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Top things to do in Salzburg

Berchtesgaden lake with mountain reflections and lush greenery.
Salt Mine Tours
Mirabell Palace interior with ornate ceiling, chandelier, and large windows in Salzburg, Austria.
Mirabell Palace

Relive The Sound of Music in the city where it was filmed

Follow in the footsteps of Maria, the von Trapp family, and their unforgettable songs as you visit the real-life filming locations set against Salzburg’s breathtaking alpine scenery. From Mirabell Gardens to the rolling hills that came alive on screen, these tours bring one of cinema’s most beloved musicals vividly to life.

Quick overview

  • Ways to explore: All tickets are guided Sound of Music tours with expert commentary, covering Salzburg city highlights and original filming locations by coach and short walks.
  • Additional access: Combo tickets bundle the Sound of Music tour with either the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines or a Hallstatt day trip, saving 2 to 3 hours of separate transport planning and avoiding multiple tour bookings or return transfers.
  • Unique experiences: Salt Mine combos include mine trains, Mirror Lake rafting, and the Salt Cathedral; Hallstatt combos offer free time in a UNESCO lakeside village.
  • Queues & access: Tours use timed departures with reserved access; there are no attraction queues, but Salt Mine entry is managed in small groups.
  • When to book: Combo tours sell out fastest from May to September, with July and August often selling out a week or more in advance; reserve at least 3 to 5 days early in shoulder season.
  • Good to know: Most tickets offer free cancellation within 24–72 hours; durations range from 4 hours to full-day trips.
  • Best upgrade: If unsure, choose the Sound of Music plus Salt Mine combo for the biggest contrast and best full-day value.

[Compare all tickets and combos ↓]

Compare the best Sound of Music tours in Salzburg

ExperienceDurationIncludesGuideBest forWhy pick thisStarts from
Original Sound of Music tour

~4 hours

Guided tour of Salzburg & countryside, Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Palace, Lake District, Mondsee church, AC transfers

Expert English-speaking guide

First-time visitors, limited time

Covers all iconic filming locations in half a day with live commentary & music

€60

Sound of Music + Salt Mine

~8 hours

Original Sound of Music tour + entry to Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, mine train, Mirror Lake raft, Salt Cathedral, transfers

English-speaking guide for both tours

Curious travelers, families, full-day planners

Combines movie history with a unique underground experience, saving separate transport & planning

€120

Sound of Music + Hallstatt

~9.5 hours

Original Sound of Music tour + Hallstatt day trip, scenic Salzkammergut drive, free time in Hallstatt

English-speaking guide

Nature enthusiasts, photographers

Adds a UNESCO-listed lakeside village & alpine views to the movie tour

€120

Vienna: Sound of Music tour

~12.5 hours

Round-trip transport from Vienna, guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, walking tour, hotel pickup

Professional driver-guide

Vienna-based travelers

Visit Salzburg and filming locations in one day without changing hotels

€129

What to expect on a Sound of Music tour

Sound of Music tour bus with passengers boarding in Salzburg, Austria.
1/7

Arrival and first impressions

Meet your guide in central Salzburg and board a comfortable coach, leaving the old town behind as Baroque rooftops give way to open countryside and lakes.

City filming locations

Walk through Mirabell Gardens and pause by the Pegasus Fountain, where clipped hedges and mountain backdrops echo the film’s opening rhythm and movement.

Story behind the scenes

Listen as your guide shares how the movie was made and how it differs from the real von Trapp family story, adding context as you pass Nonnberg Abbey and Leopoldskron Palace.

Countryside and Lake District

Drive through the Salzburg Lake District, where quiet water, changing light, and alpine slopes recreate the film’s outdoor scenes and set a slower pace.

Signature stop in Mondsee

Step inside the Mondsee church, where the wedding scene was filmed, and notice the contrast between its light-filled interior and the surrounding village calm.

What upgrades change

​Combo tickets extend the day either underground at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines with mine trains and Mirror Lake, or above ground with free time in Hallstatt’s lakeside streets.

Wrap-up

Return to Salzburg after a half day or full day with a deeper understanding of the city, having seen both the filming locations and the landscapes that shaped the story.

