sound of music tours salzburg reviews

🎵 The 5 Best Sound of Music Tours in Salzburg [2024 Reviews]

Located right on the border of Germany, the Austrian city of Salzburg is known for its stunning architecture, breathtaking views of the Eastern Alps, and for being the birthplace of Mozart.

However, did you know that it’s also where the legendary film “The Sound of Music” was also filmed? Before taking the first SoM tour here, I funny enough hadn’t even seen the film and still had an amazing time visiting these absolutely gorgeous places.

After that, I immediately saw the movie so I could appreciate it even further, and have come up with a carefully selected list of the 5 top Sound of Music Tours available today! Let’s jump right in!

Best Sound of Music Tours from Salzburg

Quick answer: the 5 best rated sound of music tours for 2024.

• Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg
• The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
• Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour
• The Hills Are Alive
• Sound of Music Tour by Minivan

Best Salzburg Sound of Music Tour Reviews

1. original sound of music private tour salzburg.

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure: Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:45 AM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Transport by private air-conditioned Mercedes E 220 or VW luxury minibus, 1-hour Edelweiss apple strudel cooking class and tastings (if option selected)

For me, a well-rated tour should always come with interesting commentary and a structured schedule to ensure seamless transitions between sights.

The Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg offers all that and so much more, with some flexibility to check out a couple of extra attractions if you’d like. I didn’t know what to expect, but our guide truly brought the scene to life with plenty of passion, knowledge, and personality!

I love that this is a private tour with a small group setting, which made it feel more like we had a good friend taking us around to all the different sights!

We rode around in an air-conditioned Mercedes E220 which was very comfortable with big windows so I could soak in the beautiful landscapes as we cruised along.

Our guide was a very safe driver, and offered some interesting historical accounts as well as stories relating back to the movie that I’d never heard of before.

Our first stop was the Schloss Hellbrunn which was constructed in the 17th century and is known famously for being the site of the garden gazebo where Liesl and Rolf sang ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’.

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After that, we took another gorgeous drive through Salzkammergut where I got some amazing videos of the towering Alps and glass-like lakes which you see in the first scenes of The Sound of Music, passing the little village of St. Gilgen.

Even though a relatively good amount of time during our tour was spent driving, it was still kind of tiring and I welcomed a 50-minute break at Basilika St. Michael.

Here, we had free time to explore at our leisure and we chose to take a little stroll around the picture-perfect Mondsee. I highly recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and their famous apple strudel!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. the original sound of music tour in salzburg.

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure:  Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:15 AM, 2:15 PM
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, tour

This is yet another 4-hour SoM experience – one that I found to be one of the most affordable, “best bang for your buck” tours.

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg  comes in 2 options: both a large bus tour and a small group/minibus tour which is more exclusive (and more expensive). I did the big bus tour as I do find it a fantastically affordable option, so I’ll be speaking to my experience on that.

Another great aspect of this tour is that there are so many different start times to choose from, that you’re bound to find one that works perfectly around your itinerary.

I was a bit hesitant, wondering how it would be to be on a tour with so many people, but it almost made it more fun! I’ll get into the details in a moment, but I want to mention that there are no hotel pickups involved so you’ll have to make your way to the central meeting point first.

From Mirabellplatz in the center of the city, you’ll board the bus and head through the gorgeous scenery with the film’s soundtrack playing to really set the tone.

Me and the rest of our big group sang along happily to ‘Edelweiss’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, and ‘My Favorite Things’ which instantly bonded us and made the whole experience feel surreal!

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is where ‘Do-Re-Mi’ was filmed, and we got the chance to take plenty of photos in front of the Pegasus Fountain and steps!

After this, we made our way through the stunning views of the Alps and made another stop at Lake Leopoldskron which is like a mirror, reflecting the incredible castle by the same name (where the boating scene was taken).

We got to take more photos at the gardens of Hellbrunn castle, the glass gazebo for the kissing scene, and even Nonnberg Abbey.

Throughout the entire tour, our guides did a fantastic job telling us about the different landmarks and relating them back to the movie, complete with insider info!

3. Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure:  Rudolfskai 38, 5020 Salzburg
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM

This is one of the most magical small-group tours I’ve been in, with the opportunity to explore more of Hallstatt than what the other tours offer.

The Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour  is a significantly longer tour than the previous couple, so if you’re looking for a full-day experience, this is a fantastic choice. Starting off early in the morning, it’s also a great way to get acquainted with the area if it’s your first time here.

I’m not sure if this is always the case, but I noticed that my tour and many others’ consisted of no more than 5 people, which was simply amazing.

We had a very personalized tour with our guide, who ended up feeling more like a friend who was incredibly knowledgeable about the subject rather than just a guide.

Our day started out with being picked up from our hotel by a comfortable vehicle, doing a short city tour of Salzburger Altstadt which is full of breathtaking architecture.

After taking plenty of photos and videos of the city, we then set out for Leopoldskroner Weiher, where we got to see the rear of the “von Trapp” house and the ponds the kids fell into in the film.

Throughout the sightseeing, our guide related it back to the different movie scenes along with plenty of behind-the-scenes info that I wouldn’t have been able to find anywhere else.

We then stopped over at the intimidating Schloss Hellbrun, where we also got to take some photos in front of the “16-going-on-17” gazebo.

Lake Wolfgang was something from a postcard, and we got to take plenty of photos there before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt on our own.

However, our guide was great at offering plenty of recommendations and I’d love to go back and spend a couple of days there. After that, we passed by St. Gilgen Mozartplatz and Basilika St. Michael to reenact the wedding scene from the film!

4. The Hills Are Alive

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
• Includes:  Private tour, professional guide

This is my other favorite all-day tour of its kind, which I also found to be one of the best for seeing some of the best views of the Austrian Alps.

The Hills Are Alive Tour is indeed aptly named, taking you through nearly every iconic scene of The Sound of Music.

If that sounds like fun to you, make sure to lace up a pair of comfortable walking shoes and put on a jacket because it’s a day full of venturing through one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

This tour also includes a convenient hotel pickup right from the lobby, so there’s no need to worry about finding a meetup point or booking additional transportation.

I do recommend dressing comfortable, though, as you’ll definitely do a bit of walking around in nature. The transportation was very comfortable, with padded seating, plenty of legroom, and big windows to view the Austrian landscape.

The first stop of the day was at Mirabell Gardens, which I immediately recognized as the place where the “Do-Re-Mi” scenes took place!

We got plenty of time to stroll throughout the lush area, complete with the Pegasus Fountain and Dwarf Garden, which was really cool to see as I love Roman and Greek art.

We then took the elevator up to an incredible viewpoint, which is known for being one of the most impressive in all of Salzburg (we even saw a 1,000-year-old fortress!).

We then headed back down to the historical center, where we saw the Horse Bath, Festival DIstrict, St. Peter’s Church, and much more.

Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace were equally as impressive, before exploring the majestic Bavarian Alps, which you’ll recognize from the film’s opening scenes.

We then made our way to the top of the infamous Sound of Music trail followed by a delicious lunch consisting of traditional local fare before heading to the Lake District.   

5.  Sound of MusicTour by Minivan

Last but certainly not least, is the 4-hour Sound of Music Tour by Minivan . This is the second-best option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly tour, though it is actually affordable while still being a small-group tour!

With a maximum of just 8 participants, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a personalized experience rather than just a cookie-cutter activity that you can find anywhere.

You can choose whether to meet in the center of the city or take advantage of their free hotel pickup service in-between the hours of 8:30 and 9:00 am.

The vehicle is quite comfortable, and with the big windows and amazing views of the Alps surrounding us, there was never a moment of boredom.

The first stop is Leopoldskroner Weiher, as is the case with most of the tours, where you’ll see the back of the von Trapp house and the pond.  After that, we saw the Hellbrunn Castle, which, in itself is quite impressive.

Here, we saw the 16-going-on-17 gazebo and had the chance to take some photos before checking out the glass-like Lake Wolfgang.

We followed it up with a trip to Basilika St. Michael, where we had a blast reenacting the wedding scene from the movie!

I felt like our guide did a fantastic job explaining everything to us both in the van and outside at each location, answering any questions we had.

The PA system inside the van was a great addition, ensuring all of us could clearly hear what the guide was saying as we passed different sights in real time.

