The Sound Of Music Filming Locations In Austria

The 1965 film adaptation of the musical The Sound of Music was filmed in various locations in and around Salzburg, Austria. The movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, is based on the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp and is set in Salzburg. The idyllic city of Salzburg was chosen as the location for the film as early as 1963. The movie shooting was scheduled to last for only six weeks but was extended to 11 weeks due to heavy rain. The city of Salzburg became famous worldwide because of the film, and hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the city each year to walk in the footsteps of the legendary Von Trapp family.

Leopoldskron Palace

Schloss Leopoldskron, a baroque palace on the Leopoldskroner Weiher in Salzburg, was built in 1736 by Prince Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian. The palace is known for its magnificent interiors and extensive park.

The palace's terrace and the Mansbach Garden Parterre in front of it offer a highlight at any time of the year, with a view over the Leopoldskron lake and the mountain panorama. The romantic Hercules pond is embedded in the park in a natural landscape, which is rarely found today.

The palace is now an exclusive hotel and popular event venue. Visitors can take guided tours that explain the history of the castle and its role in The Sound of Music. The hotel also offers special packages that include overnight stays, breakfast, and a Sound of Music tour.

Nonnberg Abbey

The abbey's endowment was provided by the Agilolfing duke Theodo of Bavaria and his successor, Theodbert. The abbey became independent of the founding house in 987. The nuns, all of noble birth, held extended estates up the Salzach River to the south of the city. The obligation of nobility for the nuns – a prerequisite for admission to the convent – was abolished in 1848. The convent's possessions were later augmented by Emperor Henry II, who was also Duke of Bavaria.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Salzburg, Austria, is one of the most notable places in the city. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress, it is now a beloved wedding spot. The palace houses municipal offices, so only a small portion of the building is open to the public. The Marble Hall and Angel Staircase can be viewed when the palace is open, which is usually during the week. However, the palace is closed on weekends and during special events, like weddings.

The beautiful Baroque gardens outside the palace are what attract thousands of tourists and locals alike. The Mirabell Gardens is one of the best-known filming locations for the classic movie, The Sound of Music. The iconic "Do-Re-Mi" scene was filmed in the Mirabell Gardens, with Maria and the von Trapp children dancing and singing around the Pegasus Fountain in front of the palace. The steps leading to the rose garden north of the fountain and the Greek fencing statues at the entrance were also featured in the film. The gardens are free to enter and are open daily from 6 am to dusk, although the Dwarf Garden is closed during the winter months.

The Mirabell Gardens has six distinct areas of interest: the Pegasus Fountain, the hedge tunnel, the south entrance, the Grand Fountain, the Dwarf Garden, and the north steps. The Pegasus Fountain is located at the bottom of the Musical Steps at the north end of the garden. The hedge tunnel is located south of the Pegasus Fountain. The south entrance to the gardens is flanked by two statues of Greek warriors leaping towards each other. The Grand Fountain is in the centre of the gardens, and the Dwarf Garden is located up a set of steps near the Pegasus Fountain, guarded by lion statues. Finally, the north steps offer an iconic and stunning view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Residence Square and Fountain

Residenzplatz Square and the Residence Fountain in Salzburg are prominently featured in the movie 'The Sound of Music' several times. Residenzplatz Square, situated in the centre of Salzburg's old town, is one of five squares built under Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in the 16th century. It forms the heart of the old city centre.

In the film, Maria crosses the square singing "I Have Confidence in Me" on her way to the Trapp family home for the first time. She stops at the fountain to splash water at the horses while singing. The fountain is 15 metres high and the largest Baroque fountain outside of Italy. It was built between 1658 and 1661, possibly by Italian artist Tommaso di Garona, and is made of marble from the Untersberg, a mountain near Salzburg.

Later in the film, Nazi soldiers march through the square and a giant swastika flag is raised above the entrance of the Old Residence Palace.

Horse Pond

The Horse Pond (Pferdeschwemme) in Salzburg is a must-see for fans of The Sound of Music. Built in the 17th century by Austrian architect Fischer von Erlach, it was originally used to wash the horses of the prince-archbishops. It is located on Herbert von Karajan Square, just around the corner from the Summer Riding School.

In the film, the Horse Pond features in the ending of 'My Favourite Things', where Maria and the children dance and sing in their clothes made from curtains. It is also seen in the background when the family drives past in a horse-drawn carriage. The pond is flanked by striking frescos and a huge statue of a horse tamer.

The Horse Pond is well worth a visit in its own right. It is situated below the Mönchsberg mountain, and the bright fresco behind it makes for a gorgeous photo. Visitors can enjoy the mix of old and new, imagining the sound of hooves and carriage wheels against the backdrop of contemporary Salzburg.

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