Where was Sound of Music filmed?

If you’ve ever dreamed of spinning through an alpine meadow like Maria, arms outstretched and heart full of song, you’re not alone. The Sound of Music is a classic that still captures the hearts of many and draws people to its filming locations in Austria some 60 years on. From grand palaces to mountain backdrops, the film’s unforgettable scenery is part of its charm.

Most of the movie was filmed in or around Salzburg, and you can visit these real-life cinematic landscapes and locations yourself. Fans from across the globe continue to visit the small Austrian city to relive the movie magic themselves. So whether you’re a diehard Von Trapp devotee or just love show tunes and good views, then read on to discover the famous locations – and the Austria tours you can join to see for yourself.

1. Why Salzburg?

Set at the foothills of the Austrian Alps, Salzburg is the main destination where The Sound of Music came to life. But the connection runs deeper than the baroque architecture, cobbled streets, and stunning mountain views make the fairy-tale Austrian city so charming. The Sound of Music is based on a true story, and Salzburg is actually where the real Maria Von Trapp lived and where much of the actual family history unfolded. In fact The real Von Trapp family actually performed at the world-famous Salzburg Festival, long before their story hit Hollywood.

Director Robert Wise and his crew scouted dozens many locations, but came back to Salzburg as the perfect setting to tell a story about love, music, and courage in the face of change. Today you can still explore many filming locations and recreate some scenes in Mozart’s hometown yourself!

2. Key Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg

Mirabell Gardens

That scene where Maria and the Von Trapp children burst into “Do-Re-Mi” joy? That’s Mirabell Gardens, a fan-favorite Sound of Music filming location from the 17th century. Visitors can twirl by the Pegasus Fountain, hop along the vine tunnel, and sing their hearts out on the famous steps. These Baroque gardens are a Salzburg showstopper and an essential Austria tour stop if you’re following in Julie Andrews’ footsteps.

Leopoldskron Palace

Leopoldskron Palace provided the elegant lakeside backdrop of the Von Trapp family villa. Those swan-filled shots of the children boating – and falling in – were filmed right here. If you step inside you’ll be disappointed – the lavish interiors (while beautiful) were not used in the films. All interior shots were filmed in Hollywood studios!

Today, the palace is a private hotel, so you can choose to stay there yourself, or just take in the view from across the lake.

Hellbrunn Palace (The Gazebo)

“Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was filmed in a glass gazebo… which you can now find in the leafy grounds of Hellbrunn Palace. Originally built on private land, it was moved here after fans started sneaking onto the estate! While you can’t dance inside, you can peek through the windows. Hellbrunn itself is worth exploring too, with trick fountains and secret grottos.

Nonnberg Abbey

This is the real convent where Maria was a novice. Nonnberg Abbey sits high above Salzburg’s Old Town, and the filmmakers used its courtyard, gate, and surrounding streets in several scenes – including Maria’s tearful departure to the Von Trapps. The abbey is still home to Benedictine nuns, so it’s not fully open to the public. But you can walk up the hillside for sweeping city views.

Residenzplatz & Old Town Salzburg

In one of the film’s most empowering moments, Maria belts out “I Have Confidence” as she marches through Salzburg’s historic streets, suitcase in hand. In that scene you’ll spot Residenzplatz, a square with a grand horse fountain. Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and every corner drips with charm.

3. Filming locations beyond Salzburg

Stepping beyond Salzburg, some scenes were shot in the neighboring German state of Bavaria and in other Austrian towns nearby.

Mehlweg Meadow (Opening Scene)

That iconic opening shot of Maria spinning in an alpine meadow was filmed not in Austria. She whirled and twirled in Bavaria, Germany, near the town of Marktschellenberg. The lush green field, with the Untersberg mountain rising behind it, is now known as Mehlweg Meadow. It’s private land, but many Austria tours will point it out or take you nearby for that picture-perfect view.

Mondsee Cathedral

The grand wedding scenes of Maria and Captain Von Trapp weren’t filmed in Salzburg, but in Mondsee Cathedral, about 30 minutes east of the city. This beautiful baroque Austrian church, stood in for the Abbey’s chapel during the final ceremony scene. It’s still a working church and open to visitors. The small town of Mondsee itself is charming, with lakeside cafes and mountain views – a perfect spot to wrap up your own Sound of Music adventure.

4. Common questions about Sound of Music filming locations

Where were the mountain scenes in The Sound of Music filmed?

The sweeping mountain scenes – including Maria’s famous meadow twirl – were filmed in Bavaria, near Marktschellenberg, Germany. This stunning alpine area borders Austria and offers jaw-dropping views of the Untersberg. The meadow is private land, but you can pass nearby.

Can you visit the house where The Sound of Music was filmed?

Yes and no. Two Salzburg locations portrayed the Von Trapp villa: Leopoldskron Palace (lake scenes, mentioned above) and Frohnburg Palace (front façade). The interior scenes were all studio sets. Leopoldskron is now a private hotel with limited access, while Frohnburg can be viewed from the road.

Where were the Abbey scenes in The Sound of Music filmed?

Exterior Abbey scenes were filmed at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg – the real convent where the actual Maria was a novice. Interior shots were recreated in Hollywood.

That’s our guide to the best Sound of Music filming locations. Have you been to Salzburg or is it on your list? Leave us a comment…