Overall, it was a great time, with a top-notch guide, great organization and recommendations, and at this price, is really hard to beat.

Tour Guides

The Original Sound of Music Private Tour Salzburg is our Editors Choice for the Best Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg,

Robert Baker

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Flying Fluskey

Sharing our travel stories to inspire yours, the original sound of music tour review – salzburg, singalongs and a cider.

Whether you are a lonely goatherd, a flibbertigibbet or someone who just wants to taste their first champagne, then a Sound of Music tour is a great plan. The Original Sound of Music tour guides you through Salzburg and its gorgeous surroundings, the backdrop for this iconic movie musical. Read on for our full Original Sound of Music tour review.

Disaclaimer: There is a way to get prosecco on the tour, but not champagne.

This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

The Sound of Music

The real sound of music, original sound of music tour review, nonnberg convent, on the coach, schloss leopoldskron, schloss hellbrunn, mondsee abbey, mondsee lake, mirabell gardens, information, final thoughts on our original sound of music tour review.

Rodgers and Hammerstein, esteemed musical theatre composers had Broadway hit after Broadway hit. Their powerful partnership produced some of the most famous musicals of all time, and among the most loved is The Sound of Music. The musical won the Tony Award for Best Musical and in 1964, the cast and crew arrived in Salzburg to film the movie version. When it was released It was a smash hit everywhere (apart from in Austria funnily enough). It had a rather good night at the Academy Awards picking up Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Scoring Music and Best Sound statues.

If anything, time has only improved its fan base. Across the world, people don nun’s habits and warble their way through film singalongs, every Christmas people get day drunk as it plays in the background and I defy anyone to not at least hum along to Do Re Mi!

One of the most extraordinary things about The Sound of Music is the true story that lies behind it. Maria Augusta Kutschera was real, and Baron Georg von Trapp and his seven talented children were real too. The show, hit musical film (and less popular film) were all based on Maria’s own biography written in 1949. Maria was a novice nun and was sent to be governess for one of the Baron’s children. The family fell for her as she fell for the Baron and after a struggle between her love and her Christian devotion she married Baron Von Trapp in 1927.

The family really were a choir but whether or not that learned their scales with an adorable musical number we can’t be sure. We do know they started performing in public in 1937 and escaped to the USA in 1938…but let’s not let the truth get in the way of an excellent Hollywood plot.

As usual, I was running slightly late but I dashed up at 14:00 on the dot, had my name ticked off and grabbed a couple of spare seats on the coach. I had two seats to myself, behind a group of four Brits. As the tour went on, I could tell that the two ladies of the group were really into the film, one of their partners was up for a good time and the other wanted to sink into his seat. They were a fun bunch.

We began making our way through Salzburg and I realised that this was going to be a real whistle stop tour. I guess that with only four hours, and a lot to see it was always going to be the case.

From the coach, we saw the Gothic roof of the Benedictine Nonnberg Convent. It sits at the bottom of the big Festungsberg that looms over one side of the city. There has been an order here for over 1300 years. Its most famous resident, Maria Kutschera, was sent from here to be baroness to the Von Trapp children. Nonnberg Abbey is a very quick drive by stop on the tour but it is possible to visit the church and churchyard from central Salzburg easily if you want to return. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of the Old Town.

We then began our first bit of driving. Along the way, we had a lovely mix of commentary from adorable tour guide Peter, video clips from the film or documentaries all about The Sound of Music or fun singalongs I pulled up the lyrics on my phone as a back up so I could really go for it without making a fool of myself. It is worth noting that the coach had excellent refreshment offerings. A mini bottle of Prosecco can be had for a few euros and it really helps to oil those vocal chords! I got one and it was a lovely sipper as we visited one of the stops.

We drove past a couple of other spots from the movie, including the house that served as the front of the the Von Trapp’s house. This is a music school and so it is very understandable that they don’t want tourist buses spilling out a whole lot of tourists wielding cameras. I didn’t get a decent snap as my phone couldn’t quite cope with the zoom required. Bring a better camera than mine!

