The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria
The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria
By Diane Henderson 5/12/20
I was knee deep in planning our Germany-Czech-Hungary-Austria summer vacation and wanted to share a unique experience in Salzburg with my family. I am not embarrassed to admit that I love the Sound of Music.
I always watch it on Thanksgiving Eve with my mom and grandmother. I love singing the famous tunes on driving trips. I have seen the musical on Broadway. I even had a part in my middle school play as a nun – learning some of the songs in Latin! SO, I booked the Original Sound of Music tour in Salzburg at the conclusion of our 10-day trip to Central Europe. I mean, WHO doesn’t love The Sound of Music? This was the excursion I was most looking forward to and could not wait to share the fun with my family.
The bus tour begins at the Mirabell Palace. It’s hard to miss the bright yellow bus as there is a 12-foot Julie Andrews/Maria mural on each side! The palace gardens’ tunnel was prominently featured with the children dancing and singing “Do Re Mi” and is a great way to start off the tour.
We moved on the Leopoldkron Palace which served as the backyard of the Captain’s residence. Here is where the boats carrying Maria and the kids tipped over. The soggy wet group climbed out of the lake to greet a very upset Captain who then discovered their play clothes were made from old curtains (one of the best moments in the movie).
My favorite stop on the trip was the Hellbrunn Palace where we saw one of Hollywood’s best-known gazebos. It was rebuilt here for the millions of Sound of Music fans. I could just imagine Rolfe and Liesl dancing and leaping in the gazebo before they shared their first kiss. WHHHEEEEEEE!
We drove past the Nonnberg Abbey – an active convent today and where the real Maria was a novice. It is also the sight where Maria and the Captain married in real life.
We continued to the beautiful Salzburg lake district. It was shown at the beginning of the movie and was featured in some of the panoramic shots.
The final stop is in the charming town of Mondsee. Our tour gave us plenty of time for a visit to the Mondsee Cathedral, used as the location for the wedding scene in the movie. This quaint town prides itself in serving the most delicious apple strudel you have ever tasted. We found a charming café across from the Cathedral and savored the beautiful mountain air while delighting in our sweet treat.
The televisions on the tour bus give you the opportunity to watch the famous movie scenes as you drive by the actual film sites. It is lots of fun belting out your favorite tunes with the other participants on the bus. The tour directors are wonderful about getting everyone involved in the singing. Before you know it, you will find yourself in a fun rendition of Do Re Mi or My Favorite Things, even if you cannot carry a tune!!
