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Where was “The Sound of Music” filmed? Follow the von Trapp family story on tour in Austria
Psst... on our “Sound of Music” tour, you can visit the most famous filming locations alongside Kristina von Trapp—a direct descendant of the famous family.
Grand palaces, bucolic meadows, and ornate cathedrals throughout Austria served as some of the most recognizable “Sound of Music” filming locations. When you join our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour, you’ll travel alongside Kristina. She’s Captain Georg and Maria’s granddaughter, and she’ll give you the scoop on her family, the film, and what’s movie magic versus reality. Here’s where you’ll go on our “Sound of Music” tour—and if you listen closely to your guides, you’ll find that these locations are alive with history, beauty, and maybe even a little bit of music.
All about the von Trapp family from “The Sound of Music”
Who are the von Trapps?
The von Trapps are the real-life, musically inclined family whose story is the centerpiece of the 1965 film, “The Sound of Music.” As with any great piece of art that’s based on a true story, the real-life events are always mixed with a bit of movie magic. Georg von Trapp’s naval career, Maria’s relationship with the family, and their dramatic escape from Austria are all rooted in fact—but here’s where Hollywood took some creative liberties.
Key differences between the movie and real life
- The escape route: There was no mountain hike to Switzerland. The family boarded a train to Italy in June 1938 to flee Nazi persecution in Austria, eventually coming to the U.S. and settling in Vermont.
- Maria von Trapp’s role: Maria wasn’t originally hired as a governess to all seven kids. She came to tutor one child, also named Maria, who was recovering from scarlet fever and couldn’t go to school.
- The children: There were ten children in total—seven from Georg’s first marriage and three with Maria. The kids were also far older in real life, ranging from 16 to 27 years old.
- Captain von Trapp’s personality: Georg was warm, musical, and loved to sing with his family. The stern, whistle-blowing disciplinarian in the film was largely a Hollywood invention.
“Sound of Music” filming locations in Salzburg
Where was “The Sound of Music” filmed in Salzburg?
Some of the most famous filming locations include Mirabell Gardens and Hellbrunn Palace. Wanna know who’s the best person to give you the lore behind them all? Maria von Trapp’s granddaughter! On our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour, Kristina will give you the inside scoop, separating film legend from family fact, as you check off all of these top things to do in Salzburg.
Things to do in Salzburg for “Sound of Music” fans
- Visit Nonnberg Abbey: It’s the oldest nunnery in the German-speaking world and more than 1,300 years old. In 1924, Maria sought to become a Benedictine here. It’s also where she and Georg wed in real life.
- Smell the flowers in Mirabell Gardens: Stroll through the 17th-century gardens, past the same flower beds, paths, and Pegasus fountain featured in the “Do-Re-Mi” scene.
- Explore Hellbrunn Palace: An array of gardens surrounds this yolk-yellow villa, and its white, glass-paneled gazebo is featured in the beloved songs “Something Good” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”
- Hike to Gschwandtanger: This one’s a bit outside Salzburg, but it’s well worth the trip. Join Kristina and a local guide on our Sound of Music Trail excursion to hike to the meadow where the family sang “Do-Re-Mi.”
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More things to do in Salzburg
Why you should visit Salzburg’s Old Town
Salzburg’s Old Town is where Mozart was born, Prince-Archbishops held court, and centuries of music and faith left their mark. Locals call it the Altstadt, and since 1996, UNESCO has agreed it’s something special. On our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour, Kristina will be with you as you tour this hub of city life.
The Salzburg landmarks that define the city
- Residenzplatz: This was once the seat of Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishops. Today, its grand central fountain and sweeping open square anchor the city’s civic life.
- St. Peter’s Cemetery: It’s one of the oldest Christian burial grounds in the world, housing the graves of former mayors, architects, and even Mozart’s sister.
- Salzburg Cathedral: The current Baroque structure was built in the 17th century, but the building’s roots date back to 774, when St. Vergilius founded a church atop the remains of an old Roman town.
- Getreidegasse: This is the Altstadt’s main shopping street. Pause outside the dashing yellow facade of Mozart’s birthplace and childhood home.
