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The Sound of Music tour had been on my bucket list for years, and it was even better than I imagined. We took it as a day trip from Munich, determined to make the most of our time in Salzburg, and this experience did not disappoint. It felt like stepping into one of my favorite films brought to life, full of history, charm, and a little movie magic.
The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg Austria in 1964 with a crew of 250. This is the very same company, Panorama Tours, that transported the cast and crew to their filming locations! So they know their stuff!
We considered exploring the locations on our own, but after some research decided to join an organized tour. Although it’s a four-hour bus tour, I’m so glad we went that route. It was absolutely worth it!
This post will walk you through all the stops on the tour, share photos of what you’ll see, and include a few helpful tips along the way. Do-Re-Mi, let’s go!
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
The Sound of Music tour runs twice a day at 9am and 2:15pm. It’s 4 hours long 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.
💡Tip: Save the map below to your phone or Google account, add your location, and you’ll get instant walking directions to the tour’s starting point!
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? These scenes were filmed here.
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.
💡Tip: There is a single park bathroom at this location.
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 for the Gazebo. It was relocated after fans began trespassing on private property just to see it.
Access to the inside of 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. There isn’t time on the tour to see the palace, but it’s worth a trip back if you have time.
💡Tip: There are bathrooms at this location.
View of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgangsee
Along the route, the tour stops 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.
Church Mondsee & Town Mondsee
Church Mondsee is the filming location where the Captain and Maria get married. The church was founded in 748 and once 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 walked around town and visited a beautiful park with a lake and alpine views after touring the church.
Additional Sights
- Although we did not stop, our tour guides 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.
There are definitely more filming locations around town to visit, but this tour gives you a great overview of the Sound of Music filming locations and it’s all done for you. Some of these places would be hard to reach without a car.
Ready to Book?
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? This combo ticket does both. Free cancellation within 24 hours before the tour.
Final Thoughts
I expected a simple movie tour, but it turned into a scenic and nostalgia-filled adventure through Salzburg and the Austrian countryside. The mountain views, charming stops, and a little sing-along or two, felt like stepping right into the story I’ve loved for years. These truly are a few of my favorite things.
If The Sound of Music holds a special place in your heart, this tour is an absolute must. Even if you’re not a superfan, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to see Salzburg. You’ll probably find yourself humming “Do-Re-Mi” long after the bus ride ends.
I hope you found this Sound of Music Tour review helpful for planning your trip. Drop me an email if you have any questions. TravelandTinsel@gmail.com I love to hear from readers.
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