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The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg Austria in 1964 with a crew of 250. It was this particular company, Panorama Tours, that took the crew members to their various locations! So they know their stuff!
The Sound of Music tour was a bucket list item for me. It was a day trip from Munich for us, so we had limited time and wanted to pack in as much as we could.
We considered exploring the filming locations on our own, but after a lot of research, we decided to join an organized tour. Although it’s a 4-hour bus tour, I’m so glad we went that route and it was absolutely worth it!
About the Sound of Music
The Sound of Music was originally released as a musical on Broadway in 1964 by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The story was inspired by the true story of the Von Trapp family that fled Austria during World War II.
The film, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was released in 1965 and became one of the highest grossing films of all time. The film has won five Oscars, including Best Picture, and several Tony Awards.
I’ve watched this movie so many times, I’ve lost count. The movie is a tradition and staple in our culture. It’s inspired many adaptations and even some parodies.
In 2025, Salzburg is celebrating 60 Years of the Sound of Music with many more offerings to celebrate this milestone. In 2026 a new Sound of Music museum will open!
Fun Fact – Most Austrians haven’t even seen the movie and don’t understand its popularity.
The Original Sound of Music Tour by Panorama Tours Details
The Sound of Music tour runs twice a day at 9am and 2:15pm. It runs about 4 hours and costs 60 Euros. Transportation is by bus. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance as this popular tour does sell out!
Getting there
The tour leaves from Panorama Tours Bus Terminal, Mirabellplatz/Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. I found it easy to reach from the train station – about a 15 minute walk towards Mirabell Gardens.
Tour Stops
Mirabell Gardens & Palace
During the “Do Re Mi” sequence, Maria and the children danced atop the Pegasus Fountain and ran joyfully through the hedge tunnel. The song’s finale features Maria singing on the grand garden steps.
Also nestled within the gardens is the whimsical Dwarf Garden, where Maria and the children playfully tap the head of one of the charming statues. The Dwarf Garden is closed during winter months.
The gardens are very close to where the tour starts and ends. This stop is actually the last stop on the tour or you can go a little early to wander around, see the gardens, and recreate the filming locations.
I had a little fun recreating some scenes from the Sound of Music at Mirabell Gardens!
You can also go inside the palace, which is now mostly administrative offices. Inside you can see the beautiful angel staircase and marble hall.
The palace is open most days except Sunday. Times vary since these are working offices. The gardens are open 6am to dusk, with parts of the gardens closed in winter. Admission is free to both the gardens and the palace.
Schloss Leopoldskron
Schloss Leopoldskron, or what was the Captain’s house in the movie, is now a luxury hotel. It is not open to the public unless you’re a guest.
As a result, this stop offers a scenic view of the estate from across the lake. From here, you can spot the iconic steps and balcony featured in several memorable scenes from the film.
Remember the Captain watching Maria from the balcony and the children falling out of their canoes into the lake after their fun adventures with Maria in town?
If you are a guest of the hotel you are able to see the inside, including the grand and ornate ballroom the inspired the elegant party scene in the movie.
Hellbrunn Palace
The Gazebo featured in the “16 Going on 17” and “Something Good” scenes is located at the Hellbrunn Palace. Interestingly, this isn’t its original spot—it was relocated after fans began trespassing on private property just to see it.
Although access to the Gazebo is restricted due to a safety incident involving a tourist a few years ago, it remains one of my favorite stops on the tour!
Although not a part of the movie, Hellbrunn Palace is famous for its trick fountains, which are open from late March to early November.
Church Mondsee & Town Mondsee
This is the church where the Captain and Maria get married. The church was founded in 748 and housed a former monastery. Once inside the church, take your time to admire the stunning architecture.
Be sure not to miss the magnificent organ pipes at the back, along the balcony!
This is the longest stop on the tour and gives you time to buy souvenirs, get a snack, and tour the church. We also walked around town and visited a beautiful park with a lake and alpine views after touring the church.
View of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgangsee
The tour stopped at a breathtaking vista point that overlooks St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgangsee from the opening scene of the movie. This was probably one of the best views of the Austrian Alps along the way.
I didn’t know we were stopping there so it was a lovely, unexpected surprise.
Additional Sights
- Although we did not stop, our tour guides also pointed out the yellow wall that Maria danced by on her way to the Captain’s home.
- We passed by Nonnberg Convent where Maria was a novice.
Ready to Book? Check out the available tour dates below. Free cancellation within 24 hours of the tour start!
So why was The Original Sound of Music tour worth it?
- You get to see a lot of the city and the countryside.
- Many of the filming locations are also main tourist destinations.
- There are ample stops and bathrooms available along the way.
- It’s all planned out for you.
- You visit some destinations that would be difficult to reach without a car.
- The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the movie and Salzburg history.
- If you are a huge fan of the movie; yes they show clips on the bus between stops and yes some sing along.
Want to add in a dinner with Schnitzel and Noodle after the tour, book this combo ticket. Check Dates and prices below. Free cancellation within 24 hours before the tour.
Final Thoughts
While there are certainly more filming locations to explore in Salzburg or delve into more deeply, I feel the Sound of Music Tour Salzburg gave me a great sense of the city in general and its iconic Sound of Music filming locations.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Want to spend more time in Salzburg? I created these guides to Salzburg too!
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 20 Things to Know Before You Go!
