Now, it stands near the eastern entrance of Hellbrunn Palace, accessible to the public without an entry fee.

Sixteen Going on Seventeen from The Sound of Music (Official HD Video)

However, entry into the pavilion is restricted. This precaution was taken after an incident where a tourist, attempting to reenact a scene, danced on the benches and got injured. While entering the pavilion isn’t allowed, visitors can still walk up and dance around it.

The pavilion’s interior scenes in the movie were filmed in a studio due to space constraints, making the real gazebo a charming yet compact part of this cinematic journey.

Hellbrunn Palace, a day retreat built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, offers more than just the gazebo. The Trick Fountains, part of a guided tour, provide an entertaining experience through grottoes and water-play features, for example. This tour also includes access to the interior of Hellbrunn Palace, known for its opulence ceilings. Furthermore, the Salzburg Zoo is located minutes from the palace. To learn about everything the area offers, read my comprehensive guide to Hellbrunn .

Getting there: Access to Hellbrunn Palace is easy via Bus 25 from the Old Town, a 15-minute ride, a 1-hour walk from the Old Town or Schloss Leopoldskron, and a 20-minute walk from Frohnburg Palace. Biking is also a great option, as I mentioned. The gazebo is open from dawn till dusk, while the palace and trick fountain tour times vary seasonally. The trick fountains are closed in winter because visitors get wet, which is uncomfortable when it’s cold, but in winter, Hellbrunn hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Salzburg .

4. Mount Untersberg: Breathtaking Views and a Symbol of Freedom

The surroundings of Mount Untersberg are featured in both the opening scene with Maria’s rendition of ‘The Hills are Alive’ and during the family’s escape over the mountains while singing “Climb Every Mountain.”

"Climb Ev'ry Mountain" Finale from The Sound of Music (Official HD Video)

  • Roßfeld Mountain: Roßfeld’s dramatic landscapes depict the family’s fictional escape in the movie, contrasting with their actual train journey to Italy. While steeped in cinematic history, this location is another reminder of the blend between reality and fiction in The Sound of Music. The Von Trapp family escaped by train, not by hiking. Hiking to Switzerland would have meant traversing hundreds of kilometers, a feat near-impossible, especially considering the proximity of Hitler’s command center.
  • The Sound of Music Meadow: The Mehlweg, better known as the Julie Andrews Meadow, gained fame from the opening scene where Julie Andrews twirls in the green field, bringing the lyrics ‘The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music’ to life. Located 20 kilometers south of Salzburg in Marktschellenberg, Germany, it was once connected to a guesthouse but is now part of a private farm and not open to visitors. An alternative is the Picnic Meadow in Werfen, another site on this do-it-yourself Sound of Music tour. More on that later.

Since the Sound of Music Meadow is private, Roßfeld is not easy to access, and Untersberg anyway offers a better experience; I recommend the more accessible option of taking bus 25 from Salzburg to the Untersberg, followed by a scenic cable car ride to the top.

Getting there: Opting for the bike tour to Hellbrunn and Leopoldskron? You can extend your trip to Untersberg, making your bike tour much longer but still within reach. It’s not feasible to reach Untersberg on foot due to the distance. However, the best way to get to Untersberg is to get a Salzburg Card and take bus 25. The bus also stops in Hellbrunn, and the card includes the trick fountains, public transport, and the Untersberg Cable Car, making this the most convenient and cost-effective option. The bus ride takes 30 minutes from the center, and the bus stops in front of the cable car.

Here is how you get to the Untersberg Cable Car by public transport .

Filming Challenges : Filming the scene at the meadow was not without challenges. Julie Andrews was transported daily by ox cart to the meadow, and despite it being summer, it took five days to capture the perfect shot due to weather constraints. Additionally, the powerful wind from the helicopter filming the scene caused difficulties, and the loud noise necessitated a voiceover for part of the song.

For more fun facts about the Sound of Music and to put your fandom to the test, don’t miss our Sound of Music Quiz !

Sound of Music Filming Locations on Day Trips

1. st. gilgen and wolfgangsee: capturing aerial beauty.

The intro to The Sound of Music features several aerial shots showcasing the Salzkammergut region. This area, renowned for its landscapes, includes several towns that played a part in the film’s visual tapestry.

The towns of Fuschl and St. Gilgen are particularly noteworthy. These locations were captured in the film through aerial shots. Panorama Tours, offering “Sound of Music” tours, includes a pit stop and a photo opportunity at a parking place before Sankt Gilgen when you first see Lake Wolfgangsee from Salzburg.

From here, the tour veers left towards Mondsee (the next stop on this list), continuing the journey through the film’s iconic locations, but if you travel on your own, you might as well continue and visit Sankt Wolfgang.

when you catch flights not feelings 😌 pic.twitter.com/EGEGcHCLfl — The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) July 26, 2023

Sankt Wolfgang is home to the Schafbergbahn Mountain Railway. This railway holds a special place in the movie’s history, as it was the location for the final scene filmed with the children on location. The Schafbergbahn not only offers cinematic history but is one of my favorite things to do in the Lake District. It provides passengers with some of the most stunning views in Austria. For a detailed exploration of the Schafbergbahn, visit my Schafbergbahn Cog Railway guide .

Getting there:  You get to the lake district by bus 150 from Mirabell Square or the station. The final stop of bus 150 is Bad Ischl, but you can get off at Sankt Gilgen and take a boat or in Strobl and change to another bus to Sankt Wolfgang to further explore Lake Wolfgangssee and Sankt Wolfgang.

2. Collegiate Church in Mondsee: A Sacred Movie Moment

About 30km east of Salzburg, Mondsee is another place in the Salzkammergut. While it’s not my favorite place in the Salzkammergut Lake District, its natural beauty is undeniable. The lake first appears in the movie when Maria takes the bus to the Von Trapp villa, but its most memorable scene is the backdrop for Maria and the children’s bike ride during the ‘Do Re Mi’ montage. Additionally, it appears when the Captain returns with Max and the Baroness, with the children dangling from the trees in the background.

The Collegiate Church of Saint Michael in Mondsee, often called the Wedding Church, was the setting for Maria and Captain’s wedding in The Sound of Music. Surprisingly, this was the first scene filmed upon the crew’s arrival in Salzburg in 1964. It holds significant history, with the original Mondsee Abbey established in 748. In 2005, it was elevated from a Cathedral to a Basilica by Pope John Paul II.

I’m going to argue that the wedding in The Sound of Music is probably the best wedding scene of all film. pic.twitter.com/iR0E2ra5Jg — Josh ⸆⸉🧣 (@JoshSpeaksNow) June 1, 2023

Though a small village, Mondsee offers a charming square near the church and a lovely lakefront.

Getting there: Access to Mondsee from Salzburg is quickest by bus 140, taking about 50 minutes, or a 20-minute drive on the highway if you have a car. However, if you have a car, the preferred way to get there is first to drive the country roads to Sankt Wolfgang and then head over to Mondsee, which takes you about 15 minutes. For a more comprehensive understanding of the area, consider exploring nearby Saint Gilgen or Hallstatt, and for further insights, visit my Salzkammergut Lake District guide .

3. Picnic Meadow in Werfen: Reliving Do Re Mi

Picture this: a lush, green meadow under the shadow of towering alpine peaks, a scene straight out of a classic movie. That’s the Sound of Music Meadow in Werfen. It’s where Maria and the children belted out “Do, Re, Mi” in the iconic 1965 movie. This spot, also known as Gschwandtanger Wiesn, is another slice of cinematic history just south of Salzburg. The trail, opened in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the movie, stretches 1,4 kilometers and is dotted with signs and themed installations that celebrate the movie.

How To Get To The Sound of Music Meadow From Salzburg Day Trip - Werfen Trail

It’s a Werfen marketing gag but a great day trip, especially if you combine it with the Werfen Ice Caves . I would not take the Sound of Music Trail day trip if you don’t plan on visiting the Ice Caves in Werfen.

Getting there: Hop on a train from Salzburg; it’s a scenic 40-minute ride to Werfen. Once there, it’s a brief 10-minute stroll to the Tourist Office. That’s where your adventure begins on the Sound of Music Trail.  It’s a moderate hike, so bring your family, your dog, and don’t forget proper hiking shoes. For a more detailed guide on how to visit Werfen, especially the Ice Caves, read my guide on how to get to the Eisriesenwelt .

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My name is Gerhard, Founder of Free Walking Tour Salzburg. I am an intrepid traveler myself and understand the passion for adventure that independent travelers feel. I love to interact with travelers, share stories, answer questions, recommend places to eat, and offer ideas of things to see and do.

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sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Salzburg Sound of Music Bicycle Tour

Updated June 12th, 2019

This post contains affiliate links including Amazon affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

“How do you feel about biking?”, I asked my mom before our Austrian trip. Other than knowing that we were going to Austria, the whole trip was going to be a surprise. I was feeling her out on a couple of ideas I had. Her apprehensive response about biking wasn’t very reassuring to my idea of doing a Salzburg Sound of Music Bicycle Tour.

Years ago I remember someone talking about how much fun they had on a Sound of Music tour. I hate to admit it but prior to planning this trip if someone would have asked me where the movie took place I don’t think I would have been able to say Salzburg. Regardless I knew we had to do some sort of tour and I really wanted to avoid the big bus tours so I signed us up for Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours despite my mom’s apprehension.

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We had a little time to practice our skills before the tour and immediately after getting on my bicycle, named Gretel, I thought, “What have I gotten us into? I don’t know how to ride a bike!”. The handlebars seemed so wide apart and I was terrified to attempt turning while riding on the bicycle so I kept getting off to walk my bike around corners. That would not be a sustainable solution for long! Soon we unsteadily set off to test our fates as bicyclists and to see the sights of the city related to the film.

Horse Pond – Pferdeschwemme

Maria and the children happily sing through this area in the film.

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Residence Square – Residenz Platz and Residence Fountain

I loved how our guide referred to this square as the place where Maria did “splashy splashy” in the fountain as she sang “I have Confidence.” During the film a Nazi flag was hung from Residence palace in the square. Austrians woke up terrified that the Nazis’ were back again. Fortunately it was just for filming, but they still were not too pleased about the whole ordeal. 

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St. Peter’s Cemetery

Used as inspiration for the cemetery in the film.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

The Nonnberg Abbey

The real Abbey used in the movie. Beautiful lookout point to the rest of the city and the alps in the distance.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Lost in the Beautiful Fields of Austria

No, this isn’t the name of another film location. When leaving the abbey there was a very steep hill that we had to go down. Hills and especially turning corners when going down hill still seemed terrifying to me at this point. My mom and I were the last ones in our group to head out and we took it much slower so we got a bit behind the group.

Even though I couldn’t see anyone I automatically turned left at the first intersection because it continued down the hill. At the next intersection I made a guess and turned right. At this point I had not only lost the group, but also my mom behind me. I asked a passerby if he saw bicycles in the direction I was heading, he did so I continued my journey. Later on I realized the guy probably thought I was asking if a bike could go on the path. The next intersection I came to had even more options so I sat a bit to think what to do. Meanwhile my mother actually made all the exact same wrong turns as I did so she caught up with me! As we were pondering our predicament, guess who came up next!? Our faithful tour guide! She had come to find us and bring us back to the group.

