Exploring The Sound Of Music Tour In Austria

where is the sound of music tour austria

The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria, takes visitors through the footsteps of the real-life von Trapp family and the iconic filming locations of the 1965 film. The tour begins at the former home of the Trapp family in the Aigen district, which is now privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. Other locations on the tour include the Nonnberg Monastery, where Maria lived as a novice before taking care of the Trapp children, the Mirabell Gardens, where the children sing 'Do-Re-Mi', and the palace park of Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the back of the von Trapp's home in the film. The tour also includes a visit to the parish church of Mondsee, where the famous wedding scene was filmed.

Characteristics Values
Tour Name The Original Sound of Music Tour®
Tour Operator Salzburg Panorama Tours, Bob's Special Tours, Viator, Panorama Tours
Tour Duration Half-day, Full-day
Tour Size 19 people maximum (Bob's Special Tours)
Transportation Bus, Bicycle, Foot
Tour Route Mirabell Gardens, Pegasus Fountain, Nonnberg Convent, Schloss Leopoldskron, Hellbrunn Palace, Mondsee Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Lake District, Aigen district, Mirabellplatz, Mondsee, St. Gilgen/Wolfgangsee, Werfen, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzkammergut, Hallstatt, Salt Mine in Berchtesgaden
Tour Inclusions Hotel pick-up, Soundtrack, Singing, Souvenir photos, Optional cooking class, Optional meal at Obauer

shunculture

The tour begins at the former home of the Trapp family in the Aigen district

The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria, takes visitors through the iconic filming locations of the movie 'The Sound of Music', while also retracing the footsteps of the real-life Trapp family. The tour begins at the former home of the Trapp family in the Aigen district, which is now a private residence. Visitors can only view the building from the outside. The building, known as Villa Trapp, was not featured in the film, as two other estates were used to portray the family home: Leopoldskron Palace and Frohnburg Palace.

Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the back of the von Trapp family home in the film, is open to the public and can be explored as part of the tour. The palace is also famous for its gardens, where the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" scene was filmed. The gazebo featured in this scene was later moved to Hellbrunn Palace, which can also be visited on the tour.

The tour also includes a visit to the Nonnberg Monastery, where Maria lived as a novice before taking care of the Trapp children. The route then continues to the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mirabell Gardens, where the children sing 'Do-Re-Mi' in the film. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the original departure point in central Salzburg.

The Sound of Music Tour offers visitors a unique and informative experience, combining the real-life history of the Trapp family with the magic of the movie. Visitors can sing along to the film's soundtrack, take in the stunning Austrian countryside, and learn about the actual events that inspired the story.

shunculture

The Nonnberg Monastery, where Maria lived as a novice before taking care of the Trapp children

The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria, takes visitors through the footsteps of the real-life Trapp family and the iconic filming locations of the movie. One of the historically significant places on the tour is the Nonnberg Monastery (also known as Nonnberg Abbey), where Maria lived as a novice before becoming the governess of the seven children of the widowed Georg Baron von Trapp.

Nonnberg Abbey, founded sometime between 712 and 715 AD, is the oldest existing nunnery in the German-speaking region. It was founded by Saint Bishop Rupert of Salzburg, who appointed his relative Erentrudis as the first abbess. The abbey has existed without interruption since its founding, making it the oldest nunnery in the world with a continuous history. The abbey grounds are narrow, flanked by a fortress wall on one side and surrounded by steep slopes on the others, which prevented further expansion.

Maria Augusta Kutschera, the real-life inspiration for the character Maria von Trapp, joined the abbey as a novice after graduating from college when she was eighteen. She became a postulant in 1924, requesting admission into the abbey as a nun. The abbess during Maria's time at Nonnberg was Virgilia Lütz (1869-1949). Maria was sent to the Baron's house to temporarily care for his children, and she and Georg were married in the Nonnberg Abbey Church in 1927, when she was 22 years old.

The abbey became famous worldwide through the movie "The Sound of Music," although it should be noted that Maria was not yet a nun in real life, contrary to how she is portrayed in the film. No interior shots of the abbey are featured in the film; only the cemetery and the exterior of the abbey were filmed. The Original Sound of Music Tour includes a pass-by of the Nonnberg Convent, although the abbey itself cannot be visited. However, the abbey church and cemetery are open to the public.

shunculture

The Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg takes visitors through the iconic filming locations of the movie, including the Pegasus Fountain and the Mirabell Garden. The tour begins at the former home of the Trapp family in the Aigen district, now a private residence that can only be viewed from the outside. Another historically significant place included in the tour is the Nonnberg Monastery, where Maria lived as a novice before taking care of the Trapp children. The tour also includes the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the palace park of Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the back of the von Trapp's home in the film, and Hellbrunn Palace, where the famous pavilion scene was filmed.