Now, this isn’t part of the tour officially but as a big Red Bull fan, I was a little overexcited to be on the correct side as we passed the Red Bull headquarters. Emerging from the front of the unusual office is a herd of bronze bulls called, Die Bullen von Fuschl (The Bulls from Fuchl). You will only see half of the statue from the road as half of the bulls are inside the building. Mind you, it is the largest cast bronze sculpture in Europe so whether you enjoy the energy drink or not, it is still quite impressive.

Schloss Leopoldskron is seen in the Sound of Music from one angle, its rather attractive backside. The back of the building was used as the Von Trapp’s house. It is a gorgeous Rococo mansion with an incredible location, backing onto the water. The Venetian Salon was also entirely recreated on a sound stage for some more scenes too.

As part of the tour, guests take a walk around the lake. That’s the lake from the film that the kids and Maria tumble into from their small boat. From afar you can see the Schloss and its boat dock seen in the film. It is now a hotel so the public can’t wander around unless they are guests. If you are a huge Sound of Music fan then why not book a room here ? The library is stunning and the grounds are full of S.o.M highlights.

Schloss Leopoldskron used to be home of a certain gazebo that may have heard of but it was vandalised and had to be moved. Never fear though…we will see it soon.

Now in fact!

Hellbrunn Palace is the new home of the legendary gazebo that played host to Leizl and Ralph’s, “I am 16, going on 17” number. Of course not the whole thing was filmed inside (there wouldn’t be room) but plenty of it was. During our visit, the benches were missing for rebovation but normally they are in there. Either way, you can’t spin around it yourself. I’d imagine there would be far too many broken windows and/or broken ankles for that. Near the gazebo is a touching information board all about Charmian Carr, the actress who played Leizl. She was an extraordinary women but I’ll let you read all about that.

After seeing the gazebo you get around ten minutes to explore. I ran up to the house to see the front, up a long and dusty drive way. but taking a little stroll in the gardens is probably more pleasant.

In summer, I would definitely recommend returning to the palace to see the trick fountains. You can see more info about it in our Salzburg Itinerary .

Our coach sang their way through the countryside until a glittering blue lake came into view. We wound our way down to the edge of the quaint little town of Mondsee.

The real Maria Kutschera and Georg von Trapp got married in the church at Nonnberg Abbey, Maria’s order in Salzburg. However, in the film, the location was the rather striking Mondsee Abbey, also known as Basilika St. Michael. The late-Gothic church was built in the 1400s and is the second largest church in upper Austria. It’s pretty Baroque exterior was added in 1714 and the whole place was refurbished in the 2000s making it shiny.

Take a little time to look at the altar and its glimmering gold and silver details. Then look again and see if you can spot the skeleton of Abbot Konrad II with his lovely sunburst crown. There are four other skeletons beneath him and several more relics to discover too.

…oh, and you can pick up a little bottle of holy water.

The group were given some free time in Mondsee. I think it was around 45 minutes. Most people took a spot in one of the pastel coloured restaurants and cafes opposite the church. I decided that it wasn’t for me and decided to take a little trip down to the water instead. I’d been travelling for two weeks with pretty bad weather and it was a relief to be in the sunshine.

Walking straight towards the water from town brought me to a nice waterside cafe bar. I ordered a glass of Most (Austrian style cider) and sat on the jetty listening to the lake water lapping against the wood and a band warming up for an afternoon gig next door. It was so relaxing and much more pleasant than the rammed places in town. I think I was the only tourist there for quite a while.

Top tip: If you are thinking of doing this too, pop a pin on Google maps for the coach park to make it easiest to find your way back on time.

Our final stop was an optional extra. Some people disembarked the coach and disappeared off for the rest of their afternoon plans. Peter offered to show the rest of us the way into the Mirabell Gardens. These beautiful formal gardens, surrounding the Neoclassical Mirabell Palace are best know by Sound of Music fans for being one of the Do Rae Mi locations. The children march around the Pegasus fountains (so name for the winged horse in the centre) and up and down the nearby stairs. These would be entirely overlooked if it wasn’t for their moment in the final sequence of the song. Plenty of people can be seen jumping up and down and standing proudly at the top with their arms up a la Maria and the kids. It rather lovely to watch…or to do.

