The first notes of The Sound of Music soar, and suddenly you’re looking at sweeping mountains that don’t seem like they belong to this world. Those aren’t painted backdrops or studio tricks—those hills are real. The beloved musical was filmed in Austria, and many of the places you see on screen can still be visited today.
Salzburg: The Heart of the Movie
Most of the filming took place in Salzburg, Austria, a city known for its baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and dramatic Alpine setting. It became the storybook stage for Maria’s journey from the abbey to the von Trapp family.
Key spots in Salzburg include:
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Mirabell Gardens – where the “Do-Re-Mi” number brought music to life.
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Residenzplatz Square – where Maria sings “I Have Confidence” while spinning with excitement.
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Nonnberg Abbey – the real convent where the actual Maria von Trapp spent time before leaving to become a governess.
Today, Salzburg proudly celebrates its connection to the movie with themed tours and fan pilgrimages.
The Von Trapp Villa on Screen
Finding the von Trapp family home wasn’t easy, so the filmmakers combined two locations into one seamless mansion.
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Schloss Leopoldskron – featured for the lakeside terrace and gardens, including the moment when the children topple out of a boat.
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Frohnburg Palace – used for the grand driveway and the elegant exterior.
Together, they created a cinematic illusion of one grand villa where music and family life unfolded.
Where Was The Sound of Music Filmed Outside Salzburg?
The production didn’t stay within city limits. Some of the film’s most breathtaking shots came from Austria’s countryside.
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Mehlweg Meadow in Werfen – Maria’s joyful hilltop spin during the opening sequence.
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Mondsee Cathedral – the dramatic church where Maria and Captain von Trapp marry.
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Hohenwerfen Castle – glimpsed in the distance during the picnic scene.
The Austrian Alps weren’t just a backdrop—they were a character in themselves, giving the movie its unforgettable sense of place.
A Little Hollywood Magic
While Austria provided the setting, not everything could be filmed there. Some interior shots, such as parts of the abbey, were built on sound stages in California.
This balance between real-world filming and studio craft gave the movie a perfect blend of authenticity and Hollywood polish.
Fun Facts About the Filming
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Many extras in the film were Salzburg locals.
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The gazebo for “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” had to be rebuilt indoors because of weather and lighting issues.
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Julie Andrews has shared that helicopters filming the opening made it difficult for her to stay upright while twirling in the meadow.
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The real von Trapp family story differs from the movie—they actually traveled to the U.S. by train and ship, not across the Alps on foot.
Why Do These Locations Still Matter?
Decades later, these filming spots are still magnets for fans. They aren’t just sets frozen in time—they’re working landmarks of Austrian history and culture.
When visitors walk through Mirabell Gardens or stand in the meadow above Werfen, it’s more than a movie moment—it’s stepping into one of cinema’s most enduring landscapes.
My Take
I’ve always thought it’s fascinating that a movie could transform an entire city into a pop culture landmark. Even if you don’t know all the songs by heart, being in Salzburg makes you feel part of something bigger—half history, half Hollywood fairytale.
Conclusion
So, where was The Sound of Music filmed? The answer is mostly Salzburg, Austria, with key moments captured in the surrounding countryside and a few interiors recreated in Hollywood. Those real-life locations gave the film its magical atmosphere, and they continue to draw travelers from around the world.
Would you ever walk the same gardens and mountains that Julie Andrews danced through?