The life of the von Trapp family is deeply intertwined with the city of Salzburg. Every year, around 300,000 people visit important landmarks in the life of the family and the story told by the movie. The fascinating life of former novice Maria von Trapp and her singing family became a worldwide success when the film was released in 1965, with Julie Andrews starring as Maria. The songs from "The Sound of Music" are famous around the globe.

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg offers visitors a unique and memorable experience, allowing them to follow in the footsteps of the Trapp family and explore the picturesque filming locations of the movie. The tour is usually done on a big coach, with the film's soundtrack playing to set the mood. Visitors can sing along to songs like "Edelweiss", "Do-Re-Mi", and "My Favourite Things" as they pass by famous locations featured in the film. The tour also includes a stop at the charming town of Mondsee, where the movie's wedding scene was filmed at the Mondsee Cathedral.

shunculture

The Mondsee Cathedral, where the film's wedding took place

The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg takes visitors through the Austrian city, showcasing original shooting locations from the film. One of these locations is Mondsee, a charming town that served as the setting for the iconic wedding scene in the movie. The actual venue for the wedding was the beautiful Mondsee Cathedral, also known as the Basilika St. Michael.

The basilica, with its two towering spires reaching a height of 52 meters, presents a stunning visual greeting for tourists and devotees alike. Its bright pastel hues perfectly complement the picturesque backdrop of Lake Mondsee, also known as Moon Lake, which sits alongside the town. The church has become a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the magic of the film's wedding scene firsthand.

The history of the site where the Mondsee Cathedral now stands is deeply rooted in the region's religious past. Once, a monastery stood at this very location, founded upon the ruins of a Roman settlement dating back to 748 AD. This monastery played a pivotal role in the area until its closure around 1792. Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, or Ratisbon in English, is known to have spent time in and around Mondsee in 976.

In more recent times, the church has undergone a transformation. In 2005, Pope John Paul II bestowed the title of basilica upon the church, and after an extensive restoration process, the newly christened Basilika St. Michael reopened its doors to the public in 2009. Today, it stands as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the Mondsee region, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and relive their favourite scenes from "The Sound of Music".

shunculture

The Lake District, one of the most impressive regions in the heart of Austria

The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria, takes visitors through the iconic filming locations of the movie 'The Sound of Music' and the real-life locations of the Trapp family. The tour includes original shooting locations such as the Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie, and the Nonnberg Convent, where Maria lived as a novice before taking care of the Trapp children. The tour also includes a visit to the charming town of Mondsee, where the film's wedding was set at the Mondsee Cathedral.

Salzburg is located in the northeastern part of Austria and is known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and charming towns. One of the most impressive regions in the heart of Austria is the Lake District, also known as the Salzkammergut. The Salzkammergut spans approximately 100 kilometres between Hallstatt and Salzburg and offers stunning natural beauty and various activities for those looking to experience authentic Austria.

Hallstatt, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, is the most touristy place in Austria, famous for the over-tourism debate surrounding it. However, the Lake Hallstatt area offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities for nature lovers. Visitors can hike Kalvarienberg mountain or embark on a 22-kilometre walk or bike ride around the lake. Other similar towns in the Salzkammergut region include Wolfgangsee, surrounded by mountains, lush green forests, and small villages like Sankt Gilgen and Sankt Wolfgang.

Altausee, located in the Salzkammergut Lake District, is home to the oldest salt mine in Austria. While there may not be many other attractions in Altausee, visitors can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty or visit the local spa. The Salzkammergut region offers a range of activities, from hiking and boat tours to cable car rides and leisurely walks, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Austria.

Frequently asked questions

The Sound of Music tour in Austria takes place in Salzburg, where the movie was filmed.

The tour includes original shooting locations such as the Mirabell Gardens, Pegasus Fountain, Nonnberg Convent, Leopoldskron Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace.

Besides visiting filming locations, you can sing along to songs from the movie, explore the Lake District, and visit Mondsee, where the wedding scene was filmed. Some tours also offer free time to explore the town and try local delicacies.

You can book the tour online through various websites, including Panorama Tours and Viator.

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment