Is the Sound of Music walking tour Salzburg route difficult?

No, it is considered an easy walk. Most of the path is flat and paved through the city center, with only a short incline to reach Nonnberg Abbey at the end.

Can you visit the actual filming locations for free?

Yes, most of the iconic spots like Mirabell Gardens, Residenzplatz, and the exterior of Nonnberg Abbey are free to access. Only specific museum interiors or guided building tours require a fee.

What is the best time for a Sound of Music walk?

Morning is best to avoid crowds. Starting around 8:30 or 9:00 AM allows you to enjoy the Mirabell Gardens before the large tour buses arrive.

Is the cemetery in the movie real?

The cemetery in the movie was a Hollywood set, but it was designed to look exactly like St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) in Salzburg. You can see the real inspiration on this walk.

Where is the gazebo from The Sound of Music?

The original gazebo is now located at Hellbrunn Palace, which is a short bus ride from the city center. It is not in the immediate Altstadt area.

Can I see the von Trapp villa on this walk?

The exterior used for the villa (Schloss Leopoldskron) is about a 20-minute walk from the city center and is included in the extended version of this route.

Are the Mirabell Gardens open year-round?

Yes, the gardens are open every day, though the floral displays are most impressive from April through October.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into the cinematic world of the von Trapp family with this self-guided walk through the heart of Salzburg. While the city is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, it is equally celebrated as the backdrop for the 1965 masterpiece, The Sound of Music. This walking route invites you to explore the very streets and squares where Julie Andrews famously sang her way into history. Starting in the manicured splendor of the Mirabell Gardens, you will trace the steps of the 'Do-Re-Mi' sequence before crossing the Salzach River into the medieval Altstadt. This experience is more than just a list of filming spots; it is a journey through the historical layers of Salzburg, from its Baroque ecclesiastical power to its resilient wartime history. You will see the majestic Residenzplatz where Maria splashed in the fountain and visit the inspiration for the dramatic cemetery escape. The route concludes at the ancient Nonnberg Abbey, the real-life home of the novice Maria Kutschera. Along the way, you can capture stunning photography of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the surrounding Alpine peaks that 'come alive' with the sound of music. This self-guided adventure allows you to linger at the Pegasus Fountain or pause for a coffee in the Old Town without the constraints of a group schedule. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the film or a first-time visitor wanting to see the city's most iconic landmarks, this walking tour Salzburg route provides the perfect blend of pop-culture nostalgia and authentic Austrian heritage. Discover the magic of the film locations at your own pace and see why Salzburg remains one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Highlights

The 'Do-Re-Mi' steps at Mirabell Gardens
Pegasus Fountain choreography spot
Residenzplatz fountain from 'I Have Confidence'
The cemetery that inspired the film's escape scene
Felsenreitschule, the venue for the final festival
Nonnberg Abbey, the real-life home of Maria

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Mirabell Gardens

Your self-guided adventure begins in one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, these gardens served as a primary filming location for the 'Do-Re-Mi' musical number. Look for the 'Do-Re-Mi' steps leading up to the Rose Hill, where Maria and the children finished their song with the fortress in the background. The gardens are a masterpiece of geometric design, filled with mythological statues and vibrant flowerbeds. Take a moment to appreciate the view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress framed perfectly by the garden paths. It is easy to see why this location was chosen to represent the joy and freedom Maria brought to the von Trapp children.

2

Pegasus Fountain

Located within the Mirabell Gardens near the steps, the Pegasus Fountain is another essential stop for film fans. In the movie, the children are seen dancing around the rim of this fountain during the 'Do-Re-Mi' sequence. The bronze Pegasus statue was created by Kaspar Gras and installed here in 1913. While the film choreography makes it look easy, the fountain is actually quite large in person. Beyond its cinematic fame, the fountain is surrounded by four groups of statues representing the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. It is a fantastic spot for photography, capturing the interplay between the Baroque sculpture and the distant cathedral spires.

3

Residenzplatz

As you cross the river into the Old Town, you arrive at Residenzplatz, the heart of the city's historical power. This massive square features the Residenzbrunnen, the largest Baroque fountain outside of Italy. Fans will recognize this spot from the 'I Have Confidence' sequence, where Maria splashes the water while on her way to the von Trapp villa. The fountain is adorned with four massive sea-horses and a Triton statue. The square itself is flanked by the Salzburg Cathedral and the Old Residenz palace. It has witnessed centuries of history, from Mozart's performances to the Nazi rallies that were realistically recreated for the film's darker second half.

4

Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)

St. Peter's Cemetery is one of the oldest and most atmospheric graveyards in the world. While the film's escape scene where the family hides behind tombstones was actually filmed on a Hollywood set, it was meticulously modeled after this specific location. As you walk through the rows of ornate wrought-iron crosses and ancient family vaults, the resemblance is striking. The cemetery is nestled against the cliffs of the Mönchsberg mountain and contains the catacombs and the tomb of Mozart's sister, Nannerl. It offers a peaceful, somber contrast to the vibrant gardens you visited earlier and provides deep insight into Salzburg's religious heritage dating back to the 7th century.

5

Felsenreitschule

The Felsenreitschule, or Summer Riding School, is a unique theater carved directly into the rock of the Mönchsberg. This is the actual venue where the real Trapp Family Singers performed and won the Salzburg Festival in 1936. In the film, it serves as the stage for their final performance before escaping to Switzerland. You can see the 96 arcade arches carved into the stone, which provide a dramatic backdrop for any performance. Today, it remains one of the primary venues for the world-renowned Salzburg Festival. While access to the interior usually requires a ticket for a performance or a specific building tour, the exterior and the history of the 'Rock Riding School' are vital to the von Trapp story.

6

Stift Nonnberg

The final stop on your walking route is the Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest female convent in the German-speaking world. This is where the real Maria Kutschera was a novice before becoming a governess. Several scenes were filmed at the gate of the abbey, including the children coming to ask for Maria and the 'Maria' song performed by the nuns. Note that filming inside the convent was not allowed, so the interior scenes in the movie were sets. However, the Gothic church and the courtyard offer a serene atmosphere that connects you directly to the real woman behind the legend. The walk up the hill to the abbey also provides a stunning vantage point over the southern parts of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The route typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This includes walking time and about 10-20 minutes at each major stop like Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter's Cemetery.