- Schloss Fuschl: This castle-turned-hotel sits on the shores of Fuschlsee. Clink glasses of sekt—an Austrian sparkling wine—and drink in the view on our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour.
Vienna’s “Sound of Music” connections
The von Trapp family’s Viennese roots
The von Trapp family’s ties to Vienna run deep. They performed in the city throughout their years in Austria, Maria was born on a train en route to the city before later studying there, and Georg and his first wife lived on the outskirts in Klosterneuburg. The city even honored the family in 2012 with their own square, Maria Trapp Platz. All of it unfolded against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great imperial capitals—a melting pot of music, art, and politics that shaped everything the von Trapps knew.
What to see in Vienna
- Austrian National Library: Founded by the Habsburgs, Austria’s largest library stuns with its Baroque architecture, wooden bookshelves loaded with valuable tomes, and frescoed ceilings.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Locals call this Gothic cathedral Steffl, and its most spectacular feature is the mosaic-tiled roof.
- Viennese coffeehouses: These cafes are the unofficial gathering places of the city. Come after lunch to have a melange coffee and apple strudel for jause—or afternoon snack.
- Schonbrunn Palace: Stroll through 1,441 rooms and 400 acres of manicured gardens at this UNESCO-listed imperial palace, where the Habsburgs spent their summers.
Top sites in Salzkammergut, Austria’s Lake District
What makes the scenery unique
Wooden homes huddled together on the shores of an Alpine lake. Mines that have produced salt for seven millennia. Everything about the Austrian Lakes District makes it feel like a fairy tale. Step into the storybook setting on our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour. Kristina is right there beside you—and the hills have never felt more alive.
Lake District stops you won’t want to miss
- Zwolferhorn cable car ride: In 11 minutes, it zips you over Wolfgangsee and up to the peak, where the landscapes that defined “The Sound of Music” unfold.
- “Sound of Music” museum: This newly opened exhibit at Zwolferhorn’s summit digs into the film and the real von Trapp family story.
- Schafbergbahn cog railway: Add the optional Schafberg & Wolfgangsee excursion to ride up to Schafberg’s peak and see the sprawl of Salzkammergut—Austria’s Alpine Lake District.
- Wolfgangsee boat ride: On the Schafberg & Wolfgangsee optional excursion, you’ll also board a boat in St. Wolfgang for a cruise along Wolfgangsee. It’s one of the lakes you saw from atop Schafberg.
“Sound of Music” filming locations in Mondsee
The basilica where Maria and Georg wed on screen
The Basilica of St. Michael in Mondsee served as the filming location for the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music.” Though the real Maria and Georg von Trapp exchanged vows at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg, this ornate Baroque basilica became their cinematic altar. Kristina von Trapp joins you on our A Week in Austria with Kristina von Trapp: Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps tour to share family stories you can only hear from her.
While you’re in Mondsee
- Enter The Basilica of St. Michael: The golden interior does all the talking. You’ll see ornate altars, soaring ceilings, and the aisle where Maria walked toward Georg on the silver screen.
- Stroll through Mondsee: Pop into a konditorei (pastry shop) and try Austrian apple strudel in view of the lake.
- Stop at Seepromenade Mondsee: This scenic lakeside viewpoint on the banks of Mondsee is the best place to capture a photo featuring the Austrian hills.
Experience an exclusive live Mozart show & farewell dinner
Why this performance hits the perfect final note
What better way to say “So Long, Farewell” to your Austria tour than with good food, great company, and a live concert of Mozart’s music? Your farewell dinner brings it all together with traditional Austrian dishes, beer, wine, and music that’ll send you home with a smile on your face.
- Live performance of Mozart’s music: Mozart composed over 600 works. You’ll hear his masterpieces accompanied by opera singing inside the Baroque hall of St. Peter Stiftskeller, a 1,200-year-old abbey housing Europe’s oldest restaurant.
- A night to share with fellow travelers: By now, these are your people. Raise a glass, swap your favorite moments from the trip, and soak it all in one last time.
- Traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks: A three-course dinner of local delicacies, cold beer, good wine, and even better conversation are all included.
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