60 years of The Sound of Music

The hills are (still) alive!

Since its premiere on 2 March 1965 in New York City, The Sound of Music has captivated over a billion viewers worldwide. And it hasn’t stopped there! Millions of fans have made the journey to where the story of the singing Trapp Family began — in Salzburg and the surrounding province of SalzburgerLand. To celebrate this remarkable legacy, the 60th anniversary is being marked with exhibitions, musical performances, tours through the city and province and much more. The festivities will reach their peak with a special anniversary week in October with a symposium and other highlights yet to be released.

The songs and scenes are timeless, known around the world and as beloved as ever: Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in their iconic roles as Maria and Captain von Trapp, singing and dancing in the Mirabell Gardens, on the Mönchsberg mountain, with their children in front of Hohenwerfen Castle, in the mountains, and at the Felsenreitschule. The Sound of Music gave us unforgettable hits like ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and ‘Edelweiss’, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. The American production not only won five Oscars but remains the most successful film adaptation of a musical to this day. Even sixty years after its premiere, the original filming locations are true pilgrimage sites for The Sound of Music fans, especially those from the US, Australia and Asia, who flock to Salzburg. Many of these spots are in Salzburg’s Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 25 years — as well as in the Salzkammergut region and the surrounding mountains.

a couple standing in front of a fountain of water

Mirabell Gardens with Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background © SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Benjamin Schwarz

A film classic with a legacy worth celebrating year-round

In 2025, SalzburgerLand and the City of Salzburg will devote the entire year to celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music. Exhibitions, theatre and musical performances, brand new themed walking tours and a special anniversary week featuring an exclusive gala with international stars are set to honour the film in grand style, letting fans experience it from many different perspectives.
These special events will be joined by year-round The Sound of Music experiences, from popular themed bus and bike tours to cooking classes and unique accommodation packages.

Sound of Music Trail in Werfen © SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Franz Neumayr

2025 anniversary highlights

FEBRUARY // Salzburg Museum Guest Performance ‘Sound of Music Salzburg – Insight and Outlook’

Starting 6 February 2025, a special The Sound of Music year-round exhibition is set to open at Schloss Leopoldskron, the breathtaking location where one of the film’s most memorable scenes was shot. Throughout the anniversary year, fans can explore a unique collection of exhibits celebrating the Trapp Family and the film. Curated by the Salzburg Museum, this exhibition is a prelude to a new permanent museum dedicated to the Trapp Family and The Sound of Music, set to open in 2026. The new museum, Sound of Music Salzburg, will be located at Schloss Hellbrunn — one of Salzburg’s most beautiful spots. Visitors can dive into the real story of the Trapp Family alongside the musical and film, exploring everything from historical artefacts and photos to movie posters and programmes. The famous Gazebo — the iconic pavilion from The Sound of Music — also has its permanent home here — adding to the immersive experience. Click here to visit the official website of the Salzburg Museum.

a group of people sitting on a bench posing for the camera

Sound of Music anniversary at the Felsenreitschule in the Salzburg Festival Halls © SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Franz Neumayr

SPRING // The Sound of Music Trail with narration by Filmkind Friedrich and The Sound of Music Free Walking Tour in Salzburg

About 40 kilometres south of Salzburg, in the charming town of Werfen, lies the popular The Sound of Music Trail. This scenic 1.4-kilometre path takes you through stunning landscapes to the Gschwandt Anger picnic plateau — the only filming spot within the inner Alps. It’s here that Maria, played by Julie Andrews, taught the kids the famous “Do-Re-Mi”.
Starting in spring 2025, you can experience the trail with a narrated audio tour on the free SmartGuide app. And here’s the fun part: the stories and behind-the-scenes moments are shared by Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich in the film. Now 74, Hammond shares his fond and often funny memories of filming in Salzburg, giving fans an insider’s perspective.
The well-marked Sound of Music Trail in Werfen is open for hiking from spring to early summer, depending on snow conditions, with the option to supply yourself with a picnic at the local shop Genussladen Lehengut. Werfen is easy to reach by car or train. Click here to visit the official website of Werfen.

