The Sound of Music: Salzburg With the Original Cast

“The hills fill my heart with the sound of music…” is one of the many iconic lyrics we all know and love, sung by Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp in the classic 1965 film, The Sound of Music. What is it like to stand in the famous meadow where Maria sings with the children, overlooking the breathtaking mountains, alongside the actors who played the von Trapp children?

It’s funny how 12 months can bring you back to the same country for completely different reasons. Last September, I was in Innsbruck, Austria, at a medical retreat where I learnt to chew my food 30 times before swallowing. A year later, I found myself back in Austria for a very different kind of restoration, one rooted in music, outdoors, and nostalgia for the official opening of Salzburg’s brand-new museum, which the city had planned to open since the 1980s. But after years of copyright and licensing issues, it finally opened its doors officially on Saturday, 19th September, 2026, at 2 pm. 

Behind the Scenes with the Stars

I came to Salzburg expecting the movie to surround my whole trip. What I hadn’t anticipated was how personal the experience would become. I didn’t expect to spend so much time with the film’s von Trapp children, now grown and mature. Not to mention descendants of the real von Trapp family who had travelled from America for the opening. It felt so unreal. I hadn’t seen the film since I was a kid, so I rewatched it during the trip to refresh my memory, and as an adult, I appreciated the art even more. It’s a classic for a reason, and it was therapeutic, too. As studies from Harvard Health regularly highlight, returning to familiar music can reduce stress hormones and give you a feel-good energy, bringing comfort and emotional grounding.

I attended so many events, including the opening night overlooking the beautiful landscape, where people shared memories of the film. I’m often wary of meeting Hollywood royalty. I remember the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, when one of my favourite actors, Robert De Niro, walked past me with a firm, “don’t approach me” energy (though Meryl Streep was lovely!).

But it was nothing like that with the cast of The Sound of Music. I was taken aback by how wonderful they all were. Kym Karath, who played Gretl, and Debbie Turner, who played Marta, were so polite and friendly that one night after dinner they asked me to join them as they walked back to the hotel. Although Karath stayed at a different hotel from Turner and me and ultimately took a taxi back, I got to speak with Turner about her life growing up.

Nicholas Hammond, whom I remember watching as a kid in the TV series The Amazing Spider-Man (the first actor to portray a live-action Peter Parker on TV or film), played Friedrich and sent me a really lovely message after the first day, saying, “Thanks for being so professional.” Which was such a sweet touch considering how busy this period was for him. Duane Chase, who played Kurt, was also full of joy and really welcoming. All of which was amazing; as I said, I was a little anxious about what it would be like and how they would treat me; their warm welcome eased my nerves.

Hiking Through Werfen on The Sound of Music Trail

Seeing those mountains in real life and walking up the trail with some of the film’s stars is something I will cherish. The hike is called

It’s about a 40-minute drive south of Salzburg, in the beautiful historic market town of Werfen. You can listen to Nicholas Hammond narrate the hike via the app they recommend you download before you start. You can scan a QR code at the trailhead, but what made this trail unforgettable was that I got to skip the app because the man himself was hiking alongside me. I usually love a hike to clear my mind, but this was something beyond exhilarating. We walked up the trail with members of the von Trapps, and I asked Hammond about his travels; he told me how much he loved some of the spots he filmed, but he didn’t have as much time to explore them as he would like because of his work schedule.

The trail climbs through the countryside, and the mountains become more impressive as you gain elevation. None of us was rushing to reach the top. At home, walking usually has a purpose. I’m going somewhere, I’m late for something, I’m walking to the station or trying to squeeze in those vital steps between everything else. Time wasn’t a factor. Then eventually, there it was. The view. Hohenwerfen Castle sits on a rocky outcrop in the distance, surrounded by mountains. You can understand immediately why the filmmakers chose this landscape. I didn’t try to take a photo straight away; for a few moments, I just looked, admired it, and thought about the landmark’s history. The weather, the view, and the company I was with were simply perfect.

The Final Stretch in Salzburg

I’ve cycled on so many trips over the last year that it’s become a staple of my wellbeing. It wasn’t an e-bike like on past trips, but it wasn’t strenuous either, just a smooth way to explore key filming spots around Salzburg on a normal bicycle. Cycling through Mirabell Gardens, one of Salzburg’s most recognisable spots and featured in the movie, felt like I was drafted back onto a movie set, as it hasn’t changed a bit. I think there is something quite underrated about that.

As this was the last stretch of my journey, I had to say goodbye to everyone before heading to the airport. I was leaving with fond memories. I was outside, I was moving, I was seeing somewhere that was beautiful. And I was enjoying every conversation that I was having. Meeting members of the original cast was obviously a highlight, as was meeting descendants of the von Trapp family. Seeing the museum before it opened to the public, filled with film memorabilia, including Nicholas Hammond’s original screenplay, was absolutely priceless.

It was also nice to break up my routine at home, since I’d been grounded for a couple of months. Not thinking about the same bills to pay, the same work meetings, or the same responsibilities. It was a musical distraction I loved every second of. 

Salzburg: Where the Hills Are Alive with The Sound of Music

From Hollywood history to breathtaking Alpine scenery, discover the fascinating facts behind one of the world’s best-loved musicals and the Austrian city that helped bring it to life.

A Hollywood classic: Released on 2 March 1965, The Sound of Music starred Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg von Trapp. Directed by Robert Wise, the film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and introduced millions of cinema-goers to Salzburg’s spectacular scenery. 

The Movie

Inspired by a true story: The real Maria von Trapp joined the family as a tutor before marrying the widowed Captain von Trapp in 1927. The family eventually left Austria and settled in America, where they became internationally successful performers. While the film takes considerable artistic liberties, its central story of family, music and resilience has genuine historical roots.

The famous Do-Re-Mi steps: Salzburg’s magnificent Mirabell Gardens provided the backdrop for one of the film’s most memorable musical sequences. Visitors can still explore the gardens, fountains and steps where Maria and the children sang and danced, with Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city.

The von Trapp family home: Beautiful Leopoldskron Palace and its lakeside setting featured as the rear exterior of the family’s home. The palace is now a hotel, offering guests a chance to experience a little Hollywood magic.

The famous gazebo: Remember the romantic scenes featuring Sixteen Going on Seventeen? The iconic glass pavilion can now be found in the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, having been relocated from its original filming setting.

A wedding to remember: Maria’s spectacular film wedding took place at St Michael’s Basilica in the picturesque lakeside town of Mondsee, around 30 kilometres from Salzburg. In reality, Maria and Georg married at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg.

The hills really are alive: The countryside surrounding Werfen, south of Salzburg, provided the unforgettable setting for the film’s opening Alpine scenes. Today, visitors can follow The Sound of Music Trail towards the meadow above the village, enjoying magnificent mountain views along the way.

An enduring attraction: Salzburg tourism reports that more than 350,000 Sound of Music enthusiasts visit the city annually to discover its filming locations. 

And since September 2026, the new Sound of Music Salzburg museum has offered another way to explore the real family’s story and the making of the film. 

Salzburg:  More than a film location: Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart and is renowned for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Baroque architecture, musical heritage and proximity to the Austrian Alps. Whether you arrive as a lifelong fan or simply love beautiful places, the city offers plenty of reasons to fall in love with Austria.

DISCOVER: salzburgmuseum.at

DISCOVER: salzburg.info