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Schloss Leopoldskron – Leopoldskron Palace & Lake

Many scenes were shot here, including when Maria and the children went out on the lake. We learned that the actress that played Gretel didn’t actually know how to swim so when she fell into the lake she genuinely needed to be rescued. During the 2nd take Maria fell off the boat the wrong way and wasn’t able to save her as planned and a cameraman had to jump in to save the day. Ironically I was riding the Gretel bicycle and also needed to be ‘saved’. 

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Frohnburg Palace

Several scenes were filmed here as well. As Maria sings “I have Confidence” she does her little heel clicks here.

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Our guide brought a speaker and gave different people turns to blast the music from their bicycles as we were riding, so the hills were indeed alive with the Sound of Music!

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The gazebo isn’t actually the original gazebo and it isn’t even in the same spot, but a replica was made and put in Hellbrunn Gardens. You can’t go inside the gazebo either because too many eager tourists slipped and hurt themselves when trying to reenact the dance scene. 

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Mirabell Gardens

These are beautiful gardens that are free to explore. Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi” as they danced around this fountain…

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…into this tunnel

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….through these statues

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….around this fountain

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….and up these stairs to hit the final note and pose!

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By the end of the tour my biking skills had significantly improved, I loved Salzburg and couldn’t wait to watch the movie! Check out the movie for yourself and see how my poses line up with those of Maria!

**A few of the pictures were taken at later times when we came back to explore the area more. Except for Mirabell Gardens, which you don’t fully walk or bike through on the tour, there is enough time for pictures at all of the stops. 

Visiting Information

Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours 

Location    

Tour begins and ends at Mirabell Gardens.                                                                                                                                         

Our tour guide (Sharon?) was amazing. She knew the film very well and presented all the information in a humorous and entertaining manner. Our tour group could have been better though, they didn’t seem too interested in the film. I think it would have been a lot more fun with a group who was more into acting out the scenes or at least being enthusiastic about the whole experience. Considering our group had bikers who wanted to go faster and bikers like us that were slow, our guide did an excellent job. I wish I felt a little more confident about biking and could have enjoyed the sights a bit more, but overall I am really glad we did the tour and would recommend the tour for anyone who also wants to be a bit more active and have more of a small group tour experience. It’s eco-friendly too! 

Most adults do not wear a helmet on the tour, but you can ask for one. There are two scheduled bathroom breaks throughout the tour, the first one has a charge. The first stop is really the only chance to buy food or water. There is a pretzel stand with amazing pretzels that we went back to later in our trip….two times!

Fitness level wasn’t a problem for either of us, it seemed like biking skills were more needed then being physically fit.If the biking sounds too intimaditing try the original Sound of Music Tour  by bus. 

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg  was one of our favorite hotels on our  Austrian Itinerary . It is located in the New town of Salzburg and close to the main shopping and restaurant area.  It is about a 10 minute walk to Mirabel Gardens, the starting point of the bicycle tour.

More about Austria

  • A full  Austria Itinerary
  • Salzburg:   Untersberg ,  Hellbrunn Palace ,  Salzburg Christmas Museum
  • Gmunden  (in the Salzburg Lakes District)
  • Seefeld  (in Tyrol)
  • Vienna :  Sisi Museum & Schönbrunn Palace
  • Savory Foods
  • Sweet Treats

Salzburg Fraulein Maria's Sound of Music Bicycle Tour

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sound of music bike tour in salzburg

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View of the churches of Hallstatt, the lake and the mountains

Ten Lakes & Sound of Music

Enjoy the shining world of lakes in the Salzkammergut

View of the churches of Hallstatt, the lake and the mountains

Mondsee, Attersee, Traunsee, Wolfgangsee, Wallersee, Trumer Lakes and many more! The well-known lakes in the Salzkammergut are particularly popular because of their natural and cultural diversity. Every lake tells its own story: from Empress Sisi to the Trapp family, you will learn some anecdotes about famous Austrian people.

What’s special about the Ten Lakes Tour?  You’ll find crystal-clear water as far as the eye can see and dreamlike shorelines for cooling off. All this awaits you on your cycle tour through Salzburg and Upper Austria. The enjoyment you’ll find makes the Ten Lakes Tour a unique and unforgettable cycling trip. Promise!

Note:  This tour is also available as a  family tour .

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

The tour starts and finishes in beautiful Salzburg. Via Gmunden, Hallstatt and Bad Ischl you cycle to the ten lakes. The rolling hills allow you to rest during the downhill before the next slight incline is due. Do you love to combine experience and relaxation? Jackpot! Then the Ten Lakes Tour is perfect for your next bike adventure - because with each pedal you get closer to the enchanting lake scenery.

  • ‘Silent Night’ village of Oberndorf: If you cycle along the Salzach, you reach the village of Oberndorf. It’s the birthplace of the Christmas carol Silent Night. If you feel like more culture and history, you’ll be happy. If you cycle a few kilometres to Arnsdorf, you’ll find the famous Silent Night Museum.
  • Schafberg: Climb up the mountain on a rack railway train. The Schafberg is known as a fabulous lookout point and lies in the centre of the province of Salzburg. When you reach the top, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding lake district of the Salzkammergut!
  • Imperial Villa, Bad Ischl: Bad Ischl is the gateway to the mountains and alpine lakes in the Salzkammergut. But that is far from everything! This place is also home to the ‘Imperial Villa’ the beloved Austrian Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph I enjoyed in the summer months. Tip: The famous tea house of Empress Sisi is definitely worth a visit.

Do you love cycling and enjoy the challenge of rolling hills? Then the Ten Lakes Tour is perfect for you. While the routes on the lakeshores are mostly flat, athletic cyclists will be challenged on the hilly terrain. What are you waiting for? Get on the bike saddle, and the eight-day lake tour can begin.

  • Get all information and many more tour tips for our  cycle tours in the Salzkammergut .
  • This cycle tour is also available as  charm tour .

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Itinerary at a glance

Information briefing and bike fitting. For guests arriving at the Trumer Seen lakes, the subsequent daily tours are accordingly shifted in the itinerary (these guests begin the tour with the route described for the third day, cycling the Salzburg - Trumer Seen lakes route on the final day).

Hotel (example) category A:  ARCOTEL Castellani

Hotel (example) category B:  Ganslhof

Today, you will cycle along the Salzach to Oberndorf (birthplace of the Christmas carol "Silent Night"), Arnsdorf (the “Silent Night” Museum), Michaelbeuern (abbey), and further on to the Trumer lakes area (Lake Obertrumersee, Lake Mattsee, Lake Grabensee) and partly also to Lake Wallersee. A shorter, direct version is also possible!

Hotel (example) category A:  Walkner

Hotel (example) category B:  Mitterhof

On the third day, the tour will take you through the nature reserve of the Egelseen lakes to Schleedorf. Later, you will continue to the idyllic Lake Irrsee. You stay overnight close to Lake Mondsee (castle, smokehouse).

Hotel (example) category A:  Krone

Hotel (example) category B:  Meingast

Today starts with a boat trip to Attersee (for arrivals in July and August.), in the other month you cycle along Lake Attersee. Afterwards, you will cycle through the Aurachtal valley to Lake Traunsee with Gmunden (castle Orth, ceramics factory), Altmünster (bicycle museum), and Traunkirchen ("Fishermen’s Pulpit").

Hotel (example) category A:  Post Ebensee

Hotel (example) category B:  Hocheck

By train you will go from Lake Traunsee up to Obertraun by Lake Hallstättersee (Dachstein mountainous ice caves). Later, you will continue along the lake to Hallstatt (home to "the loveliest lakeside location in the world" and the oldest salt mine). Today’s destination is Bad Goisern or one of the neighbouring towns.

Hotel (example) category A:  Moserwirt

Hotel (example) category B:  Goisererhof

Via Bad Ischl (Emperor’s Park, Emperor’s Villa, Empress Sissi’s Teahouse) you will cycle along the Ischler Ache river to Lake Wolfgangsee. You will cycle through places such as St. Wolfgang (White Horse Inn, parish church, cog railway on to the Schafberg), Strobl, Lake Abersee (Zinkenbachklamm gorge) and St. Gilgen - the Mozart village on Lake Wolfgangsee.

Hotel (example) category A:  Seehotel Huber

Hotel (example) category B:  Aberseehof

On the seventh day, you will follow the cycle route to St. Gilgen ("Mozart Village"),  and on to the deep blue Fuschlsee- From therepast the Hintersee lake, and the Strubklamm gorge into the Wiestal valley (dam); You will come through the Glasenbachklamm into the Salzachtal valley. Shortly before reaching Salzburg, it is worth visiting the castle Schloss Hellbrunn (park, zoo, water games). Your destination is the festival and Mozart city of Salzburg with its numerous attractions (fortress, old town).

Hotel (example):

Cat. A.: zum Hirschen Cat. B.:  Ganslhof

Cat. A.:  Walkner Cat. B.:  Mitterhof

Cat. A.:  Krone Cat. B.:  Meingast

Cat. A.:  Post Ebensee Cat. B.:  Hocheck

Cat. A.:  Moserwirt Cat. B.:  Goisererhof

Cat. A.:  Seehotel Huber Cat. B.:  Aberseehof

Hotel (example): 

Other variations of this tour

Cyclists at the Wolfgangsee

Route information

On the banks of the lakes and at the river Salzach, the routes are completely flat. In between, the terrain is mainly hilly. Depending on the option chosen, approximately one third of the route is on cycle paths and almost all of the rest goes through fields and along forest paths, farm roads, and quiet side roads. There are only a few short sections on roads with more traffic.

Prices & Dates

Category A: 3***- and 4****-hotels

Category B: 3***-hotels, inns, and guest houses

Our rental bikes

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Body size approx. 155 cm - 190 cm

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

B ody size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

Services & Information

Further details about this tour.

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • Boat ride on Lake Attersee incl. your bike for arrivals in July and August. (no with 5/4)
  • Train journey Lake Traunsee – Lake Hallstatt incl. bike (does not apply to the shortened tour and 5/4)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Information

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg central train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Salzburg: car park approx. EUR 10-20/day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary Public multi-storey car park approx. EUR 95/week Lake Trumer Seen: parking at the hotel about. EUR 10/day, no reservation possible/necessary

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found  here !

Sustainability

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

From our Cycling Blog

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

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Cyclist in Salzburg with view of Untersberg mountain, surrounded by meadows.

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‎ Austria ‎ >  Salzburg > Sound of Music Movie Tour & Film Locations

Top 10 Salzburg Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Salzburg

  • Top 10 Things To Do
  • Old Town Walking Tour
  • Sound of Music Movie Tour
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Sound of Music Movie Tour In Salzburg - Film Locations Walking Tour Map

Sound of Music Movie Tour In Salzburg:

Tour  Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Time Needed :  Tour stops 1-11 half day; 1-15 full day; all sights 2 days. Important Hours : Festival Hall Tours are at 2pm ( also 9:30am & 3:30pm  in July & August ); Villa Von Trapp room tours are at Noon ( museum 10am-6pm ); Drawf Garden closed in Winter. Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without visiting the filming locations from the hit movie The Sound of Music.  Adapted from the story of the real-life Von Trapp family and the hit 1959 musical play by Rodger and Hammerstein, the 1965 movie became an instant blockbuster.  Touring the filming locations in Salzburg from this iconic movie will remind you that hills are still very much “alive with The Sound of Music”.  We hope you enjoy our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg!