If you’re thinking of joining The Original Sound of Music Tour , here is some information you might like to know:

• To book tickets, check out the Panorama Tours website .
• There are two tours a day, one at 9.15 am and again at 2.00 pm.
• The tour lasts around 4 hours.
• For the best views you will want to sit on the right side of the coach as you face forward. This will give you gorgeous views as you head down to Mondsee (plus the Red Bull statue).

For a short tour, one that fits neatly in-between lunch and dinner (or breakfast and lunch) the Original Sound of Music Tour packs in a lot. I know there are longer tours, ones that allow you to see more of the palaces. Some take you to a gorgeous mountain so you can spin in true Julie Andrews style, but I only had 2 days in Salzburg so this was perfect.

Check out my itinerary for 2 days in Salzburg here.

I can’t claim to be the biggest Sound of Music fan. I know most of the songs to a point (or entirely), I have attended a Sound of Music singalong with friends dressed as a kitten and a girl with a blue satin sash (IYKYK) but at heart I’m probably more of a Mary Poppins gal. The Original Sound of Music Tour definitely satisfied my desire for a Sound of Music slice of Salzburg. Didn’t see any Edelweiss though so I’ll have to come back!

One thought on “ The Original Sound of Music Tour Review – Salzburg, Singalongs and a Cider ”

Salzburg, Austria’s Alpine capital, sits astride the Salzach River. The beautiful streets and squares ooze classical charm, and classical music in equal measure. Grab your Salzburg Card and follow this 2 day Salzburg itinerary to see the best of this European gem.

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• Private Tours

Original Sound of Music Tour® - Tour 1A

• Also available as Private tour
• Also included in Other products

Do you have special requirements? Make a request

daily at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm

Panorama Tours Bus Terminal , Mirabellplatz / Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg Arrival information

Join us on a wonderful ride through Salzburg on the Original Sound of Music Tour®

Tour the picturesque World Heritage City of  Salzburg  as well as the beautiful  landscapes where the opening scenes of the movie   The Sound of Music  were filmed with our live guide!

The Sound of Music Tour Salzburg includes original shooting locations from "The Sound of Music" movie:

• Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain , where Maria and the children danced in the movie
• Nonnberg Convent , where Maria was a novice
• Schloss Leopoldskron ,  the house, where the Trapp Family lived in the movie which is now a luxury hotel
• Hellbrunn Palace (singing scenes in the movie)
• Gazebo (now placed in Hellbrunn), where the Baron von Trapp kissed Maria for the first time
• Church Mondsee , where Maria and the Baron get married

The Sound of Music in Salzburg

The enormous success of  The Sound of Music  Broadway Musical by  Rodgers & Hammerstein  premiering in 1959 made film director Robert Wise and 250 crew members turn  Salzburg  and its surroundings into the  Sound of Music filming location  in 1964. And it was  Salzburg Panorama Tours  who took the  Sound of Music  film crew to the  various locations  where the  famous movie  was filmed.

Shortly after its release, the film became a tremendous success, receiving five Academy Awards, becoming the highest grossing movie ever and reaching cult status over the years. Both musical and film are based on the "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" written by  Maria von Trapp  in 1949.

Get to know Salzburg

Follow the traces of the  Trapp family  and take a tour through Salzburg and its surroundings. See the  original film settings  and just imagine being  Julie Andrews , the main character in the film, playing  Maria von Trapp . Learn about the historical and architectural landmarks of Salzburg as well as the Lake District while enjoying the highlights of the movie. Relax and listen to the  Original Sound of Music  soundtrack and of course feel free to sing-along  Edelweiss  and many more... Our live guide will tell you everything you need to know about The Sound of Music, the Trapp Familiy, the film locations and about the shooting.

• Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure
• free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to tour departure
• We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel
• Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat
• Pets are not allowed in the tour

FAQs Original Sound of Music Tour®

Where does sound of music take place.

The true story, that The Sound of Music is based, on took place in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Large parts of the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg, some scenes even in the original locations. Featured in the  Original Sound of Music Tour® are among many others Leopoldskron Palace and the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace . 

When did the true story of Sound of Music take place?

