Summary
- Introduction to Salzburg’s Sound of Music Filming Locations
- 1. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
- 2. Residenzplatz Square and Fountain
- 3. Summer Riding School
- 4. Horse Pond (Pferdeschwemme)
- 5. St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs
- 6. Leopoldskron Palace
- 7. Marionette Theater
- 8. The Sound of Music Pavilion
- 9. Nonnberg Abbey Convent
- 10. St. Michael Basilica, Mondsee
- 11. Picnic Meadow, Werfen
The Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzburg
“The Sound of Music” made Salzburg and its surroundings famous worldwide. More than 300,000 fans visit Austria annually to walk in the footsteps of the legendary von Trapp family. The film, featuring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, initially planned a six-week shoot but extended to 11 weeks due to Salzburg’s notorious heavy rains. Explore the original filming locations with this comprehensive guide—most are easily accessible from Salzburg’s city center.
1. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
“Do Re Mi” is one of the film’s most beloved songs, performed in the Mirabell Palace Gardens located in Salzburg’s historic center. Built in 1606 by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress, the gardens are now a cherished location for weddings. In the movie, Maria and the von Trapp children dance around the Pegasus Fountain in the palace. You will also recognize the steps leading to the rose garden north of the fountain and the Greek statues at the entrance. Moreover, the stunning views of Hohensalzburg Fortress add to the experience. Entrance is free.
2. Residenzplatz Square and Fountain
Address: Residenzpl. 4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Residenzplatz Square is one of the five squares established under Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in the 16th century and is prominently depicted in the film. In one scene, Maria splashes joyfully in the Baroque horse fountain. Following the annexation of Austria by Germany in March 1938, Nazi soldiers animatedly march through the square, and a massive swastika flag is raised above the Old Residence Palace.
3. Summer Riding School (Felsenreitschule)
Address: Felsenreitschule, Hofstallgasse 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Built into the Mönchsberg nearly 400 years ago, the Riding School has functioned as a concert venue since 1926. In “The Sound of Music,” the von Trapps perform “Edelweiss” and “So long, Farewell” during the Folk Festival. Hundreds of local extras participated in the filming. You can join a theater tour or attend a show. Interestingly, the von Trapp family never performed at the festival but won the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936.
4. Horse Pond (Pferdeschwemme)
Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Close to the Riding School, the Horse Pond is where Maria and the children dance during the finale of “My Favorite Things.” Initially built in the early 17th century for cleaning the horses of the prince-archbishops, it showcases striking frescos and the massive “Horse Tamer” statue.
5. St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs
Address: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
St. Peter’s Cemetery, one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries globally, dates back to 700 AD. Notably, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister, Nannerl, is buried here among many significant Austrians. The von Trapp family hides behind graves in a scene, although these specific sequences were filmed on a Hollywood set. The cemetery opens daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6. Leopoldskron Palace
Address: Leopoldskronstraße 56/58, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
The lake terrace scenes of the von Trapp family homestead were filmed at the baroque Leopoldskron Palace, established in 1736. It’s here that Captain von Trapp first hears his children sing, and Maria has an unforgettable boating incident. For interior shots, the palace’s ballroom and foyer were recreated in Hollywood. While the palace now operates as a boutique hotel with restricted access, it remains viewable from the lake’s western side.
7. Marionette Theater
Address: Schwarzstraße 24, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Remember the celebrated “Lonely Goatherd” song? The scene was inspired by the Salzburg Puppet Theater. The local ensemble was unable to participate in the film due to scheduling conflicts, so American puppeteer Bill Baird and his wife Cora Eisenberg performed instead. Although public theater tours aren’t available, the theater hosts shows nearly every day, including a full-length puppet adaptation of “The Sound of Music,” performed several times a year.
8. The Sound of Music Pavilion
Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
In this romantic gazebo, Liesl sings “16 going on 17,” and Captain and Maria share a tender moment during “Something Good.” The current pavilion near the eastern entrance of Hellbrunn Palace, along with a larger version rebuilt in Hollywood, has become a popular attraction. Unfortunately, visitors cannot enter the gazebo, but pictures are welcome from the outside. Unlike other renowned sites, access to the pavilion is free.
9. Nonnberg Abbey Convent
Address: Nonnberggasse 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
The convent, established in 714 AD, is known as the home of novice nun Maria. Four scenes of the musical were filmed on-site, including moments with the nuns discussing her and the children visiting, alongside the Nazis seeking them. Due to filming restrictions, the interior scenes were recreated in a Hollywood studio. The actual Maria lived at the convent for two years, and the church on site, where she married, opens daily from 6:45 a.m.
10. St. Michael Basilica, Mondsee
Address: Wredepl. 3, 5310 Mondsee, Austria
Located less than a 20-minute drive or a 50-minute bus ride from Salzburg, the charming lakeside town of Mondsee features the late Gothic Collegiate Church of St. Michael, where Maria and Georg von Trapp wed. The vivid yellow cathedral with its unique pink interior is a must-visit for fans. The wedding scene marked the beginning of the April 1964 filming schedule and remains one of the most memorable moments of the film. Thanks to “The Sound of Music,” this location now attracts over 250,000 visitors each year, and entrance is free.
11. Picnic Meadow, Werfen
Address: 5450 Werfen, Austria
Located approximately a 40-minute drive or a 45-minute train ride south of Salzburg, Werfen features a “Sound of Music Trail” that takes you from the village to the scenic Gschwandtanger Meadow within 30 minutes. This site gained fame due to the picnic scene where Maria teaches the children the words to “Do Re Mi.” Bring snacks, sit down on the grass like the von Trapps did, and take in the spectacular views of Hohenwerfen Castle.
