Sound of Music Bus Tour

If you are like many visitors to Salzburg, you are a huge fan of The Sound of Music. The wildly popular 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer tells the enchanting story of Maria Kutschera, a young Austrian woman studying to become a nun in Salzburg. Set in 1938, Maria is sent to the home of a widowed Naval officer to be the governess of his seven children. Maria’s spunky personality and non-stop singing prove irresistible to the entire von Trapp family. The result is a three hour heartwarming love story and sing along. Shot primarily in Salzburg, visitors from all over the world long to retrace the steps of the von Trapp family and there is no shortage of tour opportunities to do so. On the surface it may seem like the epitome of tourist activity, but all I can say is “don’t knock it until you have tried it”. If you love the movie, a Sound of Music bus tour is likely one of the biggest bangs you will get for your tourist buck in Salzburg.

For around €40 several companies will sweep you up in a comfortable tour bus and treat you to four hours of sights and singing Sound of Music style. Starting at the Mirabell Gardens you can pop your way up and down the “Do Re Mi” steps and run joyously through the arches before boarding the coach. Surrounded by fans from all over the world, your guide will point out both popular shooting locations and general Austrian historical fun facts and figures. All of the companies follow the same basic route so climb aboard and get ready to sing along!

Sound of Music Tour Highlights

Leopoldskron

The stunning Leopoldskron Palace was built in 1731 by Archbishop Leopold Count Firmian for his family. One of the most beautiful rococo style buildings in Salzburg, Leopoldskron was used for the garden and terrace scenes of the von Trapp family home. Leopoldskron lake is where the children were unceremoniously dumped in the water when their canoe tipped on an outing with Fräulein Maria

 

Nonnberg Abbey

Perched just below the fortress Hohensalzburg, Nonnberg Abbey is where the real Maria Kutschera was a novice from 1923-1926. Founded in 714 A.D., Nonnberg is reputed to be the oldest female convent in the German speaking world. Several scenes were shot at the Abbey and you will find yourself belting out “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” as you stare up at the scarlet onion dome atop the abbey.

 

The Gazebo

Everyone remembers Rolf and Liesl professing young love while dancing around the von Trapp gazebo and every Sound of Music tour makes a stop at the famous pavilion. Originally the gazebo stood on the grounds of Leopoldskron, but so many tourists stopped to photograph the site, it was moved to the grounds of the Hellbrun Palace just south of town. Today the gazebo is locked and the story goes that either a young Japanese school girl or an 80 year old American woman fell off the famous benches while trying to recreate the dancing scene and broke a leg or a hip. Apparently with notice the gazebo can be unlocked for a Sound of Music themed wedding proposal.

Mondsee

When Georg and Maria say their “I do’s” they travel to the picturesque lakeside town of Mondsee to do so. Church bells ring through the region as Maria walks down the long aisle of the baroque basilica St. Michael. You will also travel to Mondsee and as an added bonus, the 30 minute drive provides a stunning backdrop of Austrian countryside out the window.

Book your Sound of Music tour through any of the following companies.

Panorama Tours

Salzburg Sightseeing Tours

Bobs Tours