In 2025, it is 60 years since the film Sound of Music made a breakthrough in large parts of the world. All die-hard fans know that large parts of the film were shot in Salzburg. We went to prob the terrain and look for some of the filming locations that you don’t want to miss. The recognition factor is total and the Sound of music is brought to life.
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Mirabellgarten, where Do-re-mi came to life
There was a beautiful garden in the center of Salzburg where Maria sang with the children. They dance on top of the fountain and jump on the stairs while their joy shines brighter than the sun. This is probably one of the most iconic recording locations in Salzburg and is always crowded. The garden itself is very beautiful and a cozy place to walk around. When you see someone jumping on the stairs or standing on the fountain’s edge, you know it’s about recreating scenes from the movie. However, don’t settle for just the fountain and the stairs, walk around the whole area because it is a beautiful place.
Schloss Leopoldskron, where the children fell into the water
The Von Trapp children have been hard-pressed by their father in terms of upbringing after their mother passed away. Maria is the nanny who comes and fills the children’s lives with light and joy. The scene where Mr. Von Trapp comes home with his girlfriend and the kids fall out of the boat when they see him being filmed here. The two swans that form an opening to the lake are a recurring feature in the film and can be seen in several scenes. And the truth is that the environment is as beautiful in real life as it appears to be in the film. The trees indeed change according to the seasons, but there is always a big recognition factor thanks to the lake and the stately stone habits.
The gazebo in Hellbrunn from the sound of music
There is both dancing and singing, both inside and outside, in this gazebo. It is located in Hellbrunn in real life but in the film, it is on the grounds of the Von Trapp home. Some scenes are filmed here. The inside, however, was filmed in Hollywood. Given that the gazebo is not that big, it was not possible to use it for the singing and dancing scenes. However, all scenes that take place outdoors are filmed at the gazebo in Salzburg. And when you know this, you will definitely see it the next time you watch the movie. Probably a little too little to be able to dance through “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” in it. Today it is a very well-photographed place where fans gather to take a picture of the iconic building.
The church where the wedding took place
At the risk of spoiling the film if anyone, against all odds, hasn’t seen it. Mary and Mr. Von Trapp get married. As it should after such an action in the film. Everyone is satisfied and happy. In the film, it is supposed to be Nonnberg Abbey Church in which the wedding takes place. But the scenes in the church were filmed in Mondsee, outside Salzburg. A small village that doesn’t make much of a fuss apart from really holding tight to the greatness of the film. Inside the church, there is even a shop selling Sound of Music-themed souvenirs. Outside, there are plenty of souvenir shops that also have the same theme. When you enter the church, it’s surprisingly easy to recognize it from the wedding scene. And even if the church is the big draw, the village is worth a walk around.
Residence Fountain
Where Maria Finds Her Self-Confidence It took six years to build the magnificent fountain in the center of the square in the old town of Salzburg. Made of marble, it stands majestically with its horses. It comes in the scene where Maria has to go to the family to take care of the Von Trapp children. Somehow she finds her confidence at this very fountain in the song “I Have Confidence”. The song begins modestly, but right here something happens and the song becomes livelier while Maria transforms into a more confident young woman. She even splashes some water on one of the horses in the fountain. That scene is often seen recreated by tourists who are not satisfied with taking a picture of the marble work, but also splashing water on the horse like the scene in the film.
Where the family hid
St. Peter’s District is a very beautiful sight in the city so it’s no wonder that it would somehow feature in the film. Already in the opening scene, the church is visible and when it is time for the family to hide from the Nazis, they seek shelter among the tombstones. However, parts of that scene were recreated in Hollywood and not filmed on location but a replica was built to facilitate filming. There are also catacombs in the area that are worth visiting if you are in the area in search of filming locations. It is an exciting place and it enhances the experience even more when you are in Salzburg.
There are a lot of fun facts that you probably don’t know about the movie. Both what made it a success and why it was not received so well in its home country.
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