Maria was asked to teach Georg von Trapp's children in 1926 and their wedding took place in 1927. In 1938, the Trapp family moved to the US to escape the Nazi regime in Germany and Austria. Their move was however far less dramatic than it is portrayed in the film. The 1965 film is an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical and based on Maria von Trapps 1949 memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers".

Where is the Sound of Music house?

There are three locations associated closely with the Trapp family in Salzburg. The original Trapp family home Villa Trapp is located in Aigen to the southeast of Salzburg and not seen in the movie. Two other estates were used to portray the Trapps' home in the movie: Leopoldskron Palace and Frohnburg Palace .

Where is the Sound of Music gazebo?

The gazebo featured in the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" scene was located in the gardens of Leopoldskron Palace during filming. It was later moved to the gardens at Hellbrunn Palace to make it accessible to interested visitor. The Original Sound of Music Tour® stops at the gazebo to give you the opportunity for unforgettable moments and souvenir photos.

Which church was used in Sound of Music?

While many other scenes were filmed in the city of Salzburg, the romantic wedding scene in the movie The Sound of Music was shot at the church in Mondsee. A stop at this church is part of the Original Sound of Music Tour® by Salzburg Panorama Tours  and gives you the opportunity to explore this beautiful filming location.

When is the Original Sound of Music Tour® operated?

This tour is operated daily with two start times at 9.15 am and 2.00 pm.

Please notice:

We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel. Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure.

Only Salzburg Panorama Tours is responsible to schedule the tour vehicles.

Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat.

Pets are not allowed in the tour.

Stefan Herzl

Hello, my name is Stefan Herzl and I’m really looking forward to show you my beautiful hometown Salzburg. I am a native Salzburg offering since 1976 various sightseeing tours in Salzburg & surroundings.

This tour is included in other products - get more for your money!

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The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg: A Guide to the Best Experience

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: January 12, 2023
• Post category: Austria
• Post comments: 0 Comments

The Sound of Music is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences around the world. And what better way to experience the magic of the iconic film than by taking a tour from Salzburg , the very city where it was filmed. The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg is the perfect way to see the filming locations, sing along to your favorite songs, and learn about the true story behind the movie. Join us as we delve into the history and culture of Salzburg while reliving the beloved movie’s most iconic moments. This tour is not only for the fans of the movie but also for anyone who wants to explore Salzburg’s rich cultural heritage. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we take you to the most iconic filming locations of the Sound of Music and much more.

This post contains affiliate links on which we could earn a commission.

Why would you want to go on a Sound of Music Tour?

• Because you want to feel like a von Trapp and sing “Do-Re-Mi” in the Mirabell Gardens
• Because you want to channel your inner Maria and twirl in the hills of Salzburg
• Because you want to discover if you’re secretly a von Trapp in disguise
• Because you want to experience the magic of the Sound of Music in the very city where it was filmed
• Because you want to learn the true story behind the film and the von Trapp family.

This tour was one of the most magical experiences of my life and I can't recommend it enough. Our guide April and the driver Ivo were incredible hosts, so enthusiastic, funny, and very knowledgeable. The sights are amazing and singing along with everyone was so much fun. Definitely one of my favorite things. 🙂 GetYourGuide review on January 10, 2023

What to Expect on The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the filming locations of one of the most popular movies of all time? The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg is the perfect way to see the city of Salzburg and its surrounding countryside. During the tour, you’ll relive the magic of the Sound of Music and learn about the true story behind the film. Join us as we take you to the most iconic filming locations and hear the original soundtrack songs.

• Visit the exterior of Leopoldskron Palace, used as the Trapp family home
• See the oldest convent in German-speaking Europe, Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria was a novice
• Take a look at St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang, where the opening scenes of the movie were filmed
• Stop at Mondsee Cathedral, the site of the movie’s wedding scene
• Visit Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children were seen dancing and singing “Do-Re-Mi”

The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg is the perfect way to experience the magic of the film and learn about the true story behind it. During the tour, you’ll visit iconic filming locations, see historical and architectural landmarks, and hear the original soundtrack songs. Join us and relive the beloved movie’s most iconic moments.

Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour

Sound of music & salt mines tour, frequently asked questions about the original sound of music tour.

Q: What is the duration of the tour?

