The 5 most beautiful filming locations from The Sound of Music
The movie “The Sound of Music” has not only captured the hearts of millions of visitors worldwide with its heart-warming story and unforgettable songs, but has also immortalized the breathtaking backdrop of Salzburg. Many of the original locations have been preserved to this day and still magically attract musical fans and movie lovers even 60 years after the movie was released. Filming took place in some of the most picturesque locations in Austria, transforming the city and its surroundings into a vibrant movie set. Discover with us the traces of this world-famous film and the magic of the exterior shots that captured the panorama of the region so impressively. The real Trapp family also lived in Salzburg, find out more about the true story behind the movie.
Don't miss out on these movie locations in Salzburg:
Container Mirabell
Mirabell Gardens
Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg is one of the most famous locations in the film. Here, amidst the magnificent flowerbeds and around the Pegasus fountain, Maria and the Trapp children danced and sang the cheerful song “Do-Re-Mi”. The steps in the garden, often affectionately referred to as the “Do-Re-Mi steps”, are a particularly popular photo spot for visitors. The symmetrical layout of the Baroque Garden provided the perfect backdrop for this light-hearted scene. Mirabellplatz and the entire palace park are a must for any fan who wants to explore the original locations of the movie.
Leopoldskron Palace
The picturesque Leopoldskron Palace served as one of the main filming locations for the Trapp family's home. Although many of the interior shots were filmed in studios, the famous exterior views of the house, especially the scenes by the lake, were shot here. The Venetian Hall of the castle was faithfully recreated in the film studios. The pavilion, where some romantic scenes were filmed, originally stood in the park of Leopoldskron Palace before it was moved to Hellbrunn. For many visitors, the palace is the epitome of the Trapp estate and a central location in film history. The backdrop at Leopoldskroner Weiher with the panorama of the Untersberg in the background is unforgettable.
Residenzplatz square & Residence fountain
Residenzplatz, right in the center of the city of Salzburg, is a highlight for visitors from all over the world all year round, as the famous Salzburg Christmas market takes place there, among other things. Residenzplatz was also used as a backdrop in the movie. During the song “I Have Confidence”, Maria walks through the city and across Residenzplatz, where she stops at the magnificent Residenzbrunnen fountain and dips her hand in the water. This scene is still re-enacted by numerous tourists toda
Frohnburg Castle
Less well-known, but just as beautiful and important for the film set of the Trapp home, is Frohnburg Castle. This castle on Hellbrunner Allee served as the filming location for the front view and inner courtyard of the Trapp family home. Maria and the children arrived here, and many scenes showing the family's everyday life were filmed against this backdrop. Today, Frohnburg Castle is home to students from the Mozarteum Music Academy, which perpetuates the musical connection of the location in a special way. The architecture of the castle contributed significantly to the stately impression of the Trapp estate in the movie.
Hellbrunn & Gazebo
Hellbrunn Palace with its extensive park is best known for two things in connection with “The Sound of Music”: the famous glass pavilion and the trick fountains. The Gazebo, in which Liesl and Rolf sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and later Maria and the Baron sing “Something Good”, was moved here from Leopoldskron Palace to make it accessible to the public. Although visitors are no longer allowed to enter the pavilion itself, it is a popular photo spot to visit in Salzburg. The historic trick fountains at Hellbrunn also provided a welcome diversion for the child actors during filming. The palace park provided a magical backdrop for romantic and playful scenes.
Following the footsteps of the Trapp family in Salzburg
A tour of the filming locations is like a journey back to the time of the Trapp family. If you would like to visit the filming locations yourself, we recommend doing so as part of a guided tour. Salzburg Panorama Tours is the most famous tour operator in Salzburg and offers the Original Sound of Music Tour, which visits the filming locations of The Sound of Music.