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It’s been over 60 years since The Sound of Music first hit cinemas and made people around the world fall in love with Salzburg. To this day, the city still embodies the beauty portrayed in the film. Fans from everywhere travel to Salzburg to walk in the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp children. The best part? Many of the original filming locations look just like they did in the film.
Here’s a look at some of the most iconic spots and what you’ll find there today.
Then: Maria and the children danced and sang “Do-Re-Mi” here, jumping up and down the steps, spinning around the Pegasus fountain, and running through the vine tunnel.
Now: Still one of the most visited places in Salzburg. The gardens are beautifully maintained, free to enter, and perfect for recreating your own musical moment.
©Tourismus Salzburg, Photo: Breitegger Günter
Then: This is where Maria lived before joining the von Trapp family. The real abbey appears in several scenes, including when the nuns sing about “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”
Now: Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest convent in the German-speaking world. It’s not open for tours, but you can walk up and admire the view — and the peaceful atmosphere is worth the short climb.
©Erzdiözese Salzburg / Josef Kral
Then: This stately building served as the lakeside view of the von Trapp villa. Many of the backyard scenes were filmed here, including the family’s boating accident.
Now: It’s a private hotel and event location, but you can stay overnight or book a guided tour. Or simply take a short, free walk around the lake and marvel at the villa from afar. A beautiful spot to take photos!
©Tourismus Salzburg, Photo: Breitegger Günter
Then: This was used for the front exterior of the von Trapp villa. You’ll remember Maria arriving at the gate for the first time, guitar in hand.
Now: Today, it’s part of the Mozarteum music academy. It’s not usually open to the public, but the outside is still recognizable and very photo-worthy.
©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Photo: Patrick Langwallner
Then: The glass gazebo was the setting for “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, which is one of the film’s most romantic moments.
Now: The original was moved to the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, where you can visit it easily and take pictures. Starting in spring 2026, a brand-new Sound of Music Museum will open right next to the gazebo. It will highlight the story of the Trapp family and the making of the movie.
©Tourismus Salzburg
Then: The von Trapps perform their final concert here before their escape.
Now: Today, the Felsenreitschule is still an active concert venue and part of the Salzburg Festival. You can also join one of the daily guided tours to explore this unique place behind the scenes.
©Andreas Kolarik
There are many ways to experience The Sound of Music in Salzburg. You can hop on the classic Original Sound of Music bus tour, which takes you to all the major filming locations like Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn, and the wedding church in Mondsee. Prefer something more intimate? There are private tours available in small groups, even in luxury vans, that let you sing along as you visit iconic filming spots. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, rent a bike or go on foot. Many locations are easy to reach and ideal for photos.
Explore all shooting locations here.
Yes, Salzburg is picture-perfect, but it’s also alive with creativity, cool hangouts, mountain escapes, art galleries and a food scene that surprises. For music lovers, Salzburg has a lot to offer including Mozart’s birthplace and residence, live concerts, and the world-famous Salzburg Festival. In 2026, Salzburg will celebrate the 270th anniversary of Mozart’s birth with special concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Find your Salzburg escape here and get in touch with your personal travel manager to book.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
