Salzburg Sound of Music and City Highlights Audio Guided Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Located near Salzburg Airport, Hangar-7 is a striking glass-and-steel building displaying historic Flying Bulls aircraft, Formula 1 racing cars, motorcycles and contemporary art. The exhibits can change because some vehicles remain operational, making this an optional modern contrast to Salzburg’s historic and cinematic landmarks.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Residenzbrunnen

  The enormous marble fountain is the visual centre of Residenzplatz. Its energetic composition of horses, marine figures and an Atlas-like figure creates one of Salzburg’s grandest public scenes, while its movie connection makes it instantly familiar to Sound of Music fans.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  Set within the walls of the St. Peter’s complex, this historic restaurant combines monastic surroundings with contemporary Austrian dining. It can serve as a memorable meal stop, particularly for visitors who want to experience Salzburg’s culinary and musical traditions together.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Makartplatz

  This refined city square connects Mirabell Gardens with the Salzach River. Important buildings around it include Mozart’s Residence, the Salzburg State Theatre, Trinity Church and Hotel Bristol, making it a useful transition point between Salzburg’s musical and cinematic stories.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  This narrow Old Town passage leads through a historic shopping district near Getreidegasse and the former civic hospital. The lane provides an atmospheric transition between the Mönchsberg area, Salzburg’s traditional market streets and the Festival District.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Felsenreitschule

  Carved directly into the Mönchsberg rock, this extraordinary performance venue is lined with tiered arcades. It became the setting for the von Trapp family’s dramatic festival performance near the end of the film and remains an active Salzburg Festival venue.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 7

  This long staircase climbs from the Festival District toward Mönchsberg. Its approximately 220 steps and elevated platforms provide unusual views over the Felsenreitschule, St. Peter’s district and nearby rooftops, although visitors should be prepared for a steady ascent.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8

  This historic lane leads from the cathedral district toward the lower station of the fortress funicular. As visitors approach, Fortress Hohensalzburg rises dramatically above the street, creating one of the most impressive perspectives in the Old Town.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  The fortress funicular provides the quickest and easiest route to Fortress Hohensalzburg. Operating since the 19th century, it is Austria’s oldest funicular still in service and reaches the upper station in roughly 80 seconds.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 10
  Fortress Hohensalzburg

  This vast medieval fortress has watched over Salzburg for centuries and remains the city’s dominant landmark. Its courtyards, defensive structures, museums and viewing terraces reveal Salzburg’s political history while providing panoramic views of the Old Town, Salzach River and Alps.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 11
  Stift Nonnberg

  This historic Benedictine convent is where both the real Maria and the film’s story begin. Exterior scenes were filmed around the abbey, including Maria’s return and the nuns’ discussions about her future, while its hilltop position creates a peaceful atmosphere above the Old Town.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 12

  Kaigasse is a narrow historic street running beneath the fortress and Nonnberg Abbey. Its colourful façades, small courtyards and quieter atmosphere provide an attractive route back toward Mozartplatz and the central Old Town.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 13
  Mozartplatz

  The centrepiece of this spacious square is the monument to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Surrounded by historic buildings and located beside Residenzplatz, the square provides a natural place to introduce Mozart’s connection to Salzburg and the city’s international musical identity.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 14

  This riverside street connects Makartplatz with several important cultural buildings. As visitors walk along it, they pass close to the Salzach, the Mozarteum and the Salzburg Marionette Theatre before approaching the bridges into the Old Town.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 15

  One of Salzburg’s principal river crossings, Staatsbrücke links the Mirabell side with the historic Old Town. The bridge offers open views toward the riverfront buildings, church towers and Fortress Hohensalzburg and marks the transition into Salzburg’s pedestrian centre.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 16
  Schloss Frohnburg

  The yellow façade and imposing gates of Frohnburg Palace represented the front entrance of the von Trapp family home. This is where Maria arrives to meet the family, although the lakeside rear of the movie house was filmed at a different palace. The itinerary should focus on the public exterior and gates.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 17