Related Guide & Video : How To Get To The Sound of Music Meadow .

How To Divide Your Time:

In 1 day you can quickly breeze through The Sound of Music movie locations in Old Town Salzburg ( stops 1-11 ) and even tour the four just South of town ( stops 12-15 ) if you start early.  With 2 full days in Salzburg, you will have time to also visit most The Sound of Music movie tour sights further outside of town or mix in the Mozart attractions and High Salzburg Fortress from our  Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour .  Having 3 full days is ideal, but to help you better divide your time, check out our  suggested itineraries for Salzburg .

Getting Between Movie Locations:

Most of the Sound of Music movie tour locations in Salzburg are close to Old Town so they can be seen on your own by foot without paying to join a guided tour.  While you can easily walk between most of the Sound of Music film sights in Salzburg, we like to rent bicycles from Avelo in Mozartplatz ( $15 a day; April-September 9:30am-5 pm; July & August 9am-7pm; [email protected] ), especially for movie tour locations 12-15 located just outside of Old Town to the South.

Turning the walking tour into a self-guided Sound of Music bike tour will make your day more magical.  There are half-day or even overnight rentals if needed and you usually only need to make a reservation if you are in a group, need a tandem, or an e-bike.  Helmets and bike locks are included.  For Sound of Music movie locations further away from Salzburg, we have included the bus/train routes on our map, and current schedules can be found online  here .

The Sound of Music Movie Tour:

1. mirabell palace & gardens :.

Salzburg Sound of Music tour Movie Film locations Tour Map - Do Ri Me Statues Mirabell Garden

About Mirabell Palace :  The entire end of the song  ‘Do Re Mi’  in the Sound of Music movie was filmed at the Mirabell Palace Gardens.  Because the grounds are open early every day, they are the perfect place to start our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  The Mirabell Palace was completed in 1606 ( rebuilt 1693 ) as the home for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau’s mistress and the gorgeous gardens were built out later from 1715-30.  In addition to its Sound of Music fame, the Mirabell Palace is also where Mozart would play private concerts as a child.

As you enter the Mirabell Palace Gardens from the South, you will recognize the two impressive pairs of  Greek fencing statutes  from The Sound of Music movie as the Von Trapp children had mimicked their playful poses.  The stone figures, which were inspired by the ancient Borghese Gladiator Statue from Ephesus ( displayed in the Louvre ), each leap forward with a fist triumphantly in the air.  You likely won’t be the only ones following our free Sound of Music movie tour so don’t be shy to copy the poses as you pass by the statues.

While wandering further into the Mirabell Gardens, you’ll also remember the central spouting fountain from the ‘ Do Re Mi ‘ scenes of the Sound of Music movie.  From here make sure to turn around and check out the fantastic views the Mirabell Palace Gardens provide of  High Salzburg Fortress ( Hohensalzburg )  towering over Salzburg.  You will get many unique vantage points of the High Fortress throughout this Sound of Music walking tour.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :   Main Gardens are open Daily all year from Dawn to Dusk; however, the Hedge Maze and Dwarf Garden are CLOSED each Winter.   Palace Interior Hours :  Daily 8am-6pm.   Palace Marble Hall Hours :  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-4pm; Tuesday & Friday 1-4pm.   Photos :  ( Entrance  |  Garden View  |  Front of Palace  |  Palace Interior – Staircase Angels ).

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Scenes from the end of the song “Do, Re, Mi” have the children dancing past the spouting fountain, through the garden, and mimicking the triumphant gladiator statues.

2. Pegasus Fountain & Musical Steps :

Salzburg Sound of Music Tour Movie Film locations Tour Map - Horse Fountain Do Ri Me

About The Pegasus Fountain & Musical Steps : On the Northwest corner of the Mirabell Palace grounds you’ll find another flowered garden section known as the Small Parterre, which is home to the iconic  Pegasus Statue Fountain .  The Von Trapp children skip around the circular lip of the Pegasus Fountain ( added in 1913 ) in The Sound of Music movie while singing  ‘Do Re Mi’ .

Beyond the Horse Fountain, you’ll also recognize the North Terrace steps leading up to a rose garden which Maria and the kids used as a hopping musical scale .  As Maria belts out the final notes of ‘ Do Re Mi ‘ from the top of the musical steps, she stands with her right hand high in the air like the triumphant statues from the Mirabell Palace entrance.  Before hopping up the steps yourself, make sure to check out the goat-bearded unicorn statues at the bottom.  The steps from The Sound of Music are also a great place to see the mighty High Fortress towering over Salzburg.  Reaching the top, you’ll have one of the best views on this free Sound of Music walking tour.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :   Daily all year from Dawn to Dusk.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : During “Do, Re, Mi” the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain before hopping up the steps like musical notes in the dramatic finale of the song.

3. Hedge Maze & Gnome Park :

Salzburg Sound of Music Tour Movie Film locations Tour Map - Hedge Maze Tunnel Scene

About The Hedge Maze & Gnome Park : Make sure to follow the other set of steps near the Horse Fountain ( opposite the Palace & guarded by lion statues ) across a small footbridge to the  Dwarf Gnome Park ( Zwergerlgarten ) .  Some of the sculptures were said to be modeled after real-life dwarfs in 1715, but overall the works were meant to be caricatures making fun of Salzburg’s common people who weren’t even allowed in the park ( became public in 1854) .  A total of 28 dwarf statues were carved out of local Unterberg Marble ( chalky limestone ) placed in the small eastern section of the main garden to make the upper class feel like the big people and to be the be the ugly artwork needed to balance out the ground’s large beautiful central statues in triumphant poses.

In 1815, the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I had the dwarf statutes removed from the palace grounds and auctioned off as he was superstitious that they would be bad luck for his pregnant wife.  Their son Otto, who was born in Mirabell Palace the same year, would later go on to become the King of Greece.  Luckily many of the statutes were bought back starting in 1919 ( resorted in 1921 & 2017 ) and a new area was made for them on top of a bastion from Salzburg’s Medieval wall where 15 of the original 28 statues now sit.  All of the figures are fun, but the dwarf wearing eyeglasses is the one that all of the Von Trapp kids patted on the head during ‘ Do Re Mi’  in The Sound of Music movie.  We love inspecting each of the baroque statues, but don’t forget to check out the pair dwarfs on the wooden bridge leading to the garden playing Pallone which was a Renaissance version of baseball where you use your arm as the bat.

As you leave the dwarf garden to exit the Mirabell Palace grounds, make sure to visit the long pergola  vine tunnel and hedge maze  which are also featured in The Sound of Music movie.  You’ll have a great time pretending that you are Maria and the children as you hop through the ivy-laced tunnel.  Personally, we have had a blast taking funny photos in the hedge maze, and it is one of our favorite stops on the Sound of Music movie walking tour in Salzburg.

Cost :  Free.   Garden Hours :  Daily 6am-Dusk; Dwarf and Hedge areas are typically closed in the Winter months.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Scenes from the song “Do, Re, Mi” including skipping down the vine tunnel and the children patting the dwarf with glasses on the head.

4. Salzburg Marionette Theater :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Marionette Puppet Theater Scene Lonely Goatherd

About The Salzburg Puppet Theater : People who love The Sound of Music will know this fantastic marionette theater ( operation since 1913 ) as the inspiration for one of the best scenes movie.  In the film, Maria and the children perform ‘ Lonely Goatherd ‘  with carved puppets on a ministage inside the Von Trapp Family’s golden ballroom.  This is one of our favorite scenes from The Sound of Music and it’s maybe the one song from the soundtrack that is the most difficult to get out of your head after hearing it.

The local Salzburg Puppet Theater was asked to perform in the scene, but because the troop was out on tour during the filming they were unable to do so.  The cast then relied on the assistance of famous American puppeteer Bil Baird  and his wife Cora Eisenberg to make the magic happen during the shoot in Hollywood.  The scene in the movie takes place in a studio recreation of the real-life golden Venetian ballroom which can be found inside Salzburg’s Leopold Palace.

There are no set tour hours for visiting the Salzburg Puppet Theater, but you can get a taste of the action in person with their great line up of live shows most days which focus on the operas of Mozart.  The marionette theater also now does a full-length puppet version of The Sound of Music Broadway play a few times a week since 2007 which is an extra treat.  Their Sound of Music show requires ten expert puppeteers working in harmony and they have 3 complete sets of marionettes dolls for each of the Von Trapp children to account for wardrobe changes.

Address :  Schwarzstraße 24.   Show Hours :  Various shows throughout the week with 4pm afternoon shows and an evening dinner show starting at 7:30pm ( dinner at 6:30pm ).   Website & Schedule :    Here .

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Maria and the children perform “Lonely Goatherd” with marionette puppets.  The local troop which inspired the scene also performs a full-length puppet version of The Sound of Music Broadway play.

5. Winkler Terrace :

free Sound of Music Movie In Salzburg Film Movie Locations Do It Yourself Guide - Winkler Terrace Do Re Mi Scene M32 Cafe

About Winkler Terrace :  The breath-taking Winkler Terrace sits high up on Monk’s Hill ( Mönchsberg ) overlooking Old Town Salzburg from a steep cliff.  It was the perfect place for Maria and the children to bring the  ‘Do Re Mi’  song into Salzburg from the meadow as they begin to mix the order of the musical notes up for practice.  Earlier in the movie, the terrace is also where Maria appears while leaving the convent for the Von Trapps the first time.

At the time of the filming, this stunning terrace was home to the historic Cafe Winkler which offers the best panoramic views of Salzburg  on this free Sound of Music movie tour.  The M32 Café ( website , horrible service ) and the Modern Art Museum ( website ) now occupy Winkler Terrace, but great views of the city along the same stone walkway filming location have been preserved.  You will see the city center and the Salzach River below you as well as the High Fortress and the red Nonnberg Abbey spire straight across Old Town Salzburg.

It’s not just the views that make Winkler Terrace amazing as it is also surrounded by a timeless section of the fortified Medieval Militia Wall ( Burgerwehr )  which was built in 1487 to protect the city.  As you work your way along the ramparts of the wall, the small Stadt Alm Cafe ( website ) is one of our favorite places to get coffee in town.  The Stadt Alm Cafe still has great views, while being both less crowded and less expensive than the M32 Cafe which is known for horrible service.  Personally, we have experience M32’s bad service a number of times and highly recommend the rustic Stadt Alm over it.

The cliff top is also home to  Schloss Mönchstein  ( website ) & Johannes Schlössl which are beautiful castles turned hotels.  If you have extra time, at least make sure to check out Schloss Mönchstein.  First documented in 1350, the castle was nicknamed the Professor’s Castle when it was run by monks.  Nearby you’ll see other defensive structures like the old Mülleggertor city gate built in 1280.

Getting Up To Winkler Terrace :  The most accessible way up is the  Mönchsberg Elevator  which sits behind the Salzburg Museum and takes you directly to Winkler Terrace.  Look for the pink row house along the cliff with a large MdM above the entrance.  Alternatively, can take a taxi to up the backside of the cliff to the cafe or the stairs at Toscaninihof ( behind the Festival Hall ) to the top of Mönchsberg and reach the terrace with a 20-minute walk.   Elevator Cost & Hours : Adults 2.30€ one way or 3.60€ round trip; kids half off.  Is covered by the Salzburg Card.   Terrace Hours :  Daily 24 Hours; elevator stops between 7-9pm depending on the season.   Photos :  ( View From Terrace  |  View From Cafe at Night  |  Schloss Mönchstein  |  Johannesschlössl ).

