The Ultimate 2-Day Sound of Music tour in Salzburg: Complete guide
In June, Filippa and I took a trip to Salzburg – a city that had long stolen our hearts thanks to our love for The Sound of Music. I first saw the film when I was around six and have watched it countless times since. Always one of my favourite films, it felt incredibly special to share it with Filippa. Showing it to her for the first time—she was eleven—was a nerve-wracking moment. In a world full of YouTube and endless scrolling, I wasn’t sure a three-hour film could hold her attention, especially the opening scenes with a group of nuns singing. Fortunately, she loved it. Not just out of politeness, but genuinely, in the same way I fell in love with it as a child.
Planning Our Trip
We had both been really looking forward to visiting Salzburg. Finding a clear guide with a precise route around all the Sound of Music locations proved tricky. This is why we created our own itinerary. Hopefully, it can inspire and help you plan your visit.
How it all began
Traveling by train from Denmark was smooth and surprisingly comfortable. In Salzburg, we stayed at the beautiful Numa Mozart Salzburg, which I highly recommend. The hotel is perfectly located within walking distance of most attractions, although some key filming locations lie outside the city.
We rented bikes for these excursions, which I would absolutely recommend. Salzburg is very bike-friendly, and drivers are considerate. Booking the bikes in advance made collection hassle-free. Many hotels also offer bicycles, so check with yours before you arrive.
Thinking about going? Check out the hotel we stayed in here.
Day 1: Cycling to the Film Locations
1. Schloss Frohnburg
Our first stop was Schloss Frohnburg, easily reached by bike. Here, you can see the iconic yellow wall from the “I Have Confidence” song. It was incredible to see it in real life! In the film, this location and other spots around the yellow building represented the von Trapp family home (though the lakeside facade was filmed at Schloss Leopoldskron). Today, the building is owned by the Universität Mozarteum and is used as a student residence and concert venue. Visitors can still admire the façade from nearby paths and take photos. I would say it is a must-see for fans. I posted a snap to my story, and while some people didn’t know we were in Salzburg, quite a few immediately replied saying they knew exactly where we were!
2. Schloss Hellbrunn
Next, we cycled to Schloss Hellbrunn, a stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens just ten minutes away. The white gazebo, famous from the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” song, can be spotted near the parking lot gate, inside on your right. Strolling around the grounds is highly recommended if you have the time.
3. Schloss Leopoldskron
Our third stop was the luxurious Schloss Leopoldskron, which is a hotel today. Staying here would immerse you in Sound of Music magic, but we preferred being closer to restaurants and city attractions. Important! Access requires a reservation, but you can book a drink at the bar or join a guided tour. We chose the bar, which allowed us to explore the grounds.
We walked down to the lakeside to see the famous gate where Captain von Trapp stands as Maria and the children fall into the water. It is a highlight for any fan. Everyone we met was friendly, and photographing it was fine. But be sure to book in advance or else you will not be let into the grounds!
You can also stay at Schloss Leopoldskron — see the rooms here and get a feel for this unique historic stay
Including drinks and plenty of photo stops, the cycling trip took us around four hours.
If you’re curious about our trip, check out our full guide to where we stayed in Salzburg, and don’t miss our tips on the best spots for where we had dinner while we were there.
Day 2: Exploring Salzburg on Foot
4. Mirabell Garten
The second day began in Mirabell Garten, home to multiple Do-Re-Mi locations:
-
Fountain with Pegasus – where Maria and the children walk on the edge.
-
The Musical Steps – the famous steps where Maria and the children jump up and down, ending with the characteristic ‘one hand in hair and one hand in the air’ gesture.
-
The hedge tunnel – where Maria and the children race each other in Do-Re-Mi.
-
Gnome Garden – look for the gnome with glasses, tongue out, and hat in hand. The children clap its head in Do-Re-Mi.
-
Entrance gate with two statues – also featured in Do-Re-Mi.
5. Mozartsteg
A charming footbridge over the Salzach River, seen in the film with Maria and the children crossing in Do-Re-Mi.
6. Stift Nonnberg
The convent where Maria lived. The entrance appears multiple times: as she leaves in “I Have Confidence”, when the children try to get her to come back, and during the film’s final scenes. The view from the convent is lovely, though not the one used in the movie.
7. Residenzplatz
Here Maria splashes water on a horse fountain and walks under a characteristic arched entrance. Fun fact: the real Maria von Trapp had a cameo in this scene.
8. Getreidegasse & Mönchsberg Elevator
We strolled down the bustling Getreidegasse before turning right to the Mönchsberg elevator, which offers a viewpoint over Salzburg. Fans will recognise it from “I Have Confidence” and Do-Re-Mi. The return trip costs €4.60, and you can combine it with the museum at the top. We were a little tired after shopping and sightseeing, so opted for the elevator, but it’s also a lovely walk up.
That evening, we returned to the musical steps to film a few moments without too many tourists – patience is key, especially in June with perfect weather.
Reflecting on the Trip
Salzburg doesn’t overtly celebrate its Sound of Music legacy. The city clearly has a greater love for Mozart, which made exploring the filming locations feel like discovering a hidden secret. We saw a few other visitors on the same pilgrimage, but far fewer than expected.
But sharing this experience with Filippa was magical – a moment I will never forget.
We stayed at the lovely Numa Mozart Hotel – Check out the hotel here.
Your Easy Overview of All Filming Locations – Day by Day
Day 1 – Cycling to the Filming Locations
1. Schloss Frohnburg
-
Distance: ~3.5 km from Salzburg city centre
-
Address: Hellbrunner Allee 53, 5020 Salzburg
-
Famous yellow wall from “I Have Confidence”
-
Used as the front façade of the von Trapp villa in the film
2. Schloss Hellbrunn (including the Gazebo)
-
Distance from Schloss Frohnburg: ~2.0 km
-
Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg
-
Home to the iconic “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” gazebo
-
Beautiful Baroque gardens worth exploring
3. Schloss Leopoldskron
-
Distance from Schloss Hellbrunn: ~4.0 km
-
Address: Leopoldskronstraße 56–58, 5020 Salzburg
-
Lakeside exterior of the von Trapp villa in the movie
-
Location of the famous boat-tipping scene
-
Access only with a reservation (bar booking or guided tour)
Day 2 – Walking Tour of Central Salzburg
This sequence is recommended because it forms the most natural and efficient walking route through the city.
You can easily Google the locations for exact placement.
1. Mirabell Gardens
-
Pegasus Fountain
-
Musical Steps
-
Hedge Tunnel
-
Gnome Garden
-
Do-Re-Mi filming highlights everywhere
2. Mozartsteg Footbridge
-
Seen in Do-Re-Mi
-
Beautiful crossing over the Salzach River
3. Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey)
-
Maria’s convent
-
The gate used in “I Have Confidence” and the film’s final escape
4. Residenzplatz
-
Maria splashes water from the horse fountain
-
Used in the “I Have Confidence” sequence
-
Real Maria von Trapp cameo location
5. Getreidegasse
-
Salzburg’s famous shopping street
-
Lovely to wander through before heading upwards
6. Mönchsberg Lift & Viewpoint
-
View featured in both “I Have Confidence” and Do-Re-Mi
-
An easy final stop with panoramic views of Salzburg
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you book through one of my links – at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting the blog by using my links – it helps me keep sharing honest travel experiences and tips with you.
