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Salzburg, Austria is a historic city that dates back over 1300 years. Over the centuries, this city has seen princes and archbishops come and go, witnessed the rise of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it’s globally famous for something else: being the basis for The Sound of Music. The real Von Trapp family lived here, fled from here, and were immortalized by a musical filmed here.
This walking tour explores both historic Salzburg and Maria’s Salzburg. We’ll see scenery and filming locations from the classic musical, including the dazzling Mirabell Gardens, the historic Nonnberg Abbey, and plenty of fountains and public plazas featured in the movie. The route also visits most of Salzburg’s important historical locations, like Mozart’s birthplace and the imposing Fortress Hohensalzburg that overlooks the city. This Salzburg stroll has something for everyone.
Fly into Salzburg International Airport (SZG). From the airport, you can reach the city center by taking a cab to Mirabell Palace or by taking the #181 or #2 bus line.
Take a train to Salzburg Central Station. The station is only a short walk from Mirabell Palace, where this tour begins.
Walking is the best way to experience a dense European city like this one. If you need to go a longer distance, you can usually rely on transit like buses or electric trolleys. If you want to explore some of the very far-flung Sound of Music spots, book a rental car for the day.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress has two associated fees — one for the funicular up and one to enter. The Mozart Museum, Great Festival Hall, Mönchsberg Elevator and Haus der Natur also require tickets, as does a show at the Marionette Theatre.
Salzburg has no shortage of lodging options for all budgets. Stick to the city center area to remain close to all the main attractions.
For the full Sound of Music experience, try the Villa Trapp (where the family actually lived), Schloss Leopoldskron (where the famous boating-accident-terrace scene takes place), or the Hotel Bristol (where the actors had stayed).
You can visit Salzburg any time of year, though summer is the busiest season. June through August brings longer daylight hours, lively streets, and larger crowds, so book tickets in advance if visiting during peak months.
Winter is also a high season in November and December. This is when the Christmas markets are operating, so expect crowds in the city center.
Spring and fall are usually calmer, especially March to April and October to early November. Dress warmly and use caution on slippery cobblestones.
It is possible to see the major highlights of the route in half a day – but add more time for visits to the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the Haus der Natur, and the Mozart Museum. One day is enough to see all the Sound of Music sites, and two days should be sufficient to visit the city’s other big attractions as well.
This centuries-old fortress looms over the city of Salzburg as it has since the year 1077. Stepping through its imposing gate is like stepping back in time.
Home to the so-called Do-Re-Mi Steps, the Pegasus Fountain, and the Vine Tunnel, these gardens will be instantly recognizable to any fans of The Sound of Music. They’re super popular family photo spots for good reason!
This abbey’s claim to fame is more than just being caught on camera for The Sound of Music. It’s also the place where the real-life Maria and Georg Von Trapp got married!
The cemetery outside this church will look very familiar to fans of The Sound of Music. One of the most frightening scenes from the film was shot on a soundstage set built to look just like this cemetery.
Established in 1913, this long-running theatre hosts regular marionette shows, including one that pays homage to The Sound of Music. Showtimes are usually posted in front of the theatre, and the tickets are well worth the price of admission.
Featuring three floors of natural history exhibits, including an interactive science exhibit for hands-on learners, this is one of Austria’s very best science museums.
This pair of adjacent markets are packed with shops and vendors selling handmade crafts, authentic Austrian sausages, and the city’s famous Mozartkugel snack. They make for a great pit stop or a destination all on their own.
Many of the Sound of Music actors stayed in this hotel during filming. Just the adults, though. It was a bit too fancy for the kids!
This phenomenal vista offers some of the best views of the city, and it’s a filming location for The Sound of Music to boot.
One day is enough to visit all the important Sound of Music sites within the city limits of Salzburg. Add another day if you plan to visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Haus der Natur, or if you want to venture outside the city.
If you only have one day, you can focus on the landmarks related to The Sound of Music and have time to spare to browse the markets and pick up a tasty pastry. If you’re very good with time, you should be able to squeeze in either the Haus der Natur or Fortress Hohensalzburg as well, but it can be a little tight if you’re hoping to see everything before closing time.
If you have two full days, you can enjoy not only the Sound of Music attractions, but also the historical sites like the Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Mozart Museum. If you only visit one of those, it should definitely be the fortress. The second day will also give you plenty of time to explore the Haus der Natur without worrying about time.
A sample two-day itinerary for someone staying in Salzburg might look like this:
On day one, set out from Mirabell Palace and visit all the most important Sound of Music sites. Stop at the Do-Re-Mi Steps and Pegasus Fountain in Mirabell Gardens. Take in the city from Panorama Altstadt. Stroll past the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church and check out the exterior of Nonnberg Abbey. Pick up some souvenirs and the city’s famous Mozartkugel snack in the Altermarkt, or sit down for lunch at the historic Cafe Tomaselli. Then, head on back to the Hotel Bristol to wrap up. If there’s a show at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, make a point to get tickets!
The next day, return to the Haus der Natur and explore the natural history exhibits. Then take the funicular up to the Fortress Hohensalzburg and spend a couple of hours exploring the historic site. Finally, return to the city center to visit the Mozart Museum and enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner.
Comfortable Layers: Salzburg’s weather can change throughout the day, and rain is possible year-round. Dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable, and a light jacket, sweater, or compact rain layer is especially useful.
Supportive Footwear: Expect historic streets, cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and some gentle slopes along the route. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip. Avoid slippery soles or thin sandals.
Daypack: A small backpack is handy for carrying essentials like water, snacks, your phone, and a light jacket, keeping your hands free while exploring.
Phone Charger or Power Bank: You’ll be using your phone for navigation, photos, and audio, so a portable charger helps ensure your battery lasts the entire tour.
Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized with a refillable water bottle and light snacks such as granola bars or fruit. Cafés are available along the route, but having something on hand is convenient.