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Wonderful city views are had during “Do Re Mi” from the terrace as Maria has the children mix up the order of the musical notes.  The terrace is also is where Maria appears while leaving the convent on her way to the Von Trapps for the first time.

6. Horse Bath ( Pferdeschwemme ):

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Horse Bath Fountain

About The Horse Bath : Sitting below the cliffside of Mönchsberg Hill is the largest of Salzburg’s two surviving  Medieval horse baths  which were basically car washes for horses in the Middle Ages.  In the Sound of Music movie, this long fountain is where Maria and the Von Trapp kids stop to splash in the water during the instrumental ending to  ‘My Favorite Things’ .   Additional scenes for the movie were shot at the fountain but were later cut from the film.

The Prince-Archbishop had the mural backdrop and statue of a horse being tamed added to the sprawling fountain in 1693 ( in use since 1599 ) to match the theme of his neighboring Royal Stables ( Hofmarstall ).  We love how the cliff backdrop and bright murals add drama to any photos you take here.  We will pass by the other Medieval horse bath later on this free Sound of Music walking tour in Chapter Square ( Kapitelschwemme ) which framed by two lovely willow trees below the High Salzburg Fortress.  Both horse bath fountains in Salzburg are fed by ancient underground canals in use since Roman times and revamped in both the 700s and 1200s.

Sound Of Music Movie Connection : Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath in the song “My Favorite Things”.  A few other shots filmed here were cut from the movie.

7. Rock Riding School & Toscaninihof :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Rock Riding School Theater So Long Farewell

About The Rock Riding School :  Stretching for more than a city block tucked against the steep cliff of Monk’s Hill ( Mönchsberg ), the massive Rock Riding School was home to some of the most powerful film scenes in this Sound of Music movie tour.  It is here the in the movie Von Trapp children rehearse for the Folk Festival inside the Festival Hall Theater ( Festspielhaus ) with Max as the tensions with the Nazis being to arise.  Later this open-air theater is also where Captain performs  “Edelweiss”  with help from the audience before being joined on stage by his family for  “So Long, Farewell”  before fleeing Salzburg.  This was one of only two interiors scenes from The Sound of Music movie ( along with the wedding ) that were shot on location instead of in a Hollywood studio.

During the filming of the scenes, hundreds of local extras took part in the audience and were taught the words to Edelweiss on set so they could join in.  The use of the song Edelweiss is a uniquely powerful way to say goodbye as the song was the last words written by famed play-write Oscar Hammerstein.  Hammerstein was battling cancer while adapting Maria’s memoir into the hit 1959 Broadway play, which superseded the iconic film by six years.  It was essentially his own goodbye song sung through Captain.  While not a real folk song, the  Edelweiss flowers are important in Austrian culture  because it only grows high up on the mountains.  When a young lady would receive an Edelweiss she knew that the boy who gave it to her had just risked his life to pick it ( now illegal as they are protected ).

While the Von Trapp’s Folk Festival performance didn’t happen this way in real life, it is still one of the best scenes of the movie.  In reality, the family had performed here in 1935 and  won the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936 after officially forming their choir, but that was almost two years before the Nazis annexed Austria in early-1938.  After refusing to sing for Hitler’s birthday in April of 1938, the family escaped to Italy two months later, prior to the annual Salzburg Folk Festival depicted in the movie.

The real history of the Festival Hall Complex is also very interesting.  The cliffside was used as a quarry to build many of Salzburg’s churches before the Prince-Archbishop began to fill the void from the excavations with new Royal Horse Stable and Summer Riding School in 1693.  The well-named Rock Riding School ( Felsenreitschule ) was complete with an impressive 3-level, 96 box viewing gallery carved out of the rock wall.  The courtyard became important to Salzburg for horse training and riding competitions similar to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.  We find it fitting that the arched stone portals in the wall look like a gladiator arena since Salzburg was originally a Roman town of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD ).   Since then, the former Rock Riding School Complex has been converted into 3 separate theaters and is fun to tour even when no shows are going on.

During the 5th annual Salzburg Festival in 1925, the Royal Horse Stable was the first of three spaces turned into performance theaters in the complex.  Known as the Small Festival Hall ( Kleines Festspielhaus )  huge frescoes were painted in the theater foyer covering almost every square inch of the lobby the following year.  In 1939, the occupying Nazis had all of the beautiful frescos in the lobby removed saying they were terrible art, but luckily they were re-added in their original positions during renovations in 1956.  Further improvements took place in 2006 in preparation for the celebration of 250 years since Mozart was born in Salzburg, and space was renamed the  House for Mozart ( Haus für Mozart ) .  Today this sleek looking theater seats over 1,500, is used mainly for productions of Mozart’s operas, and still has an awesome mural filled entrance hall.

The second performance space came in 1926 when the Summer Riding School was also converted into a theater using the carved rock wall as a natural backdrop .  Called the Festival Hall ( Festspielhaus ), this open-air theater gained a partial roof ( now fully retractable ) in the 1930s and was the space featured in The Sound of Music movie.  The theater has over 1,400 seats, a sprawling 130-foot-wide stage, a 3-story arcade rock wall backdrop, and a retractable roof.  The final theater, called  Great Festival Hall ( Grosses Festspielhaus )  is inside the former Winter Riding School and didn’t open until 1960 as it required additional excavating.  This huge space is the largest in the complex with over 2,100 seats, a massive 300-foot-wide stage, and shows a lot of productions by Richard Wagner.

The only way to see the inside of the complex where the Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, is to either join the official theater tour or see a live show.  Even if you aren’t going inside, make sure to swing by  Toscaninihof Square  on the Eastern end of the building which is also featured in The Sound of Music movie.  In the square, a seemingly cold-blooded Rolf gives Liesl a telegram for her dad from Berlin after the children finish rehearsing for the Folk Festival.  At Toscaninihof you will also find steps leading up to the top of Mönchsberg cliff if you are looking to explore.

Address :  Hofstallgasse 1.   Guided Tour Cost :  7€.   Guided Tour Hours : September-June 2pm; July & August 9:30am, 2pm, & 3:30pm., please see their website  here .   Photo :  ( Exterior from the West ).

Sound Of Music Film Connection : Captain performs “Edelweiss” at the Rock Riding School and is joined on stage by his family for “So Long, Farewell” before escaping.  The theater is one of only two interior scenes actually shot on location in Salzburg.  Toscaninihof Square is where newly aggressive Rolf gives Liesl a telegram for her dad Berlin after the children finish rehearsing.

8. Saint Peter’s Cemetery :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Film locations Tour Map - Saint Peters Church Cemetery

About Saint Peter’s Cemetery :  Near the end of the Sound of Music movie, the Von Trapps  hide from flashlight wielding Nazis  behind tombs in the cemetery of the Nonnburg Convent.  The real Nonnburg cemetery is extremely small and modest, so as the producers turned to the cemetery at Saint Peter’s Church for inspiration to build the set in Hollywood .  Ringing the edges of the flower-filled Saint Peter’s Cemetery are large crypts for local wealthy families closed with elegant wrought iron gates which were expertly reproduced for the movie.  While the real-life Von Trapps never hid in a cemetery, the scene in the movie adds great drama and a confrontation with Rolf which is different than the original Broadway play produced in 1959.

The peaceful grounds of Saint Peter’s Cemetery may just be the most serene location in all of Salzburg and it’s easy to see how it inspired the Sound of Music film scenes.  This unique cemetery goes back prior to 700 AD with cliff-side catacombs that go back even  further to 215 AD .  We love the small Saint Margaret’s Chapel in the middle of the cemetery from 1491 and the oldest headstone we have found is from 1288.  Among the graves are Mozart’s sister Maria Anna as well as Franz Wasner who was the  real-life Max Detweiler  depicted in The Sound of Music movie.  Franz Wasner served as the Von Trapp’s advisor and choir conductor.

The most unusual thing about Saint Peter’s Cemetery to American visitors is that you do not buy the plots, but instead rent them .  Relatives of the dead must pay rent for the plot every 10 years and must serve as the caretakers.  If your family doesn’t pay your rent, they toss your body out.  This method also helps ensure that almost every rod iron headstone you pass by will have an abundance of fresh flowers.

If you making good time on this free Sound of Music film locations tour, make sure to check out inside of Saint Peter’s Church which has stunning murals lining its nave.  Next door to the church is one of our favorite places to eat called Stiftskeller Restaurant ( website ) which has nightly Mozart concerts ( more info ) and is considered to be  Europe’s oldest restaurant .  Emperor Charlemagne himself even ate here back in 803 AD.

Hours :  April-September 6:30am-7pm; October-March 6:30am-6pm.   Cost :  Cemetery is Free; Catacombs 1€ Adults, 0.60€ Children.

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Saint Peter’s was the inspiration for the cemetery the Von Trapps used to hide from the Nazis at the end of the movie, although the scene was filmed in Hollywood.  The cemetery is home to the grave of Franz Wasner who was the real-life Max Detweiler.

9. Residenz Square & Fountain :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Film locations Tour Map - Residenz Square Horse Fountain

About Residenz Square & Fountain :  Sitting on the site of a former ancient Roman Forum , Residenzplatz Square still shows off Salzburg’s early Italian ambitions.  The massive Horse Fountain in the middle of the square was one of the main filming locations where Maria family gleefully splashes while performing  ‘I Have Confidence in Me’  in The Sound of Music.  Later in the movie, Nazi soldiers march through the large square while their flag hangs above the entrance to the Old Residenz Palace.  The dreary scene of the soldiers entering town symbolizes German annexing Austria in March of 1938 in what was called the Anschluss.

The focal point of the busy Residenz Square is the centrally located 45-foot-tall  Horse Fountain ( Residenzbrunnen ) .  Four horses leap out of the base while the Greek God Trion spouts water from a seashell at the top of the fountain.  Completed in 1661, the upper section is a replica Bernini’s famous Triton Fountain in Rome and it is the largest Baroque fountain located outside of Italy .  People watching near the Horse Fountain is incredible as the Residenz Square is the center of everything Salzburg.

On the Westside of the square is  Old Residenz Palace ( Alte Residenz )  which had a Nazi flag draped over it in The Sound of Music movie.  Because of the disdain for the Nazi symbols in Salzburg, it took a lot of work to film this scene which also included soldiers marching through Residenz Square symbolizing the day Germany annexed Austria ( the Anschluss ).   The palace was built as a mansion for Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau in 1596.  Today the Old Residenz Palace has elegant staterooms, which are lavishly decorated, plus a prestigious art gallery that has Rembrandts and Rubens.

In 1602 the Archbishop built the  New Residenz ( Neugebäude )  on the Eastside of the square to serve as his guest house.  Today the New Residenz is home to the Glockenspiel Bell Tower, Heimatwerk Shop, and the  Salzburg Panorama 1929  painted by Johann Michael Sattler.  The Panorama 1929 boasts a series of stunning 360-degree panoramic paintings of many European cities made during the early 1800s.

