Discover the most beautiful filming locations of The Sound of Music in Salzburg – from Mirabell Gardens to Leopoldskron Palace. From 2026 you can expect your own Sound of Music Museum in Hellbrunn!
The story behind the classic film
The Sound of Music tells the touching story of the Trapp family, who are forced to flee Austria in 1938. Maria, a cheerful novice from Nonnberg Abbey, becomes the governess for the children of the widowed Captain von Trapp. She brings a new zest for life into the house with her music and warmth – and eventually wins the captain’s heart. The family performs at the Salzburg Festival before fleeing from the National Socialists – across the Alps to freedom.
The most beautiful film locations in the city of Salzburg
Experience the original film sets up close – many of them are right in the heart of the old town:
- Mirabell Gardens & Pegasus Fountain
Maria dances here with the children against a dreamlike backdrop – a perfect photo spot with a view of the old town. - Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz & Pferdeschwemme
Maria rides past here with the children in the carriage. The prince archbishops’ parade horses used to be washed here. - Felsenreitschule
Famous scene of the singing competition. Today an impressive open-air venue for operas and theatre performances. - St. Peter’s Abbey / Salzburg Archabbey
The family hides here in the film. The monastery was founded in 696 and is one of the oldest in Salzburg. - Residenzplatz with Residenzbrunnen fountain
An iconic moment: Maria sings with the children at the fountain. The Rupertikirtag is also held here today. - Nonnberg Abbey
Place of Maria’s monastic life – with a wonderful view over the city. Open until 6 pm (in summer). - Schloss Leopoldskron
Served as the outdoor backdrop for the home of the Trapp family – including the famous boat scene. Today privately accessible. - Hellbrunn Palace & trick fountains
Also a film location – accessible by bus route 25 or car. The new museum is being built here.
Tip: Visit on your own
Many of the film locations are freely accessible – ideal for individual explorers! We particularly recommend the walk from Mirabell Gardens through the old town to Nonnberg Abbey.
Sound of Music Tour through Salzburg and the Lake District
A guided tour takes you comfortably to the most famous locations:
- Start at Mirabell Gardens with Pegasus Fountain
- Continue to Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace
- Visit to Nonnberg Abbey
- Excursion to the Salzkammergut: St. Gilgen & Mondsee (wedding church in the film)
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Start times: daily 9:15 am & 2:00 pm
- Organiser: local providers on site
New Sound of Music Museum from spring 2026
A real highlight for fans is currently being created at Hellbrunn: an interactive Sound of Music Museum is being built in the immediate vicinity of the famous pavilion (‘Gazebo’).
Experience:
- original props and film costumes
- Film history & backgrounds
- interactive exhibitions and multimedia installations
- the worldwide impact of the Trapp family
The opening is planned for spring 2026 – a must for all those who love The Sound of Music and want to discover Salzburg with new eyes.