Things to know before booking Sound of Music tours

  • Booking window and demand: Sound of Music tours run on fixed departure times and regularly sell out from May to September, especially combo tours; July and August dates often fill 7 to 10 days ahead, so booking early matters.
  • Entry type and queues: All tickets include reserved, guided departures, meaning you skip ticket-purchase lines; there may still be brief waits at stops like Mondsee or the Salt Mines due to group entry timing.
  • What’s included: Every ticket covers guided visits to key filming locations such as Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, the Lake District, and Mondsee, with transport by air-conditioned coach; meals and personal expenses are not included.
  • Ways to explore: Tours are fully guided, with live commentary, songs, and filming anecdotes that explain what you’re seeing and why it matters; without a guide, many locations would feel disconnected or easy to miss.
  • Salt Mine vs Hallstatt combos: Salt Mine combos focus on a structured, hands-on experience with mine trains, Mirror Lake rafting, and fixed entry times, while Hallstatt combos offer scenic travel and free time to explore the village at your own pace.
  • Duration and pacing: The standard tour lasts about 4 hours, while combo tickets extend the day to 8 to 9.5 hours; Vienna day trips run 12+ hours and are best if you prefer a single long excursion.
  • Transfers and logistics: Salzburg tours start at the Panorama Tours Bus Terminal near Mirabellplatz; Vienna tours depart from Albertinaplatz with hotel pickup included for central locations.
  • Policies and accessibility: Most tickets allow free cancellation within 24 to 72 hours; some locations involve steps and uneven surfaces, and Salt Mine tours require wearing provided protective clothing.
  • Choosing the right ticket: If you’re undecided, the Sound of Music plus Salt Mine combo is the safest upgrade, adding a completely different experience while keeping the day well structured and easy to follow.

The Sound of Music tour highlights

A story-led journey through Salzburg

Sound of Music tours are guided storytelling experiences that weave together film history, local culture, and the true story of the von Trapp family, with local experts adding context that brings each place meaningfully to life.

Behind-the-scenes stories & trivia

Knowledgeable guides share fascinating details about the film, the real von Trapp family, and how Salzburg became forever linked with one of cinema’s most beloved musicals. Expect fun facts and filming secrets that add depth to every location.

Scenic routes & picture-perfect views

The journey itself is a highlight, taking you through Salzburg’s countryside and Lake District with panoramic views throughout the drive. These scenic stretches offer plenty of photo opportunities and showcase the landscapes that made the film so visually iconic.

Sing-along moments & nostalgic fun

Many tours embrace the joyful spirit of the movie with optional sing-alongs, musical snippets, and playful moments that create a relaxed, fun group dynamic, without feeling over-the-top or forced.

Comfort, convenience, & easy planning

With round-trip transportation, curated stops, and a well-paced itinerary, Sound of Music tours make it easy to see the highlights without worrying about logistics. Whether you choose a half-day tour from Salzburg or a full-day trip from Vienna, everything is designed for a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Appeals beyond film fans

Even if you’re not a die-hard Sound of Music fan, these tours double as an engaging introduction to Salzburg’s history, landscapes, and countryside, making them a rewarding experience for couples, families, and first-time visitors alike.

Sound of Music filming locations you’ll visit

Mirabell Garden in Salzburg with geometric flower beds and view of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Mirabell Gardens & Pegasus Fountain

Stroll through the perfectly manicured Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children skipped between statues and fountains during the iconic ‘Do-Re-Mi’ sequence. The Pegasus Fountain and garden steps remain instantly recognizable, making this one of the most photographed stops on the tour.

Plan your Sound of Music tour

Sound of Music tours run year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season. Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the most popular time to go, offering mild weather, green landscapes, and clear views of the Alps, ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Summer (June to August) brings the warmest temperatures and the longest days, making it perfect for full-day tours and countryside stops, though it’s also the busiest period. Spring and early autumn strike a balance between comfortable weather and fewer crowds, while winter tours offer a quieter, atmospheric experience with snow-dusted scenery, though some stops may be shorter due to weather conditions.

For the best overall experience, morning departures are recommended, as they tend to be less crowded and allow more time to enjoy each location at a relaxed pace.