As part of the construction to create the new open square and surrounding buildings, the Prince-Archbishop had to level many Medieval homes and a cemetery that sat here built above an ancient Roman Forum.  The Forum was from Salzburg’s early days as the settlement of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD, pronounced U-Va-Voom ) and was partially excavated in 2008 which revealed artifacts and walls from the time of Emperor Septimius Severus ( 193-211 ).

Sound Of Music Film Tour Connection : During the song “I Have Confidence in Me”, Maria splashes in the horse fountain.  The Old Residenz also has a giant Nazi flag on its facade in the movie as soldiers march into the square marking the German annexation of Austria ( the Anschluss ).

10. Mozart Footbridge :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Mozartsteg Mozart Footbridge

About Mozart Footbridge : This art deco pedestrian footbridge named after Salzburg’s most famous resident, Mozart, opened in 1903.  In the Sound of Music, the Mozart Footbridge ( Mozartsteg ) is the where Maria and the kids cross the river while pointing at the sights during the instrumental end to the song  ‘My Favorite Things’ .   The children then also cheerfully skip along the grassy riverbank during the scene.  The Mozart Bridge is a must visit for any Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.

Even though Salzburg dates back to 15BC as a Roman settlement of Juvavum, the Mozart Footbridge was only the third to span the river directly into the heart of Old Town.  An old Roman Bridge ( römische brücke ) was the only one over the Salzach River from 15BC-1599AD before it was replaced by the State Bridge ( staatbrücke ) and a second one wasn’t opened until 1859AD when the first Caroline Bridge ( Karolinenbrücke ) was completed.  All of the bridges had to be repaired or rebuilt following WW2.

If you do feel adventurous, the historic  Steingasse  &  Kapuzinerberg Monastery , which are featured in our  Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour , are only a short walk across the river.  Until the Mozart Footbridge was bought by the city in 1921, it actually required a toll to cross between Old Town and Stone Lane ( Steingasse ).

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Maria and the kids across the river while pointing during the instrumental end of “My Favorite Things” then skip along the grassy riverbank.

11. Nonnberg Abbey Convent :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Nonnberg Abbey Convent Maria

About The Nonnberg Convent :  Sitting above the East side of Salzburg, the historic Nonnberg Abbey ( Stift Nonnberg ) was where the real-life Maria lived and the convent was depicted in many powerful scenes in the Sound of Music movie.  Founded between 712-715 by Saint Erentrudis, the niece of Saint Rupert ( Bishop of Worms ), Nonnberg is the  oldest convent located North of the Alps  which made it an excellent filming location.

Prior to being a convent, the perched location had been home to an ancient fortification dating back to when the town was the Roman settlement of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD, u-va-voom ).  The small fortification is why Bishop Virgil later renamed the town Salzburg ( Salt Fortress ) in the late 700s.  The Nonnberg Convent has been rebuilt a couple of times since its founding with the current Gothic buildings dating back to 1464-1506.  The red onion dome  on the abbey’s belltower is one of the most iconic architectural features in Salzburg.

There were 4 great scenes filmed on the grounds of the Nonnberg Convent in the Sound of Music movie  near the abbey gates .  These iconic gate scenes include Maria leaving the abbey while wondering “What will this day be like?”, the nuns talking about Maria, the children coming to visit, and the Nazis on the hunt for the Von Trapps during the escape as the nuns disable their car.  Fans of The Sound of Music movie will also remember the nuns singing the song  ‘Maria’  in the courtyard at Nonnberg Abbey.  Permission to film inside the convent courtyard  was not allowed , so they had filmed the scenes at much larger re-created sets in both Hollywood and at a small studio in Salzburg.

Nonnberg Abbey happens to be the same convent that  the real-life Maria  ( Maria Augusta Kutschera ) moved to from Vienna at age 19 where she lived in as a postulant ( nun apprentice ) for 2 years starting in 1924.  Maria ( orphaned at age 6 ) also taught at the Benedictine Convent which led her to become an in-home tutor for one of the widowed Captain Von Trapp’s sick children.  She gave up her path toward becoming a nun and  married Georg Von Trapp here in the chapel of the Nonnberg Abbey on November 26th, 1927.  The filming of Maria and Captain’s wedding scene for the movie, however, was at Collegiate Church in Mondsee Austria which is listed later on this Sound of Music movie locations tour.  It is interesting to note that the real wedding actually took place 11 years before the Nazis came to Salzburg ( 1927 vs 1938 ) and that Maria was 25 years younger ( 22 vs 47 ) than Georg at the time.

Many visitors skip the trek up to the abbey, but we think it is worth the effort and a highlight of our Sound of Music walking tour.  Every morning at 6:45am you can hear the resident nuns sing Gregorian chants in Latin which is a real treat.  Down to 14 nuns in 2017, there were 50 nuns living here during the filming of the Sound of Music.  The interior of the Gothic abbey where they sing is beautiful with a painted wooden altar from 1515 and a carved Pieta statue from 1415.  If you want to cheat a little on your hike up, you can actually walk downhill to the Nonnberg Convent after visiting the Salzburg High Fortress.

Singing Nuns :  Every morning at 6:45am you can hear the nuns sing in the convent church.  Other Music :  Most days March-November at 4:30pm the abbey also hosts 30 minutes of live music ( mainly classical or chorus ) by local artists.  Church Service :  In addition to the major Catholic holidays, weekly church service is open to the public every Sunday at 9:30pm.   Place of Worship :  Remember to be respectful while visiting and don’t be a loud tourist.   Church & Cemetery Hours :  Daily 6:45am-Dusk (6pm in Summer ); the Convent living quarters are not open to the public.   Abbey Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Tour Connection : There are 4 scenes shot at the Abbey gates, and the nuns sing “Maria” inside, although the interior scenes were shot in a studio.  The real-life Maria lived here for 2 years, she taught in the convent, and was married here in 1927, which was actually 11 years before the Nazis arrived in Salzburg.  The real nuns sing here every morning at 6:45am.

Sights Just South Of Salzburg:

12. hotel schloss leopoldskron :.

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Palace Leopold Von Trapp Mansion

About Palace Leopold :  Beautifully reflecting over a small lake, Palace Leopold ( Schloss Leopoldskron ) served as the primary filming location in Salzburg for all of the lake terrace scenes at the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music movie.  The most iconic outdoor scenes filmed on the property include drinking pink lemonade on the terrace, Captain hearing his kids sing for the first time, the children and Maria falling off the boat into the lake, and numerous shots of the lakeside horse statues framing up Untersberg Mountain.

The Leopold Palace was also the original home to the Sound of Music Gazebo from the movie which was later moved to nearby to the more tourist-friendly Hellbrunn Palace Gardens after fans started climbing the palace gates to see it.  We will see the pavilion in person later on this Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  You can see the gazebo on the ground of Palace Leopold being used as a background prop in many of the lakeside scenes of the movie.  A second, much larger gazebo was built at Fox Studios’ Hollywood set for all of the scenes shot inside it including dancing throughout the song “16 Going on 17”.

The Baroque Leopold Palace was built in 1736 by Salzburg’s Archbishop Leopold Firmian, was later owned by King Ludwig I, and offered the perfect backdrop to represent the Von Trapp’s stately manor.  In 1918, theater director and palace owner, Max Reinhardt renovated the famous gold Venetian ballroom in the mansion to entertain his friends.  Max went on to co-found the Salzburg Music Festival in 1920 ( official in 1925 ) which the real Von Trapp Choir won the competition in 1936 and were depicted performing at in 1938 in the movie.

It is said Max Reinhardt was the inspiration for the renaming the Von Trapp Choir’s real-life manager Franz Wasner in the screen adaptation of the family’s story.  It’s not a surprising name change as Max’s son, Wolfgang Reinhardt, bought the film rights to Maria’s 1948 memoir in 1956 and produced two popular movies about the family in German prior to the Broadway musical production ( 1959 ) and hit American film ( 1965 ) based off of the play.  Remember that like Max, all of the children’s names in The Sound of Music Movie were also changed for the film.

While the facade of Leopold Palace never appears in the movie, the inside of the elegant Venetian ballroom and grand foyer were re-created on a studio set in California for many iconic scenes in the movie.  These re-created spaces are featured when Maria is introduced to children, where the children sing at the party, and when they perform ‘Lonely Goatherd‘ with carved puppets.   The outdoor scenes showing the gates, front door, and facade of the Von Trapp home in the movie were shot at Frohnburg Mansion which is the next stop on our Sound of Music walking tour.  The  real-life Von Trapp Villa  is also listed below and is located only 1 mile away although it doesn’t appear in the film.

Today the Schloss Leopoldskron is privately owned and operates as a boutique hotel.  Staying here as a hotel guest is the only way to visit the lake terrace up close and you’ll also be able to peek inside the Venetian ballroom.  When you stay here you will notice how there aren’t trees right next to the lakeside horse statues like in the film, as a replica path and alternate set of statues were actually built 300 feet away during filming to create the perfect look.  If you don’t have a reservation at the hotel you will be limited to the free viewpoint across the Westside of the lake looking back at the Palace beautifully reflecting in the water.

If you are able to book ahead, you should really consider staying overnight here just to say you did it.  You may very well get a stay in a room where the previous owners Archbishop Leopold or King Ludwig I once slept.  Since the mansion is just South of town, it is the first filming location on our free Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg where you should consider turning your self-guided walking tour into a do-it-yourself bike tour.

Getting To Palace Leopold :  Unless you are staying overnight at the Palace you can’t visit the lakeside terrace, but you can see it from a popular viewpoint across the water.  You can walk here in about 25 minutes from either Nonnberg Abbey or from the heart of Old Town by taking the steps over Mönchsberg Hille from Toscaninihof Square.  You can also take Bus 25 to the Seniorenheim Nonntal Bus Stop and walk a quarter mile to the West of the Palace near Han-Donnenberg Park.  Biking here is also a great option which we prefer and a taxi ride is a good backup.

Staying Overnight :  You can book a room through the Palace’s booking  website  for around 150-200€ a night in the Meierhof guesthouse or 400-600€ a night for a suite in the main building.   Tours :  Outside of a few special events, you have to be a guest of the hotel to get a tour or access to the terrace, however, you can stroll along most of the small lake and take photos of the exterior from a distance.   Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : All of the lake terrace scenes at the Von Trapp home were filmed here.  These include Maria falling off the boat into the lake with the children, Captain hearing the children sing, drinking pink lemonade, and the lakeside horse statues framing up Untersberg Mountain.  Leopold Palace was the original home of the Gazebo during filming.  The main foyer and staircase along with the golden ballroom from this mansion were re-created and filmed in a Hollywood studio.

13. Frohnburg Palace :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Guide Film locations Tour Map - Frohnburg Palace

About Frohnburg Palace :  The Frohnburg Palace ( built in 1660 as Grafenau Palace ) by Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolf was used as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family home in every scene that does not involve the lake.  The most iconic feature you’ll recognize is the  Von Trapp Mansion Gates  where Maria arrives to meet the family while singing  ‘I have Confidence’ .  Frohnburg Palace is also where the kids tried to quietly push the family car past the Nazis and where the Captain pulls down the Nazi flag from the gate after the couple’s honeymoon.  They went to such extremes during the filming that even inside one scene, one angle may look onto the lake at Leopold Palace then the next angle of the same scene would be at Frohnburg Palace.  Front and Back

Although the couple’s real wedding took place in 1927 ( 11 year before the Nazis arrived ), Captain really did refuse to fly a Nazi flag at their home.  The family even refused to sign at Hitler’s birthday party on April 20th, 1938 and fled Salzburg just two months after.

