Salzburg isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing film set, a baroque jewel, and one of Europe’s most romantic destinations. Whether you’re chasing The Sound of Music filming locations or simply soaking up Alpine scenery, this Austrian gem delivers at every turn.
The Sound of Music Trail
Salzburg’s most famous export isn’t Mozart—it’s Maria. The Sound of Music filming locations are scattered across the city and surrounding countryside, and visiting them feels like stepping onto the set of a beloved classic. Start at Schloss Hellbrunn, where the iconic gazebo scene was filmed. The gazebo itself is now inside the palace grounds and open to visitors.
From there, head to Schloss Leopoldskron, the lakeside palace used as the von Trapp family home exterior. You can’t enter the building (it’s a hotel), but the view from the lake path is picture-perfect. The formal gardens and surrounding area are gorgeous at any time of year.
Don’t miss Nonnberg Abbey, the real convent where the real Maria lived and where the opening scenes were shot. It’s still an active Benedictine monastery, but visitors are welcome to explore the church. The walk up is steep but worth every step.
Old Town & Baroque Salzburg
Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best-preserved baroque city centres in the world. The narrow lanes of Getreidegasse—Mozart’s birthplace street—are lined with guild signs and boutiques that have traded here for centuries. Pick up a Mozart Kugel (the famous chocolate and marzipan confection) from one of the original Fürst shops.
Climb up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views over the city and the Alps. The funicular makes the ascent easy, and the fortress itself has fascinating exhibits on Salzburg’s medieval history. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light turns the city golden.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens featured heavily in The Sound of Music—it’s where the Do-Re-Mi sequence was filmed on the famous steps. The gardens are free to enter and beautiful year-round, with the fortress as a backdrop for photos that practically take themselves.
Where to Eat & Drink
Salzburg’s food scene goes well beyond schnitzel (though the schnitzel here is exceptional). Café Tomaselli on Alter Markt has been serving coffee and pastries since 1705—order a Verlängerter and a slice of Salzburger Nockerl (a soufflé-style dessert) and watch the world go by. For something heartier, Zum Eulenspiegel near the Mozartplatz serves traditional Austrian dishes in a timber-framed building that dates back to the 15th century.
The Salzburg Christmas Markets (November–December) transform the Old Town into something magical, with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade crafts filling the squares. If you’re visiting in summer, the Salzburg Festival (July–August) brings world-class opera and classical music to the city—book tickets well in advance.
Getting There & Getting Around
Salzburg is well connected by air, with easyJet offering direct flights from several UK airports. The airport sits just 4km west of the city centre — a 20-minute bus ride or a quick taxi to your hotel.
Salzburg’s Old Town is a walker’s dream—compact and car-free. Buses and trams via the Salzburg Card get you everywhere, with free rides and discounts. Rent a bike for scenic paths, or grab a car from Hertz for day trips. Google Maps or ÖBB keeps you on track. For Sound of Music tours and day trips, Viator has excellent options. Check Booking.com for accommodation deals.
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