A: The tour is a half-day tour and will take approximately 4 hours.

Q: Is it possible to extend the tour and have more time at the filming locations?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend the tour. However, you will have some time at some of the locations to take photos and explore on your own.

Q: What is the departure point for the tour?

A: The tour departs from the Salzburg train station.

Q: Is transportation provided during the tour?

A: Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?

A: Yes, the tour is suitable for children of all ages.

Q: Are guide services provided in languages other than English?

A: Yes, guide services are provided in several languages. Please check with us before booking.

Q: Are meals included in the tour price?

A: No, meals are not included in the tour price. You will have some free time to grab a bite to eat at one of the locations during the tour.

Q: Is there an age limit for the tour?

A: No, there is no age limit for the tour.

Q: Is it possible to customize the tour itinerary?

A: The tour itinerary is fixed and cannot be customized.

Q: Are there restrooms available during the tour?

A: Yes, there are restrooms available at some of the locations.

Q: Are there any physical requirements for the tour?

A: The tour does involve some walking and standing, so please wear comfortable shoes.

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The Sound of Music

The original tour.

Let us start with the beginning of this really extraordinary story. In 1963 Twentieth Century Fox sent scouts to  Salzburg  to plan filming the the Von Trapp Family story on location. The filming in  Salzburg  started in 1964. As flights and housing for over 250 crew members, technicians, camera men, stage hands as well as the actors were extremely expensive, the time-frame was limited to six weeks, but due to bad weather conditions, the  filming  took around 11 weeks after all. During this time nobody dreamt that THIS  special movie  would one day become one of the  most famous and successful films  ever. After the premiere in 1965, the first fans from the US started coming to  Salzburg , to visit the  locations where the movie had been shot . As the  Panorama Tours  drivers had been involved in escorting the actors as well as the staff to the  various places , they not only know the exact locations, but also lots of stories behind the making of this movie. At this time our sightseeing tour  ORIGINAL SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR  was born so we could share all this with you! With us you can get all the inside information! Our company,  Salzburg Panorama Tours , is also really proud of the special friendship with the Trapp Family in Vermont and also with  Rodgers & Hammerstein . Our  tour  is the officially presented tour on the official DVD and Blu-ray as well as on many other productions like "On Location" with Charmian Carr which was filmed in 2004, on occasion of the 40th anniversary of the  movie .

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Check out our tours for fans of "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour, Sound of Music Tour with Schnitzel & Noodles, Sound of Music Private Tours, Sound of Music Special Package, Sound of Music at Schloss Leopoldskron Package and many more.

Sound of Music Tours Salzburg – Which one is the Best?

Do you want to relive your favourite scenes from the classic musical on a Sound of Music tour in Salzburg ?

Find out more about the locations where the Sound of Music was filmed, how much tours cost, what to see nearby and more.

If you are looking for Sound of Music tours departing from Vienna or Munich, scroll until the bottom to read about them.

Are you ready to book your Sound of Music tour right now?

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Sound of Music tour:

• from Salzburg
• from Vienna
• from Munich

What are the most popular Sound of Music film locations in Salzburg?

The Sound of Music Tour’s itinerary is perfectly designed to make sure you see all the locations appearing in the film. Tour the picturesque city of Salzburg (Austria) and discover the beautiful sites where the opening scenes of the movie The Sound of Music were filmed

Here is a brief list of the locations to ensure you don’t miss out on any of them.

1 – Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Where Maria and the children were seen dancing around the statue of Pegasus, the winged horse and throughout the gardens singing “Do-Re-Mi”.

2 – Leopoldskron Castle

The castle used to be Trapp’s family home, where the children were boating on the Leopoldskron Lake and fell into the water.

3- Hedge Maze & Gnome Park

This location is from the scenes from the “Do, Re, Mi” song including skipping down the vine tunnel and the children patting the dwarf with glasses on the head.

4 – Winkler Terrace

The breathtaking Winkler Terrace sits high up on Monk’s Hill overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg. This is where Maria and the children bring the ‘Do Re Mi’ song into Salzburg from the meadow as they begin to mix the order of the musical notes up for practice.