The grounds of the mansion have been part of the Mozarteum Music Academy since 1950, but the gates and wall from the movie are both accessible right next to the road.  If you are visiting Salzburg in July or August, you can stay here in the dorms here as the school is not in session for as cheap as 38 euros a night with a 3-night minimum.

Getting Here :  Take the Bus 25 route to the Kleingmain Hacksteinerweg Bus Stop and walk one long block East to Hellenbrunner Allee.  Walking it is 35 minutes from both Palace Leopold and Old Town Salzburg or 20 minutes to the Sound of Music Pavillion at Hellbrunn Palace.   Nearby :  Schloss Herrnau is located just a short walk to the east and is one of our favorite private homes to photograph.   Palace Website :   Here .   Summer Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Used to depict the gates of the Von Trapp estate where Maria arrives to meet the children singing the song “I have Confidence”, the kids try to quietly push the family car through the gates, and where Captain tears down a Nazi flag after their honeymoon.  A total of 5 scenes were shot here.

14. The Sound of Music Pavilion :

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Film locations Tour Map - Gazebo Pavilion 16 going on 17 Song

About The Sound of Music Pavilion :  One of the most famous and romantic scenes of The Sound of Music was filmed in this timeless gazebo when Liesl sings  ’16 going on 17′ .  Liesl badly twisted her ankle filming these scenes but was luckily able to tough it out.  Later in the movie, Maria and Captain fall further in love while singing ‘ Something Good ‘ in the gazebo.  It is still one of the most romantic stops today on our Sound of Music movie tour.

During the filming of the movie, the Sound of Music Gazebo was constructed on the edge of Leopold Palace more as a background prop for the lake scenes .  There was a second, much larger version of the gazebo built at the film studio in Hollywood which offered oversized space needed to shoot the scenes inside the pavilion.  After filming wrapped up the local gazebo was given to the city of Salzburg as a gift and initially remained on the grounds of the Leopold Palace.  After rapid fans started climbing the walls of the private estate to get to the gazebo, it was restored and moved to the more tourist-friendly grounds of Hellbrunn Palace.

The pavilion today is outside the walls the near the Eastern entrance to the Hellbrunn Palace and you  don’t even need to pay  the Hellbrunn entry fee to see it.  The public is not allowed inside the Gazebo, but you can still walk up to and dance around it.  Near the Gazebo is a large park filled with tons of flowers that locals like to visit to get out of Salzburg for a few hours.

If you are making pretty good time on this Sound of Music walking tour you should consider visiting the  Trick Fountains  at Hellbrunn Palace.  The fountains are only available as part of a guided tour but is a very memorable time.  The tours last about an hour and take you through grottoes, ponds, and walkways all filled with trick fountains that are out to get you.  If you have kids with you, the Hellbrunn Fountains will be the most fun thing they do in Salzburg.  Your ticket for the Trick Fountains tour also lets you tour the inside of the Hellbrunn Palace itself which is pretty fancy and has some amazing ceilings.

Meaning Mouth of The Spring , Hellbrunn Palace and gardens were built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus from 1612-19 as a daytime retreat on the site of an old hunting lodge from the 1400s.  It’s said that during the construction the Palace was home to the first opera performance North of the Alps in 1616.  Like the trick fountains, the Hellbrunn Palace was really made for fun and was built with  ZERO bedrooms .  The vast wooded grounds of the estate were settled as early as 500BC and have had a large villa since Roman times.

Getting To Hellbrunn Palace :  Bus 25 from Old Town Salzburg stops right here ( Fürstenweg ) and it’s a 15-minute ride from Salzburg.  Alternatively a 50-minute walk with limited sidewalks from both Old Town and Palace Leopold or 20 minutes from Frohnburg Palace.  Bike rental is also a great option to see it all.   Gazebo Hours :  Daily Dawn-Dusk all year.   Palace Hours :  April, October, & November 9am-4:30pm; May, June, September 9am-5:30pm; July & August 9am-6pm.   Trick Fountain Hours :  The Trick Fountains have tours from 9am-9pm in the peak season but are closed for Winter from November-March.   Cost :  You can see the Gazebo for Free near the Eastern entrance to the Palace.  Tours of the grounds included both the Palace interior and Trick Fountains of 10.50€ for Adults, 5€ for kids.   Palace Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Where Liesl and Rolf sing “16 going on 17” while dancing around.  Maria and Captain also later sing “Something Good” in the Gazebo.  Most interior scenes had to be filmed in a studio as the inside of the real Gazebo was too small.

15. The Von Trapp Villa :

Salzburg Sound of Music Tour Movie Film locations Tour Map - Von Trapp Villa Mansion Real Family Home Maria's Room

About The Von Trapp Villa :  While not used as a filming location in the Sound of Music movie, this beautiful yellow 22-room mansion ( built in 1863 ) was where the  real Von Trapp family lived  in from 1923 to 1938.  The widowed George Von Trapp was able to acquire the mansion for himself and his 7 children after being granted baron status for his valor in as a Captain in the Imperial Navy in WW1.

In 1926, Maria Kutschera was sent to the Von Trapp family home by the Nonnberg Convent to tutor Captain’s ill daughter Maria ( children’s names in the movie were all different ).  One year later the couple married which was actually 11 years before the Nazis arrived in Austria in early-1938.  Georg Was 47 at the time they married and Maria was only 22.  Maria and Captain had another 2 children of their own ( of 3 ) while living in the Von Trapp Villa.

In 1936 the Von Trapps lost a lot of money in a bank crash, had to start renting out rooms in the lower level of their home, and started to perform professionally as the  Chamber Choir Trapp  to make money.  Sent by the local Archbishop, priest Franz Wasner came to live with the Von Trapps during this time and ended up becoming the family’s choir director depicted in the Sound of Music film as the character Max Reinhardt.

By early-1938 the Nazis arrived into the newly annexed Salzburg and the family began to plan their departure.  In June of 1938, the Von Trapps used the Salzburg Aigen Station in front of their mansion to escape by train to Italy ( not Switzerland and no hiking ), just 1 day before Hitler closed the Austrian borders.  Untersberg Mountain which they were depicting hiking over for freedom in the movie actually led right to Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden and Switzerland is a 250 mile ( 400 km ) hike away over some of the Alps most rugged mountains.

At the time the family fled Salzburg, Maria was pregnant with the couples 3rd child ( Captain’s 10th ), who was later born a few months after the family reached America by boat from London.  The family’s estate was the seized as the private home for SS Chief Heinrich Himmler during the war before being returned to the Von Trapps who sold it to a local Catholic mission.

From 1936-1956 the Von Trapp family performed in over 2000 shows in 30 countries before settling on an American farm estate they turned into a hotel.  Georg Von Trapp died of lung cancer in Vermont in 1947, but Maria lived until 1987 and even had a brief cameo in the Sound of Music movie.

In 2008, the Von Trapp Villa was  renovated into a hotel  which you can tour or stay in today.  While you’ll probably want to use a bike or taxi to visit the Villa, it is worth a stop to work some real-life history into our Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg.  Opened in the lower floor of the mansion is the educational Sound of Music Museum which has behind the scenes info dedicated to the filming of the movie.  They have audio guides available and the visiting hours are open every day.

Getting To The Von Trapp Villa :  The Villa is located directly next to the Salzburg Aigen train station creating easy access just a 10-minute ride from Salzburg Station on the way to Werfen.  By Bike, it will take about 10-15 minutes from Old Town Salzburg ( 30 on foot ) and about 15 minutes by bike from either Leopold Place or Mirabell Palace.  Taxi from Old Town only takes 5 minutes.   Arrive By Train :  From Salzburg Central Station the S3 line leaves around every 30 minutes and after 4 stops gets directly to Villa Von Trapp at the Salzburg Aigen Station which the real family had used to escape.

Sound of Music Museum Hours :   Open daily from 10am-6pm.  Museum Cost :  Adults 8€; Kids 6-12 are 4€; under 6 are free.   Villa Tours : Tours of the bedrooms are available daily at Noon with a reservation only for 15€.   Hotel Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Was the real-life Von Trapp family mansion and across the road is the train stop they used to escape to Italy just one day before the borders were closed.

Locations Further Away From Salzburg:

16. werfen picnic meadow ( werfen, austria ):.

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Film locations Tour Map - Werfen Meadow Picnic Scene Do Re Mi Song

About The Werfen Picnic Meadow :  Perched just above the village of Werfen is the Gschwandtanger Meadow where Maria and children have their  picnic scene  during the start of the song “Do Re Mi”.  While you needed permission in the past to visit the farm meadow, the city of Werfen created an  official Sound of Music Trail  in 2015 to open it up to visitors.  A short 1.4km hike brings you above the village where you can re-create the picnic scene for yourself.

Make sure to take in the views of the valley and  Hohenwerfen Castle  below which dates back to 1077.  The Fortress is the sister of Old Town Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Castle and is highly visible in the Sound of Music picnic meadow scene.  If you are looking to make your visit to Werfen a full day affair, make sure to tour the castle and also visit the World’s Largest Ice Cave sitting high above the city.  You’ll have to start early to do both.

Getting To Werfen :  Trains run every 30 minutes between Salzburg and Werfen and the journey lasts just 45 minutes. A hiking path leads from the train station to the castle and another up the hill to the meadow.  The ÖBB offers practical combo-tickets ‘With the train to Hohenwerfen Fortress’.  More information is available  here .  Visiting In Winter : Bother the Sound of Music Meadow trail and the Werfen Ice Caves will be closed during the Winter months due to snow, but the Fortress is open all year.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : The famous picnic scene where Maria and the kids first start the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

17. Sound Of Music Meadow ( Marktschellenberg, Germany ):

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Julie Andrews Meadow Opening Scene Hills Are Alive With Music Song

About The Sound of Music Meadow :  Made famous in the opening scene of The Sound of Music movie with a twirling Julie Andrews, this timeless meadow is where we learned that the  ‘Hills are alive with the Sound of  Music’ .  Officially called Mehlweg, the Julie Andrews meadow is only 12.5 miles south of Salzburg in Marktschellenberg, Germany.  Although previously connected to a guesthouse, the property has been a  private farm  since 2010 and is no longer regularly accessible to visitors.  You can, however, visit the Picnic Meadow in Werfen which is also on this do-it-yourself Sound of Music tour.

During the filming of the opening scene here, Julie Andrews had to be transported up the hillside each day in an ox cart to reach the meadow.  Even though it was in the Summertime ( early June of 1964 ), it took them 5 days to finally get enough sunshine in the meadow for the perfect shot.  When the conditions were finally right, the strong force of the wind from the helicopter knocked Julie down 4 out of 9 tries before they finally got the famous shot of her twirling.  Because of how loud the tiny helicopter was, they had to do a voice over for part of Julie Andrews singing ‘ The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music’ .

A month after shooting the twirling portion with the helicopter, they returned to Mehlweg Meadow to finish the rest of the opening scene of the movie before leaving Salzburg.  The birch trees Julie Andrews walks by were actually fake ( notice how you can’t see the tops or bottoms? ) and other dressings like the stream were added artificially for the filming of the movie, but even stripped down the meadow is amazing.

