Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Soumya
Looking to relive the magic of “The Sound of Music” by visiting the best Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg, Austria? You’re in the right place.
Here’s the most comprehensive guide to all the shooting locations of The Sound of Music in Salzburg, as well as an interactive map to go with it.
The beautiful city of Salzburg served as the backdrop for many of the iconic scenes from the 1965 American musical. From picturesque lakes to historical abbeys, here are the 10 best Sound of Music locations for fans of this timeless classic.
Let’s explore the spots that bring the von Trapp family’s story to life!
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10 Best Sound of Music Locations in Salzburg
Before I begin this list, let me tell you that I saw most of these filming locations on this amazing Sound of Music tour that I took with Panorama Tours of Salzburg. It was a group tour, and we were all fans of the movie, so we had a great time visiting the movie locations and singing along to the tunes of Do-Re-Mi on the bus.
My son and I, diehard Sound of Music fans, absolutely enjoyed this tour. If you’re looking for the best Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, then this is the one you should be signing up for.
✦ Pro Tip: Book the Original Sound of Music Tour of Salzburg now.
Now, let’s begin this epic Salzburg Sound of Music bucket list.
Leopoldskron Palace and Lake
Remember the famous Sound of Music scene where Maria and the children are rowing across a glistening alpine lake when suddenly they tumble into the water when Captain Georg von Trapp appears? Leopoldskron Palace was the site of this memorable (and hilarious) moment.
The palace’s grand lakeside setting was used as the exterior of the von Trapp family’s home.
However, the palace has more connections to the movie than just this. The Venetian Salon on its first floor was used as the ballroom in the film and also as the backdrop for the puppet show.
Additionally, the 1987 Julie Andrews movie, “The Sound of Christmas,” was also shot at the Leopoldskron Palace.
While the palace is not open to the public, you can still admire the magnificent view from across the lake. Stroll along the lake, take pictures of the iconic palace in the background, and soak in the beauty of this magical Sound of Music location in Salzburg, Austria.
Part of the Leopoldskron Palace has been converted into a luxury hotel where you can spend a night in Salzburg. They also offer special tours for non-guests, such as Sound of Music picnics and palace tours. Find the details on the palace’s website here.
📖 Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Do you remember the joy and laughter of Maria and the children as they sang “Do-Re-Mi” and skipped and danced around a fairytale garden? This scene was filmed in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens of Salzburg.
The gardens are full of ornate statues, grand fountains, manicured hedges, and vibrant flowerbeds that create a magical sight.
Be sure to visit the Pegasus Fountain, where the famous steps from the song were performed. You might even feel inspired to sing along!
Other filming locations include the steps leading up to Rosenhügel (Rose Hill), the Dwarf Garden, and the Hedge Tunnel.
Entry to Mirabell Gardens is free, making it the perfect stop on your Salzburg itinerary.
Hellbrunn Palace and the Gazebo
The gardens at Hellbrunn Palace are home to the famous gazebo where Liesel and Rolf performed “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” while Captain von Trapp and Maria shared their duet, “Something Good.”
We spent quite some time at the gazebo during the tour and took many pictures. It’s the ultimate photo spot for Sound of Music fans.
The Hellbrunn Palace, dating to the 17th century, is also one of Salzburg’s popular attractions because of its mysterious grottos and trick fountains that are well worth seeing. Check out this Salzburg boat tour to Hellbrunn, which includes a palace visit.
You can see the gazebo for free, but you must pay a charge to see the fountains at Hellbrunn Palace.
Frohnburg Palace
Frohnburg Palace is the 17th-century mansion that served as the home of the von Trapp family in the movie. This is where Maria arrives for the first time, and this is where the family pushes out their car as they make a dash for the border.
You cannot visit the Frohnburg Palace because it is a part of the Mozarteum University of Salzburg. But you can surely catch a glimpse of it from the Sound of Music tour bus.
📖 Read Next: Best One Day Itinerary for Salzburg, Austria
Nonnberg Abbey
The majestic Nonnberg Abbey holds special significance for both movie fans and historians.
Founded in the early 8th century, Nonnberg Abbey is where the real Maria Kutschera once lived as a nun, and its exterior was used in the film to represent the convent Maria leaves to join the von Trapp family. Even today, the Abbey is filled with the sounds of nuns’ choir every morning, which you can listen to at 6:45 am.
Located on a hillside, the Abbey offers gorgeous views of Salzburg.
Nonnberg Abbey is not included in the Sound of Music tour, which offers only a fleeting glimpse from the bus. If you wish to visit on your own, please check the opening hours and event schedules here.
Residenzplatz
Maria crosses the Residenzplatz in the center of Old Town Salzburg as she makes her way to the von Trapp house from the Abbey, while singing “I Have Confidence.”
In the movie, you can see the Residenz Fountain (a horse fountain from Italy), where Maria stops to splash water.
St Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs
Remember when the von Trapp family hid from the Nazis in the unforgettable escape sequence? St. Peter’s Catacombs, carved into the Mönchsberg mountain from as early as 215 AD, provided the ominous backdrop for this tense moment in the film.
The ancient St. Peter’s Cemetery is also historically important because it is the oldest cemetery in Austria.
Lake District
The opening scenes of The Sound of Music showcase Salzburg’s breathtaking landscapes, especially its pristine lakes. Remember Maria singing “The Hills Are Alive” at the movie’s beginning?
The Sound of Music tour bus took us through Salzburg’s Lake District, or the Salzkammergut, which is filled with beautiful alpine lakes such as Lake Wolfgang and lush green mountains.
As much as I wanted to believe that Maria sang those lines in this paradisiacal landscape, I later discovered it was shot on Mount Untersberg in Germany. This is also where the family’s escape from Austria at the end was filmed.
Mondsee Basilica St Michael
At the end of the tour, we went to the stunning Basilica of St. Michael in Mondsee, a small town in Austria that’s perfect for a day trip from Salzburg, where the wedding scene of Maria and Captain von Trapp was filmed.
The Mondsee Basilica is located right in the center of the town, and its interior is gorgeous, featuring intricate details and towering columns. A choir was in progress when we visited, and the atmosphere felt magical, almost transporting us to the days of “The Sound of Music.”
✦ Pro Tip: Book your Sound of Music Tour now.
Felsenreitschule or Summer Riding School
Built into Mönchsberg Mountain in Austria, Felsenreitschule is one of Salzburg’s most popular concert halls. This is where Maria and the von Trapp family performed the Farewell song. This performance happens right before the family escapes to Switzerland to protect themselves from the Nazis.
Unfortunately, Felsenreitschule is not covered by the Sound of Music tour, but you can plan a visit to one of their many concerts on your own. Find all the details on the official website here.
Sound of Music Locations Interactive Map
Salzburg Sound of Music Tour
The Original Sound of Music Tour is the best way to see most, if not all, of the filming locations in Salzburg and its surrounding areas.
The tour lasts about 4 hours and is a tad bit expensive. But I decided to splurge on it since it was my first time in Salzburg, and I am a huge fan of the movie.
Remember to book the tour as soon as you finalize your travel dates because this one sells out pretty fast!
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