5 – Horse Bath

The scenery ss shown when Maria and the children dance past the Horse Bath in the song “My Favorite Things”.

6 – Hellbrunn Castle and the Glass Pavilion

Fascinating castle built in the early 17 th century and beautiful gardens with the glass pavilion which attracts many still after 30 years.

7 – Rock Riding School

The Rock Riding School was home to some of the most important film scenes in the Sound of Music movie.

8 – Nonnberg Abbey

One of the oldest convents in Europe, where Maria was a novice and also where Maria and the Baron got married in the film.

9 – St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang

The scenery is shown at the beginning of the film at Lake Fuschl on the way to St Gilgen.

10 – Mondsee Wedding Church

The location used for Maria and the Baron’s wedding in the film.

11 – Frohnburg Palace

This Palace was used as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family home. A total of 5 scenes were shot here.

12 – Werfen Picnic Meadow

Perched just above the village of Werfen, this is where the famous picnic scene took place where Maria and the kids first start the song “Do, Re, Mi”.

How should I explore the locations of the Sound of Music?

You may explore the original shooting locations on the Sound of Music by bus, on foot or by bicycle.

The Sound of Music tours mainly offer bus transportation to all the different film locations so you don’t need to worry about getting lost whilst finding the exact locations.

If you are feeling active and have plenty of time to spare, you can walk to all the different film locations as they are relatively in walk distance to each other. This way you can wander around more and maybe find some beautiful spots in the surroundings to chill.

Riding a bicycle is always fun so why not explore the sites in this way? The Sound of Music bicycle tours are cheaper than bus tours. You can check the bicycle tours on Viator, Getyourguide and other many providers!

How much does a Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg cost? How to book a tour?

You will find The Sound of Music Tour for 45€ at the cheapest price, offered by different companies such as Viator, Getyourguide or Musement. All these tours are normally similar and offer the same things, such as transport to all the different setting locations of the films, a tour guide who will accompany you at all times, etc. Many providers also offer combined tickets to visit other attractions, a lunch, a visit to the museum and more.

If you are interested in knowing more about this, we suggest to use TourScanner’s search so you can check all the different combined tickets and prices which vary in price depending on what you want to see or do. Some providers may offer some discounts at certain times of the year.

• Compare Sound of Music Tours from Salzburg

Are there any Sound of Music tours departing from Vienna?

Yes, some Sound of Music private tours are leaving from Vienna as well, which include all the main sights, plus the visit of Salzburg. Taking a day tour departing from and returning to Vienna may be very convenient if you are staying in Vienna and you have not planned (or you don’t have the time) to visit and stay overnight in Salzburg. The price is higher since Vienna and Salzburg are quite far away and the tours are private for you. However, the cost of the private tours is fixed for a group (about 400 €), so if you are a family or a larger group (up to 8 people), it is still affordable. You can click here to compare the Sound of Music tours departing from Vienna . 

Are there any Sound of Music tours from Munich?

Yes, of course. Salzburg is located only 140 km away from Munich, near the German-Austrian border. Therefore, you can reach Salzburg on a tour departing from Munich.

Most of the day trips leaving from Munich will include a guided visit to the city of Salzburg plus a complete tour of the most important locations in which The Sound of Music was filmed.

• Compare Sound of Music Tours from Munich

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions.

What to do next? Check out our list of fun and unusual things to do in Salzburg .

Happy travels!

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The Sound of Music Tour

Explore original shooting locations on the Sound of Music Tour in all kinds of different ways: by bus, on foot or by bicycle. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

The life of the von Trapp family is intertwined with that of Salzburg itself. Every year, some 300,000 people visit important landmarks in the life of the von Trapp family and the story told by the movie. The fascinating life of former novice Maria von Trapp and her singing family became a world-wide 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.

Original shooting locations from the Sound of Music movie include:

Mirabell Gardens and the Pegasus Fountain (the dance scene with Maria and the children)

Schloss Leopoldskron (in the film, the house where the family lived)

Hellbrunn palace (singing scenes)

Nonnberg Convent (where the young Maria was a novice)

St. Gilgen / Wolfgangsee (opening scene of the movie)

Mondsee Basilica (wedding scene)

"The Sound of Music" tour can be booked online through...

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