Getting To The Sound Of Music Meadow :  Although the Sound of Music Meadow is near the top of the Marktschellenbergiking trail and accessible by car/taxi it is now part of a private farm and not open to the public.  You can thank visitors who repeated walked through the owner’s family garden and irritated their sheep for the lack of access.  Respect their privacy and visit the Picnic Meadow in Werfen or the nearby hills in Berchtesgaden for the full Sound of Music Meadow experience.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Julie Andrews twirls around in circles during the opening scenes of the Sound of Music while singing “The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music”.

18. Roßfeld Mountain ( Berchtesgaden, Germany ):

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Climb Every Mountain Closing Scene Rossfeld

About Roßfeld Mountain :  The Alpine toll road that loops around Roßfeld Mountain East of  Berchtesgaden  Germany was used to depict the family’s climb to safety over nearby Untersberg Mountain at the end of The Sound of Music movie.  With a total of 12 takes they only used two clips with one from the South and one from the North with the Purtschellerhaus Alpine hut visible in the background.  While we love this iconic closing scene from The Sound of Music movie with the family singing  ‘Climb Every Mountain’,  it wasn’t very accurate.

For starters, the real-life Von Trapp family  escaped by train  and not by climbing over nearby Untersberg Mountain in real life.  The family lived right next to a train station and were quite lucky as the day after their train left for Italy in June of 1938, Hitler shut down the borders of Austria.  Even if the family had tried to hike over Untersberg, it would have been 175 miles across the rugged Alps to Switzerland for safety.  It also would have been hard to start the hike here as Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden was nearby.  The command center of Obersalzburg was home to the famous Eagles Nest and the Berghof mansion where Hitler spent more time than anywhere else during the war.

All of that being said about the film’s inaccuracies, this stretch of the Rossfeldstraße is still amazing to visit for drivers and the mountain is popular with skiers in the Winter.  If you wish to visit the summit of the real Untersberg Mountain you can bus there easily from Salzburg and Berchtesgaden followed by a quick cable car ride.  More adventurous visitors can also hike 2 hours from the summit to the Untersberg Mountain Ice Caves ( Eishöehle ) which is only ice cave in Germany.  Keep in mind that there are other ice caves in Werfen and Hallstatt Austria that are way easier to get to.

Getting To Roßfeld :  The Alpine loop toll road around Roßfeld is best accessed by rental car or motorcycle.   Getting From Here To Untersberg :  Take bus 840, 25, or 28 to the village of Saint Leopold then ride on the Untersbergbahn Alpine Lift Route to the top of the mountain if desired.  The Ice Cave is a 2-4 hour hike out of the way from the Alpine Lift.

Sound Of Music Movie Tour Connection : Roßfeld was used to depict the family’s escape over nearby Untersberg Mountain during the closing scenes with “Climb Every Mountain”.  In real life they took a train to Italy and climbing this mountain would have put them right at Hitler’s backup command center in Berchtesgaden.

19. Collegiate Wedding Church ( Mondsee, Austria ):

Salzburg Sound of Music Movie Tour Film locations Tour Map - Mondsee Collegiate Church Wedding Processional

About The Wedding Church :  Located 16 miles East of Salzburg, the Collegiate Church ( Kollegienkirche ) of Saint Micheal in Mondsee ( Moon Lake ) was the film location for  Maria and Captain’s wedding  in The Sound of Music movie.  Often called the Wedding Church or Mondsee Cathedral, this bright yellow church was the perfect fallback setting for the wedding after filming was not allowed inside Nonnberg Abbey .

It is surprising to know that the timeless wedding scene was actually the first thing the crew filmed when they arrived in April of 1964 for their just over 3 months of shooting around Salzburg.  The filming of the wedding processional inside of the Collegiate Church was one of only two major indoor scenes ( along with the singing contest ) of the movie that was shot on location instead of in a studio.  The wedding was all filmed in one day ( April 23rd ) with the help of 600 local extras, and the crew attended other weddings here the week beforehand for scouting.  In the busy season, the Mondsee Church from the Sound of Music movies hosts up to 8 weddings a day .

The 170-foot tall twin towers and lavish pink interior are both awesome, but the Collegiate Church has a history also.  The first Mondsee Abbey was established in 748AD ( rebuilt in 1500 ) making it one of the oldest in Austria and like Salzburg, the village itself goes back to Roman times.  In addition to the bright pink interior seen in the Sound of Music’s wedding processional, the Church is renown for its 7 side altars and the main Baroque altar which the statue of Saint Micheal from 1626.

In 2005,  Pope John Paul II  upgraded the spacious Collegiate Church Saint Michael from a Cathedral to a Basilica.  Mondsee is a pretty small village but the quaint square in the center of town near the Church is very rewarding and offers easy access to take a nice lakefront stroll.  As you head toward the lake, you’ll see the trees the children are hanging out of as Captain drives by with the Baroness and Max.

Getting To Mondsee From Salzburg :  Quickest way to get here is bus 140 which leaves every 40 minutes and only takes 50 minutes for the journey.  If you have a car it is only 20-22 minutes away.  Consider checking out the nearby cities of Saint Gilgen or Hallstatt if you are going this direction.   Visiting Hours :  Most days 9am-7am, optional donation suggested.   Church Website :   Here .

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : The Collegiate Church served as the film location of Maria and Captain’s wedding processional.  It was one of only two major interior scenes of the movie shot on location instead of a movie set.

20. Mondsee Lake ( Mondsee, Austria ):

About Mondsee Lake :  Mondsee is one of the many amazing lakes you can easily visit near Salzburg.  Other favorite lakes of ours include Kings Lake in Berchtesgaden, Wolfgang See near Saint Gilgen, and Hallstatt See.  Kings Lake, Obersee, & Fuschlsee are all seen  in aerial shots  in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music.  As you head toward Mondsee Lake from the church you’ll see another spot from the movie, the trees the children are hanging out of as Captain drives by with the Baroness and Max.

Further along the Eastern edge of Mondsee, you’ll find one of best Sound of Music film locations where the Maria and  the kids ride bikes  during “Do, Re, Mi”.  As the children bike around Lake Mondsee, you can see the Zwölferhorn Mountain visible across the water.  When you picture a Sound of Music bike tour, the path around Mondsee is by far the most iconic route to pedal.

Getting To The Mondsee Lake Bike Scene Location :  From Mondsee, you can either bike to the other side of the lake in 6 miles or take Bus 596 from the bus station to the Innerschwand/Mondsee Niedersee Stop in about 20 minutes, but the bus only leaves every 2 hours.

Sound Of Music Film Locations Tour Connection : Where the kids hang from the row of trees as Captian’s car drives by and where they ride bikes with Maria along the water during the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

Local Sound of Music Tour Guides:

1. Bob’s Tours : Bob’s Tours offer both a half day and full day Sound of Music Tours in intimately sized groups with 8 person vans.   The 4 Hour Tour covers all the main Sound of Music sights right in Salzburg including Hellbrunn Palace but also goes to the Leopold Palace, the Salzkammergut Lake District, village of St. Gilgen, and the Church of Mondsee.  The 8 Hour Tour takes the experience a step further by taking visitors to the unforgettable lakeside town of Hallstatt.  Hours : 4 Hour Tour leaves at 9am & 2pm; 8 Hour Tour leaves at 9am only.  Cost:   4 Hour Tour is €45 for adults and €35 for children; 8 Hour Tour is €90 for adults and €70 for children.

2. Panorama Tours : Panorama Tours is more of the traditional larger tour bus style tours with a commercial feel.  This tour covers pretty much the same sights as Bob’s Tours 4 Hour Tour, and although it’s not as personal, it is a great sure fire tour.  Hours: Leaves at 9:30am & 2pm.  Cost: Adults are €40 and children are €40.  Has a hotel package deals that include a room, breakfast and 4 Hour Tour which ranges in price from €135 to €200 per person.

3. Maria’s Bike Tours : We love Maria’s Bike Tours!  Their 3.5-hour-long tours do the best job of letting you experience the Sound of Music instead of just seeing it through a window of a van or bus.  People of all ages like this tour because although it is a bike tour, it doesn’t require you to be super in shape.  The biggest advantage is that it has an afternoon tour in peak season while most of the SOM tours only depart at 9am.  Did we mention, they provide the bikes and helmets?  Meeting Point:  Mirabell Palace Entrance.  Hours: Leaves daily at 930am and runs from May 1st-Sept 31st; 430pm tour starts in June; reservations required June & August.  Cost: Adults €24, Ages 10-15 €15, Children 10 and under €10; bike is included for free and you can rent it for the duration of the day for €8.  Alternative :  You can rent a bike without a guide from Mozartplatz and follow our full Sound of Music movie tour on your own.

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sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Salzburg: Austria’s ‘Sound of Music’ city hits notes, rain or shine

Austria’s fourth-largest city offers a storybook charm that makes simply walking the cozy streets of the Old Town an attraction in itself. Churches, castles, palaces and baroque architecture are all found in Salzburg’s historic center, a sight only beaten by its alpine setting and location on the Salzach River. 

Salzburg is known throughout the world as a city of music, and for good reason. The city is the birthplace of Mozart, a fact celebrated in museums, gift shops, tours and festivals throughout Salzburg. For me, the draw to Salzburg was in its connection to The Sound of Music, the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, and the family that inspired the Academy Award-winning picture.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Each year, more than 300,000 people choose to visit Salzburg because of its ties to The Sound of Music, and I was no exception. My obsession with the film began when I was a child and continues to this day. 

The film tells the story of Maria, a young Austrian woman studying to become a nun in Salzburg in 1938. She is sent to the villa of a retired naval officer and widower to be governess to his seven children. Maria brings music back into the lives of the children and the captain and helps them cope with the loss of their homeland to the Nazis. Not only is Salzburg home to numerous filming locations, but it also includes landmarks of the actual von Trapp family.

It was day 10 of my 14-day European vacation. The weather so far had been perfect: not too hot, not too cold, with clear skies. On this particular day, I was exploring Salzburg, the city I had been most excited to see. A glance outside my hotel window made me stop in my tracks — rain, and lots of it. 

I had high expectations of my only full day in Salzburg, which was to begin with a 3½-hour Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour. As the rain poured down outside my window, I zipped up my raincoat and headed to the meeting point near Mirabell Palace, to see if the “rain or shine” policy would really hold true.

Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour

I arrived at the official tour meeting place completely soaked, but the rain didn’t seem to faze my tour guides or fellow riders. Ponchos were handed out and I was given a bicycle to call my own for the next three-plus hours. 

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

I took comfort in the fact that Salzburg has been repeatedly named the “most bicycle-friendly city” in Austria. I’m no stranger to biking, but a new city and endless raindrops streaming down my glasses had me a little nervous. 

The tour took us to more than 20 locations related to the film and the real von Trapp family. 

These are a few of my favorite things

We began the tour by crossing the river into Old Town, via the Mozart Bridge. One of our first stops was Karajan Square and the “Horse Pond.” The pond was originally used as a place to wash the parade horses of the prince-archbishops. In the film, Maria and the children stop to splash in the fountain near the end of “My Favorite Things.” 