  This main road leads south from central Salzburg toward the residential districts and the palace locations outside the Old Town. It functions primarily as a route transition between Nonnberg, Frohnburg and the southern Sound of Music sites.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 18

  This quieter residential street helps connect the route with the Leopoldskron area. Visitors should follow the navigation carefully, as the palace’s most recognizable public view is generally reached from the path beside Leopoldskroner Weiher.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 19
  Grunmarkt

  Located around Universitätsplatz, Grünmarkt has been part of Salzburg’s daily life for more than 150 years. Its stalls sell fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, flowers and regional products, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the city beyond its monuments and movie locations.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 20

  Built as a pleasure palace for Salzburg’s prince-archbishops, Hellbrunn is known for its landscaped grounds and playful trick fountains. For Sound of Music visitors, it is also the present home of the famous glass pavilion associated with the movie.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 21

  This is the practical arrival point for visiting Hellbrunn Palace, its gardens and the pavilion. From the parking area, visitors can continue on foot toward the palace entrance and follow signs for the park and Sound of Music gazebo.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 22

  This pedestrian bridge is known for its collection of love locks and panoramic views along the Salzach. It provides an attractive approach to the Old Town, with the fortress, church towers and colourful riverside façades visible from the crossing.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 23

  Salzburg’s large natural-history and science museum contains more than 7,000 square metres of exhibits. Visitors can explore an aquarium, dinosaurs, space displays, the human body, technology demonstrations and interactive science exhibits, making this an excellent optional stop for families.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 24

  The lift carries visitors from the Old Town to the top of Mönchsberg in about 30 seconds. At the upper station, visitors reach panoramic terraces, walking paths and the Museum der Moderne, with wide views across Salzburg and the surrounding mountains.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 25

  This small fountain stop introduces the enclosed courtyards of the St. Peter’s district. It provides a quiet place to pause and observe the monastic architecture before continuing toward the church, cemetery, bakery and Festival District.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 26

  Located within the historic St. Peter’s surroundings, this decorative fountain adds to the secluded character of the abbey courtyards. The stop helps visitors appreciate the peaceful world hidden behind Salzburg’s busier cathedral squares.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 27

  The abbey church belongs to one of the oldest continuously existing monasteries in the German-speaking world. Its interior combines centuries of architectural styles, while the surrounding monastery, cemetery and courtyards form one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric historic ensembles.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 28

  This small commemorative drinking fountain is an easily overlooked piece of Salzburg’s streetscape. Dating from the early 19th century, it offers visitors a practical refreshment point while highlighting the historic public fountains found throughout the Old Town.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 29
  Alter Markt

  Salzburg’s Old Marketplace was established as a commercial centre during the Middle Ages. Today it is an intimate square enclosed by historic townhouses, traditional shops and cafés, offering a quieter atmosphere than the neighbouring shopping streets.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 30
  Mozart's Birthplace

  The bright yellow house at Getreidegasse 9 is where Wolfgang Amadé Mozart was born in 1756. Its museum explores his childhood, family, early musical development and personal life through original instruments, documents, portraits and household objects.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 31
  Mirabellgarden

  These formal gardens are among the most recognizable filming locations from The Sound of Music. Visitors can follow the paths used by Maria and the children during “Do-Re-Mi” while enjoying fountains, statues, flower beds and a carefully framed view of Salzburg Cathedral and Fortress Hohensalzburg.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 32
  Pegasus Fountain

  The copper-winged horse at the centre of this fountain is one of the garden’s most memorable features. Maria and the children dance around the fountain during “Do-Re-Mi,” linking the elegant Baroque garden directly to one of the movie’s happiest scenes.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 33
  Mirabell Palace

  Begin outside this elegant Baroque palace, one of Salzburg’s best-known landmarks. The Marble Hall inside is celebrated as a concert and wedding venue, while the palace entrance provides an easy meeting point for exploring the gardens and nearby Sound of Music locations.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 34

  Four dramatic groups of statues surround the central garden fountain, representing earth, water, air and fire. The sculptures add movement and theatricality to the garden and appear as Maria and the children make their way through Mirabell during “Do-Re-Mi.”

