⛰️ The Hills Are Alive: A Self-Guided Sound of Music Tour
The Sound of Music Trail in Werfen, Austria
The Sound of Music Trail in Werfen, Austria
While most visitors (including us on previous trips) pile onto crowded tour buses to see the sights of the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music, for this trip, we decided to take the wheel ourselves. Going self-guided meant we could move at our own pace and reach the iconic spots that the big coaches literally cannot fit into. Here is how we structured our perfect DIY tour.
Day 1: Lakeside Romance and Park Sunsets
We kicked off our journey with an afternoon visit to Mondsee. This charming town is home to the Basilika St. Michael, the stunning location used for the movie's wedding ceremony. We started here as it made logistical sense before heading into the heart of Salzburg. Because we were traveling at our own pace, we were able to have lunch at Wirtskultur in town and take a walk to Mondsee Lake.
Exterior Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee, Austria
Interior Basilika St. Michael in Mondsee, Austria
Mondsee, Austria
Lake Mondsee, Austria
After checking into the Imlauer Hotel, Pitter and as the sun began to set, we headed for an evening stroll through Mirabell Gardens, stopping for photos at the Pegasus Fountain and the Do-Re-Me steps. For dinner, we returned to the hotel for a casual dinner at PitterKeller.
Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg, Austria
Pegasus Fountain, Mirabell Gardens
Do-Re-Me Steps, Mirabell Gardens
Day 2: Hillsides, Gates, Gazebos, and the Abbey
The following day was mountain views and the von Trapp family residences. We started at the Schloss Frohnburg Gate, which any fan will recognize as the front of the Von Trapp villa. Because we were in our own car, we could stop for photos at this narrow roadside spot that big buses often have to breeze past.
Schloss Frohnburg Gate, Salzburg, Austria
From there, we checked off a few more essentials:
The Sound of Music Trail (Werfen): The famous "Do-Re-Me" picnic meadow in the hills. Here you can take pictures of yourself in the meadow scene and take in the views of the Austrian Alps. The tour buses do not stop here, but it was a highlight for us. We drove up to the top, but there is a trail from town.
The Gazebo: Now located at Schloss Hellbrunn, this is where "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" came to life. Viewing the Gazebo and the gardens is free, but there is an entrance fee for Schloss Hellbrunn and the trick fountains. However, it was not yet open in March.
The Lake House: We made a specific stop to photograph Schloss Leopoldskron from across the water. This was the setting for the "back" of the house and that famous lakeside terrace.
The Sound of Music Trail, Werfen, Austria
The Gazebo from Sound of Music
Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria
We ended our tour with a quiet, late afternoon walk through the Mirabell Gardens and then up to Nonnberg Abbey. Standing before the gates of the real-life Maria’s convent as the evening grew still was a powerful way to connect the Hollywood magic with the true history of the family. Nearby is St. Peter’s Cemetery, the atmospheric spot that inspired the dramatic escape scene. Dinner was at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, widely considered the oldest restaurant in Europe.
Exterior Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg, Austria
Interior Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg, Austria
View from Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg, Austria
5 Tips for a Self-Guided Sound of Music Tour
Beat the Bus Schedules: Most tour buses arrive at Mirabell Gardens between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Aim for sunrise or sunset strolls to have the Pegasus Fountain mostly to yourself.
To Visit Leopoldskron: Skip the main entrance and park on König-Ludwig-Straße for the best lakeside photo. If time permits, and they are open, take in the views while having a bite and drinks at Max im WeiherWirt.
Download the Soundtrack: Have your favorite 🎶 tracks downloaded to your phone to play as you drive between the city and Mondsee. It makes the transition between sites feel like a movie montage.
The Gazebo is Free: You don't need a ticket for the Hellbrunn "Trick Fountains" to see the Gazebo. It is located in the public park area, which is free to enter and perfect for a quick photo stop.
Wear Walking Shoes: Even with a car, you will be doing plenty of walking (especially the incline up to Nonnberg Abbey). The cobblestones in the Old Town are beautiful but notoriously unforgiving.
💬 Do you have any tips for self-guided tours? Share in the comments.
