Are you a fan of the beloved musical The Sound of Music? Have you ever wanted to visit beautiful places where movies have been shot?
Well, get ready to pack your bags and follow in the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp family as we take you through some of the most iconic filming locations in Austria.
From Salzburg’s Mirabell Palace to Mondsee Abbey, discover the real magic behind one of history’s greatest musicals. So grab your edelweiss and let’s explore!
About The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music is one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set in Austria, the film follows a young woman, Maria von Trapp, who becomes governess to her seven children.
When the Nazis invaded Austria, the family fled to Switzerland. The film was shot in Salzburg, Austria. Many exterior shots were shot at Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
The interior shots were shot at the Babelsberg studio in Potsdam, Germany.
If you are a fan of The Sound of Music, you can visit many filming locations in Austria. Salzburg is a beautiful city to explore and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens are definitely worth a visit.
You can also take a day trip from Salzburg to the Babelsberg studio in Potsdam to see where some of the interior shots were shot.
Filming locations in Austria
The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, Austria.
Much of the exterior shots were filmed at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which was home to von Trapp. The interiors were filmed at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles.
The film’s most iconic scene is the “Do-Re-Mi” sequence, which was shot on location at Nunberg Abbey. This beautiful abbey is one of the oldest in Europe and is still home to a community of Benedictine nuns.
Other filming locations in Salzburg include the Residenz (the palace where the ball scene was filmed), Hellbrunn Palace (where Liesl sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”), and St. Petersburg.
Salzburg is a beautiful city with a long history. It’s worth taking the time to explore all it has to offer, even if you’re not a fan of The Sound of Music. Here are some highlights:
- Old Town: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features winding streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque views. Don’t miss Hohensalzburg Castle, one of the largest castles in Europe!
- Mozart’s birthplace: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg in 1756. His birthplace is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
- Salzkammergut: This region around Salzburg is known for its lakes, mountains, and thermal springs. It is the ideal place for a walk or to relax in one of the many spas.
Mondsee
Mondsee is one of the most beautiful places for The Sound of Music. This small town in central Austria is home to Mondesi Abbey, which featured the outer walls of Zhongnonberg Abbey in the film.
Visitors can explore the grounds and even enter the monastery, which remains an active monastery. Also, be sure to take a stroll through the town to take in the stunning views of Mondsee and the surrounding mountains.
Nonnberg Abbey
Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest female religious order in the German-speaking world. It was founded by St. Rupert in 712, and its first matron was his cousin, St. Tecla.
The abbey has played an important role in the history of Salzburg as a place of pilgrimage and a center of learning.
Over the centuries since its founding, Nonnberg Abbey has hosted many prominent women, including nuns who have served as advisors to rulers and saints who have been canonized for their holiness.
Today, Nunberg Abbey is still an active community of Catholic nuns.
Tourists can tour the monastery grounds and see the chapel where Maria von Trapp (the true inspiration for the character Maria in The Sound of Music) made her confession as a nun.
The monastery also has a museum with exhibits on the history of the community and famous residents.
Winterberg Hill Station and Mirabell Gardens
Winterberg Hill Station is one of the most popular filming locations for The Sound of Music.
The station was used for the scene where the von Trapp family sings “I Have Faith” as they prepare to board a train to flee Austria.
Today, the Unterberg mountain station is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can ride the historic railway line or explore the beautiful Mirabell Gardens.
Things to do while visiting each location
It’s no surprise that The Sound of Music is one of the most popular musicals of all time. The story is moving, the music is timeless, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll want to check out the live-action locations in Austria. Here are a few things to do in each location:
Salzburg:
Of course, you’ll want to start your visit to Salzburg, the city where much of The Sound of Music was filmed.
There’s plenty to do here, including visiting Mirabell Palace and Gardens (which appears in the “Do-Re-Mi” scene), a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town, and exploring Hohensalzburg Castle.
You can also visit Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria von Trapp became a nun in real life.
Mondsee:
Mondsee is a pretty town on a lake of the same name.
He is best known for the wedding scene in the movie “The Sound of Music”. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit Mondsee Cathedral, where the fictional wedding took place.
You can also take a boat trip on the lake or hike up to Mondseeberg for stunning views.
Werfen:
Accommodation options when visiting the Sound of Music film set
There are many accommodation options to choose from when visiting the Austrian Sound of Music film set. You can stay in a traditional Austrian hotel or opt for something more unique, like an Airbnb.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are also hotels and campgrounds.
How to cross Austria easily and quickly
There are several ways to cross Austria easily and quickly. The first is self-driving. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city area. There are many routes to choose from. The second is in progress.
You can buy tickets at the station and there are several routes to choose from. The third is to take the bus. Many companies offer services in different parts of Austria and you can buy tickets at train stations.
Conclusion
The Sound of Music is an iconic film, and its filming locations in Austria provide a unique opportunity to return to the world that inspired the film.
From Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg to Lake Wolfgang, there are plenty of beautiful places in Austria that will take your breath away.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to explore some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery, these Sound of Music filming locations should be high on your list!