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 35
  PFERDESCHWEMME - HORSE WELL

  This elaborate horse pond was originally used to wash the ceremonial horses of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops. The horse-tamer statue and painted backdrop appear during Maria and the children’s carriage journey through Salzburg in the movie.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 36
  Grosses Festspielhaus

  The Large Festival Hall is one of the principal venues of the Salzburg Festival. Its broad façade and immense auditorium represent Salzburg’s status as an international performance centre; entry to the interior generally requires a guided tour or event ticket.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 37

  The glass gazebo is associated with “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Something Good.” Now located in the grounds of Hellbrunn, it has become one of Salzburg’s most popular movie-related photo stops and an essential location for fans of the film.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 38
  Schloss Leopoldskron

  The lakeside terrace and rear façade of this Rococo palace represented the back of the von Trapp family home. Several memorable garden and boating scenes were filmed beside the water. Because the palace operates as a hotel and event venue, most itineraries use the public viewpoint across the lake.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 39

  This elevated pedestrian route connects the fortress area with Nonnberg Abbey. The path provides quieter views over the southern Old Town and allows visitors to approach the abbey in a way that feels separated from the busier streets below.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 40
  Mozartsteg

  This graceful pedestrian bridge crosses the Salzach near Mozartplatz. It offers open views toward the Old Town, fortress and riverfront while providing a quieter crossing than Salzburg’s larger road bridges.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 41
  Salzburg Marionette Theater

  Salzburg’s historic puppet theatre has entertained audiences for more than a century with detailed marionette productions of operas, fairy tales and musicals. Its repertoire includes a marionette version of The Sound of Music, making it an especially relevant optional evening activity.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 42
  Mönchsberg

  This wooded ridge rises immediately above Salzburg’s historic centre. Its elevated paths provide peaceful walks, old fortifications and changing viewpoints over the Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Alps, offering a quieter contrast to the busy streets below.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 43

  Salzburg’s historic centre is celebrated for its Baroque squares, medieval lanes, churches, courtyards and fortress views. Walking through the Altstadt connects the city’s Mozart heritage, Salzburg Festival traditions and Sound of Music filming locations within a compact area.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 44

  Hidden beside the abbey and cemetery, this traditional bakery has written records extending back to the 12th century. Its bread is still produced in a historic setting, making the bakery an appealing short stop for a snack and a glimpse of Salzburg’s working traditions.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 45
  Hotel Bristol Salzburg

  This historic hotel overlooks Makartplatz and represents Salzburg’s tradition of elegant European hospitality. It is also a convenient concluding landmark for the walking portion of the tour because it stands close to Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Residence and the river.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 46

  This broad square lies between Salzburg Cathedral and the fortress hill. It offers one of the clearest ground-level views of Fortress Hohensalzburg and is animated by market stalls, oversized chess pieces, the Kapitel fountain and contemporary public art.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 47

  Created by German artist Stephan Balkenhol, Sphaera depicts a male figure standing on an enormous golden sphere. The modern sculpture creates a striking contrast with the Baroque architecture and medieval fortress surrounding Kapitelplatz.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 48

  Cathedral Square is enclosed by the cathedral, the former archiepiscopal Residence and part of St. Peter’s complex. It is also the traditional setting for the Salzburg Festival’s production of Jedermann, giving the square an important place in the city’s theatrical history.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 49
  Salzburg Cathedral

  This monumental early-Baroque cathedral dominates Salzburg’s historic religious centre. Visitors can admire its twin towers, vast dome, ornate interior and baptismal font associated with Mozart, while the surrounding squares reveal the former power of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 50
  Residenzplatz

  This monumental Baroque square formed part of the political and ceremonial centre of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops. It is enclosed by the Old Residence, New Residence, Salzburg Cathedral and historic townhouses and appears during the family’s carriage ride in The Sound of Music.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
• Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
• At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
• Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
• Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.

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