Salzburg's Mountains: Music And Magic

The Austrian city of Salzburg is known for its connection to the classic film 'The Sound of Music', which was filmed in and around the city. The film showcases the beauty of Salzburg and its surrounding mountains, tiny villages, and crystal blue lakes. The hills that are alive with the sound of music are the Austrian Alps, with the Mehlweg mountain featuring in the iconic opening scene. The movie was based on a true story about the von Trapp family and their escape from the Nazis. The city welcomes fans of the film, and many of the filming locations are accessible to the public.

The Pegasus Fountain in Mirabell Gardens

The Pegasus Fountain was immortalised in the film 'The Sound of Music', in which Maria and the children playfully circled the fountain's wall while singing 'Do-Re-Mi'. The Mirabell Gardens feature in several other scenes from the film, including the finale of the song, in which the Trapp family line up on the steps leading to the Rosenhügel for the finale. The unique view through the Mirabell Gardens to the Palace has since become world-famous.

The Hedge Tunnel in Mirabell Gardens

As you walk through the Hedge Tunnel, you can imagine Maria and the von Trapp children skipping and singing their way through this very passage in the beloved "Do-Re-Mi" scene. It is a simple yet delightful experience that brings a piece of film history to life. Before entering the tunnel, you catch a glimpse of the Marionettentheater, with its string puppets that brought the "Lonely Goatherd" scene to life.

The Hedge Tunnel is just one of the many "Sound of Music" locations within the enchanting Mirabell Gardens. This microcosm of wonders, with its intricate paths and corners, offers a unique story around every turn. Other highlights include the Borghese Fencers, the Dwarf Garden, the Pegasus Fountain, and the Do-Re-Mi Steps, all of which played a part in the film.

The gardens themselves, located behind the Mirabell Palace, have been redesigned over the centuries by various emperors. However, it was Franz Josef who opened the gardens to the public, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The gardens feature a rich collection of statues, fountains, and other sights, including the four statues of the Borghese Fencers, the Dwarf Garden with its 17th-century dwarf statues, and the Pegasus Fountain, originally part of a cathedral setting.

So, if you're a fan of "The Sound of Music" or simply appreciate beautiful gardens, a stroll through the Hedge Tunnel in Mirabell Gardens is a must when visiting Salzburg. It is a chance to relive a beloved movie moment and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this historic location.

The Dwarf Garden in Mirabell Gardens

The Dwarf Garden was originally commissioned by Prince Archbishop Johann Ernst Graf Thun, who ruled from 1687 to 1709. Italian sculptor Ottavio Mosto created a series of dwarf statues, or "Zwerge," from white Untersberg marble. The statues were modelled on copper engravings by French draftsman and artist Jacques Callot, resulting in disfigured creatures with grotesque or exaggerated facial features, hunched backs, and other disfigurements. It is said that real people, including members of Salzburg society and court figures, inspired the sculptures.

The Dwarf Garden is a small complex within the larger Mirabell Garden, which has been redesigned over the centuries by various emperors. The garden once contained 28 dwarves, which were eventually auctioned off and scattered. Today, only 17 of the original dwarves have been recovered and are displayed in the Bastian Garden, surrounded by chestnut trees. The garden features a large circle lined with dwarf statues, each representing the 12 months of the year.

The Dwarf Garden is a blend of art, folklore, and history. Each dwarf statue has its own unique character and pose, from the dwarf with a chicken to the dancing dwarf and the dwarf with a spade. Two of the dwarves are playing a game called Pallone, with one dwarf tossing the ball and the other hitting it back with an iron-studded wooden sleeve.

The Dwarf Garden is open to the public daily and year-round, with free admission. It can be easily accessed on foot from the Old Town, by car or taxi, or by bus or train. The garden is located on the west side of the palace, near the Pegasus Fountain and the two bookend lion statues.

The Mirabell Gardens as a whole have been featured in the Hollywood musical "The Sound of Music," with the Pegasus Fountain being a particularly memorable location. In the film, Maria and the children dance around the fountain, singing the song "Do-Re-Mi."

The Do-Re-Mi Steps in Mirabell Gardens

In the film, Maria and the Von Trapp children dance and skip down the steps, using them as a musical scale, in one of the most famous scenes in the movie. The steps are also where the Trapp family line up for the finale of the song, with the unique view of the Palace now world-famous.

The Pegasus Fountain is located directly at the bottom of the steps. In the film, the children and Maria walk along the edge of the fountain before jumping off in a choreographed dance. The Dwarf Garden, with its 17 original dwarf statues, is also located near the Pegasus Fountain. The Hedge Tunnel, where the children skip and leap as they sing, is another popular spot for fans to visit.

The Mirabell Gardens are free to enter and are open daily from 6 am to dusk. The Dwarf Garden, however, is closed during the winter months.

Winkler Terrace

Visitors can easily access Winkler Terrace by taking an elevator inside the mountain that leads directly to the museum. Once at the top, stepping out onto the terrace, you will find yourself in the very spot where Maria and the children danced and sang. Alternatively, you can opt for a free hike up Mönchsberg mountain, which offers a rewarding cultural immersion and scenic exploration.

Directions to Winkler Terrace

To get to Winkler Terrace, cross the river and turn right in front of the Billa supermarket. You will notice a white building on the mountain, which is the Museum of Modern Art. The elevator is located inside the mountain.

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