From there we rode — I mean pushed — our bikes up an incredibly steep pathway leading to Nonnberg Abbey, which is located above the city at the foot of Festungsberg Mountain. The convent is special in that is has both real-life and film significance. Maria von Kutschera (the real Maria) was a nun there and was later married there. Fans will recognize the site from the “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” scene and the escape scene at the end of the film. After going inside the church, we took a break to take in the breathtaking views of Salzburg and the alps. Even on a rainy day, the views were amazing.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

A descent and a short ride led us to Leopoldskron Palace and its pond, which now operates as a hotel. It was the setting for many of the film’s iconic outdoor scenes — like drinking pink lemonade on the terrace and when the captain heard his children sing for the first time.

Raindrops on roses

At this point in the tour I was soaked to the bone, so much so that my new pair of jeans was beginning to bleed blue dye. After we passed the palace, we rode along a path through a residential farming area. It was then when the weather almost got the best of me. As I pedaled along the dirt path and the raindrops raced down my lenses, my mind was running wild with disappointment. “Why am I putting myself through this?” Of course, I was comparing my experience with pictures I’d seen on the tour website, with smiling (and dry) faces, illuminated by sunlight. I selfishly thought: “How will these photos look on my Instagram feed?” 

Luckily, my mind snapped back pretty quickly. In the midst of feeling sorry for myself, I took a true inventory of my surroundings. I was following the path of one of my favorite characters, passing by sites I’d seen on screen hundreds of times. I was lucky to be here, rain or shine.

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

I wrapped up my internal conflict just in time for our stop at Frohnburg Palace, which was used to portray the front of the Von Trapp Villa. Scenes shot there include Maria’s arrival and when the family attempted to escape the Nazis by pushing their car silently out of the gate. 

At the end of the path, we stopped at one of the most anticipated sites, The Gazebo, also known as The Sound of Music Pavilion. We spent about 20 minutes there, taking turns getting photographs with the iconic structure. I could practically hear “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” as I posed for my photo. 

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

Before we knew it, we had left the countryside and were back in Old Town. We rode into Residence Square, or Residenzplatz, and parked our bikes so we could take a look around. In the film, Maria crosses the square while singing “I have Confidence.”

After buying a few souvenirs, we were back on our bikes. Our last stop was Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which are seen numerous times in the film. Maria and the children dance through the gardens, skip around the Pegasus Fountain, and jump up and down on the steps like the notes of a musical scale, all while singing “Do-Re-Mi.” 

sound of music bike tour in salzburg

So long, farewell 

As luck would have it, the rain came to an end just as we parked our bikes back at the meeting point. Despite the rain, the tour was a great way to see the sights of Salzburg without the restrictions of parking a bus. For those wishing to hedge their bets on staying dry, a handful of The Sound of Music -themed bus tours are available throughout the city.

More to see

After returning to my hotel for a dry set of clothes, I explored more of the Old Town, including the Getreidegasse shopping street. There, I stumbled upon Sound of Music World, an exhibition that compares the fictional storyline of the film with the real von Trapp family story. The exhibition is a great stop for tourgoers to explore in small groups during free time.

ASK: Salzburg Tourism salzburg.info Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour mariasbicycletours.com

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sound of music bike tour in salzburg

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  1. The Sound of Music Bike Tour in Salzburg

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  2. Salzburg with Kids: The Sound of Music Bike Tour and Mirabell Gardens

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  3. Sound of Music District Bike Tour

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  4. The Sound of Music Bike Tour in Salzburg

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  5. Salzburg with Kids: The Sound of Music Bike Tour and Mirabell Gardens

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  3. Ebike Tour Sound of Music Salzburg Austria Must do! #soundofmusic #salzburg #austria

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  6. E-Bike Tour / Salzburg-Berchtesgaden-Ramsau-Hirschbichl-Lofer-Salzburg über den Tauernradweg

COMMENTS

  1. Home

    Then this tour is for you! We, Salzburg's only bicycle tour, charge less than the bus tours, but offer you so much more. We take you to places other tours will only show you from the road. We take you to locations buses can't even reach. You don't need to be a The Sound of Music fan, or even to have seen the film to love our tour!

  2. Fräulein Maria's Bicycle Tours : Guided Tours in Salzburg

    "Fräulein Maria's Bicycle Tour" is the perfect way to visit the sites and film locations from the legendary "The Sound of Music" movie. The city in 3.5 hours Small groups start off on the tour each day at 9:30 am from April to October, from June-August daily at 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.

  3. Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tours

    This tour of the highlights of Salzburg also doubles as a Sound of Music tour, because many of the Salzburg highlights overlap the movie. But this is a feature, which gives the bike tour an emotional lift due to the upbeat tenor of the movie. The bicycles were in excellent condition, and double-checked to make sure they fit each rider.

  4. TrappFamilyBikeTours.com

    We cover about 31 km/19 miles over the course of the day adventure. My tour offers you a much more private and personalized tour than any other Sound of Music bike or bus tour offered in Salzburg (which usually have between 15 to 80 guests, respectively). We will take a relaxing 30-minute late lunch break to sit and eat in a lovely Baroque ...

  5. A different Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, Austria (2024)

    For Salzburg, The Sound of Music has two strong links - even if many of the residents don't know much about it. Firstly, it was here that Maria and the Von Trapps actually lived and went through many of the events told in the movie. And, secondly, much of the movie was filmed in and around the city. I suppose a should add a third link ...

  6. The Original Sound of Music Tour® Salzburg

    Stefan Herzl. Hello, my name is Stefan Herzl and I'm really looking forward to show you my beautiful hometown Salzburg. I am a native Salzburg offering since 1976 various sightseeing tours in Salzburg & surroundings. Author Stefan Herzl. Book now from € 60.00. Sum. € 0.00. incl. Tax. Add to cart.

  7. Salzburg City and "Sound of Music" Sights by Bike 2024

    Check off the historical sights and "Sound of Music" film locations both inside Salzburg city and outside of it, on this small-group bike tour. On two wheels, you'll cover more ground quickly and trace the true story of the Von Trapp family in less time. Hellbrunn Palace, Leopoldskron Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, and Frohnburg Castle are among the ...

  8. Do Re Mi film sites

    This approximately 6.5 hour tour is for Sound of Music and Trapp family fans who are comfortable riding bicycles for about 3.5 hours in total, with many relaxing stunningly beautiful stops along the multitude of nature bike paths around Salzburg to see in a relaxed manner. It is not difficult at all and the E-bikes are practically self propelled.

  9. This Sound of Music Bike Tour is the Best Way to Experience Salzburg

    The hills are alive with the Sound of Music! Hop on your bike (that's named after a character from the movie) & explore the enchanting town of Salzburg, Austria where most of the filming of the beloved Sound of Music took place with "Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tour"! After a beautiful drive through Germany, our adventure in Salzburg started off with a cold and rainy morning--but the tour must go on!

  10. Sound of Music bike tour

    Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tours: Sound of Music bike tour - See 1,901 traveler reviews, 1,096 candid photos, and great deals for Salzburg, Austria, at Tripadvisor. ... the 3.5 hours of cycling was not a problem at all and Chilli gave us a good mix of Salzburg city info plus Sound of Music all rolled into one neat package. The weather was great ...

  11. The Sound of Music Tour : Salzburg Guided Tours : salzburg.info

    The Sound of Music Tour. Explore original shooting locations on the Sound of Music Tour in all kinds of different ways: by bus, on foot or by bicycle. Whatever you choose, it's bound to be a one-of-a-kind experience. The life of the von Trapp family is intertwined with that of Salzburg itself. Every year, some 300,000 people visit important ...

  12. Fraulein Maria "Sound of Music" Bicycle Tour in Salzburg, Austria

    The plan was for the whole group (two seniors, two adults and three kids) to go on the tour. Fraulein Maria offers tow behinds, ride behinds and kids bikes in addition to their normal bikes. We scheduled one tow behind trailer and one ride behind for the Big Little. Unfortunately, as we were getting on the bike the Big Little, who had a ...

  13. The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

    The original The Sound of Music tour is the top choice for fans of the iconic musical, visiting all the most memorable filming locations from the movie. Admire magnificent views of the Austrian Lake District; visit Mirabell Gardens, Mondsee Cathedral, and Lake Wolfgang; and sing along with the soundtrack on the tour bus. from. $72.44. per adult.

  14. 13 Must-See Sound of Music Tour Salzburg

    Here are 13 must-see tour locations that will transport you into the world of Maria and the von Trapp family. 1. Leopoldskron Castle. Visit the majestic Leopoldskron Castle, which served as the von Trapp family home in the movie. Stroll along the shores of Leopoldskron Lake, where the children had a mischievous boating adventure.

  15. Salzburg (Austria)

    🎶 Join us on an unforgettable journey through Salzburg's picturesque landscapes and iconic film settings with our Sound of Music bike tour! 🚲 Pedal your wa...

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

    However, a self-guided bike tour presents a splendid alternative for those seeking a blend of convenience and excitement. Cycling through these locations is not just a treat for Sound of Music fans but a journey through some of the most picturesque parts of Salzburg's landscape. We once even offered our own Sound of Music bike tour.

  17. 2024 The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

    The original The Sound of Music tour is the top choice for fans of the iconic musical, visiting all the most memorable filming locations from the movie. Admire magnificent views of the Austrian Lake District; visit Mirabell Gardens, Mondsee Cathedral, and Lake Wolfgang; and sing along with the soundtrack on the tour bus. from. £56.57. per adult.

  18. Salzburg Sound of Music Bicycle Tour

    Where to Stay in Salzburg. Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg was one of our favorite hotels on our Austrian Itinerary. It is located in the New town of Salzburg and close to the main shopping and restaurant area. It is about a 10 minute walk to Mirabel Gardens, the starting point of the bicycle tour.

  19. A Singalong 'Sound of Music' Bike Tour Through Salzburg

    In Austria's implausibly picturesque Salzburg, where 'The Sound of Music' was filmed, a movie-themed singalong bike tour hits the key sights and all the right notes. "YOODLE-HE-HOO ...

  20. 2024 The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

    The original The Sound of Music tour is the top choice for fans of the iconic musical, visiting all the most memorable filming locations from the movie. Admire magnificent views of the Austrian Lake District; visit Mirabell Gardens, Mondsee Cathedral, and Lake Wolfgang; and sing along with the soundtrack on the tour bus. from. £56.51. per adult.

  21. 10 Lakes & Sound of Music cycle tour

    Christine Pölzleitner. +43 6219 60866 137. Get in touch. Download page as PDF. Expand all. Details about the cycle tour "Ten Lakes & Sound of Music". The tour starts and finishes in beautiful Salzburg. Via Gmunden, Hallstatt and Bad Ischl you cycle to the ten lakes.

  22. Sound of Music Movie Tour in Salzburg

    FREE do-it-yourself Sound of Music movie tour in Salzburg Austria. Visit the film locations on foot or by bike tour with our free Sound of Music movie tour map. See the best sights from The Sound of Music walking tour including Gazebo Pavilion Location, dwarf statues, horse fountain, wedding church, do re mi singing spots from the SOM movie. Getting to the Sound of Music Julie Andrews' Meadow ...

  23. Salzburg Austria: Sound of Music bike tour

    The city is the birthplace of Mozart, a fact celebrated in museums, gift shops, tours and festivals throughout Salzburg. For me, the draw to Salzburg was in its connection to The Sound of Music, the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, and the family that inspired the Academy Award-winning picture.