  • On foot: If you’re staying in Salzburg’s Old Town, the Panorama Tours Bus Terminal at Mirabellplatz is an easy 10 to 15-minute walk across the Salzach River.
  • Public transport: Several local buses stop near Mirabellplatz in Salzburg, while Vienna’s Albertinaplatz is directly connected via Karlsplatz station on U1, U2, and U4 lines.
  • Taxi or rideshare: Taxis are a convenient option in both cities and can drop you close to each meeting point; allow extra time during morning rush hours.
  • Hotel pickup (Vienna only): Select Vienna tours include pickup from centrally located hotels, removing the need to reach Albertinaplatz on your own.
  • By car: If driving, plan to park in a nearby public garage, as on-street parking around Mirabellplatz and Albertinaplatz is limited and time-restricted.
  • Air-conditioned transport: Travel between filming locations in a comfortable, climate-controlled coach or minibus, suitable for longer countryside drives.
  • Onboard seating: Reserved seating ensures a relaxed ride between stops, with space to enjoy views of the Lake District and alpine scenery.
  • Professional tour guides: English-speaking guides provide live narration, manage timings, and assist with questions throughout the tour.
  • Protective clothing (Salt Mine tours): Overalls are provided at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines to keep clothing clean and warm during underground sections.
  • Restroom access: Scheduled stops at key locations such as Mondsee, Hallstatt, or the Salt Mine include access to public restroom facilities.
  • Luggage storage: Small bags and backpacks can be brought on board, but large luggage is not accommodated on these tours.
  • Coach accessibility: Tour vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and boarding typically requires climbing a few steps, which may be challenging for wheelchair users.
  • Walking surfaces: Stops such as Mirabell Gardens and Mondsee involve cobblestones, gravel paths, and uneven ground that can be difficult to navigate with mobility aids.
  • Salt Mine access: The Berchtesgaden Salt Mines are not wheelchair accessible and involve stairs, narrow tunnels, mine trains, and a raft crossing.
  • Hallstatt visit: Hallstatt’s lakeside paths and historic streets include slopes and uneven surfaces, with limited step-free access in some areas.
  • Guide assistance: Guides can offer pacing adjustments and assistance where possible, but cannot provide physical support or mobility equipment.
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: A hilltop fortress overlooking Salzburg’s old town, offering wide views over rooftops and the Alps; reach it in about 15 minutes on foot or via the Festungsbahn funicular** from Kapitelplatz.
  • Mozart’s Birthplace (Getreidegasse): The composer’s original home, now a museum tracing his early life and music; it’s a 10 to 12-minute walk from Mirabell Gardens through the old town.
  • Salzburg Cathedral: A grand Baroque cathedral with a calm, echoing interior and historic crypt; walk there in around 15 minutes from Mirabellplatz across the river.
  • St. Peter’s Cemetery and Abbey: A quiet, rock-cut cemetery with chapels set into the cliff, also used as a filming location backdrop; it’s a short 15-minute walk from central Salzburg tour drop-off points.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Sit on the right side of the coach to enjoy clearer views of Leopoldskron Palace and several countryside filming locations during scenic drive sections.
  • Wear shoes with a good grip when walking through Mirabell Gardens, as gravel paths and steps can be slippery after rain or in the early morning.
  • Step into Mondsee church first if you want to see the wedding interior, as time here is limited and crowds tend to gather outside.
  • Some filming locations, including Leopoldskron Palace, are viewed only from the outside due to private ownership, so do not expect interior access at every stop.
  • Carry a light layer with you, since temperatures near the Salzburg Lake District and Mondsee often feel cooler than in the city, even in summer.
  • Guides may invite guests to sing along during parts of the tour, but participation is optional, and remaining seated and listening is perfectly acceptable.
  • On Hallstatt combo tours, head uphill or along the lakeside paths as soon as you arrive;**** you’ll find better viewpoints, quieter streets, and more time to explore at your own pace.
  • Even though protective overalls are provided on Salt Mine tours, wear long trousers and closed shoes due to cool temperatures and dusty surfaces underground.
  • Bring some cash for small cafés or public restrooms near rural stops, as card payment is not always accepted.

Frequently asked questions about The Sound of Music tours in Salzburg

Do Sound of Music tours include all the main filming locations?

Yes, all Sound of Music tours cover the key filming locations around Salzburg, including Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, the Lake District, Hellbrunn Palace, and the Mondsee Church.

Are these tours guided?

Yes, all Sound of Music tours are led by expert English-speaking guides who connect each filming location with behind-the-scenes stories, local history, and context you would likely miss on your own.

What is the difference between the standard tour and combo tickets?

The standard tour runs for about 4 hours and covers the main filming locations, while combo tickets turn it into a full-day experience by adding either the hands-on Salt Mine visit or unstructured free time in Hallstatt.

Do combo tours include transportation between all stops?

Yes, all combo tickets include round-trip transportation from Salzburg, removing the need to arrange trains, buses, or return transfers.

How much free time do I get on the Hallstatt combo tour?

The Hallstatt combo includes around 2 to 2.5 hours of free time to explore the village at your own pace.

Are tours suitable for children?

Yes, tours are family-friendly, though Salt Mine tours involve stairs and underground sections that may not be suitable for very young children.

Do tours run in bad weather?

Yes, tours operate year-round in most weather conditions, with coaches and indoor stops ensuring the experience continues comfortably.

Where do the tours start from?

Salzburg tours depart from the Panorama Tours Bus Terminal near Mirabellplatz, while Vienna day trips start at Albertinaplatz with hotel pickup included for central locations.

Is the Sound of Music tour suitable if I haven’t seen the movie?

Yes, guides provide enough context and storytelling for the experience to be enjoyable even if you are not familiar with the film.