The Sound of Music Trail in Werfen is a great addition to the recently created Sound of Music self-guided walking path through Salzburg. Using the app, visitors can explore nine filming locations around the city, with an audio guide available in German and English, sharing fascinating backstories about these iconic spots. Click here to visit the official website of the City of Salzburg.

Gschwandtanger scenic viewpoint with Hohenwerfen Castle in the background © Tourismusverband Werfen

MAY_OCTOBER // Big Broadway musical in miniature format: ‘The Sound of Music’ at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is one of the city’s most enchanting cultural gems. Founded in 1913, it still captivates audiences with its opera, theatre and fairy tale performances, all set within its charming, 19th-century interior. In 2016, the theatre’s unique puppetry work earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The Sound of Music has been part of the repertoire since 2007, with 10 puppeteers skilfully bringing over a hundred marionettes to life, set to original music recorded by Capella Istropolitana from Bratislava, under the direction of Larry Blank. The Salzburg Marionette Theatre celebrated the premiere of the new production ‘The Sound of Music’ in Dallas/Texas – and subsequently became the first theatre to present the musical in Salzburg. For 90 spellbinding minutes, the marionettes seem to defy gravity, drawing audiences into an unforgettable experience. Performed in English, the show includes explanations in German, Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. As the New York Times put it: “[…] a delightful surprise from start to finish […]; the skilled puppeteers […] are creating a mesmerizing spectacle.”
All dates, tickets, and further information can be found on the website of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre. Special performances for exclusive groups may be arranged upon request, depending on availability.

The Sound of Music at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

JUNE_JULY // The Salzburg State Theatre invites to a special performance

‘The Sound of Music in the Park’ in Schloss Leopoldskron
Schloss Leopoldskron’s lush summer park is one of Salzburg’s most magical settings. Surrounding the castle, where a memorable scene from The Sound of Music was filmed, guests can enjoy a unique open-air theatre experience complete with music and beautiful scenery under the open sky. The Salzburg State Theatre invites you to join them for special evenings to experience the story of the Trapp Family in a fun, interactive way. The shows are currently being planned – subject to change. Click here to visit the official website of The Salzburg State Theatre.

Picnic in SalzburgerLand © SalzburgerLand Tourismus

JULY_AUGUST // Special exhibition and The Sound of Music Anniversary Dirndl by Salzburger Heimatwerk

Salzburger Heimatwerk, a beloved shop in Salzburg’s Old Town, is a go-to spot for traditional clothing, souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Located in the historic Neue Residenz, beneath the famous Salzburg Carillon, it also houses a tailoring shop where beautiful dirndls are made — much like those worn by the Trapp Family women in The Sound of Music. To mark the film’s 60th anniversary, Salzburger Heimatwerk is releasing a limited-edition Anniversary Dirndl, featuring a reinterpretation of old fabrics and cuts.Salzburger Heimatwerk will also host a special The Sound of Music exhibition in its historic vaulted rooms. In collaboration with the Salzburg Museum, which is located in the same building, this exhibition will explore the themes of tradition, costume and clothing as they relate to the Hollywood classic. Click here to visit the official website of the Salzburger Heimatwerk.

Woman with 3 girls in traditional costumes

Heimatwerk specializes in handcrafted traditional Salzburg costumes © SalzburgerLand Tourismus

OCTOBER // Grand anniversary week with symposium and gala event

The Sound of Music anniversary week begins on 23 October 2025, with a symposium at the exclusive Schloss Leopoldskron. Titled Is the Sound of Music still alive in Salzburg today? this event invites experts from various fields to discuss the lasting appeal and cultural impact of the film. One of the panellists will be American actor Nicholas Hammond, who played the eldest Trapp child, Friedrich, in the movie. His personal stories and memories will add a special touch, helping us understand the phenomenon and enduring fascination of The Sound of Music.
Hosted by SalzburgerLand Tourism, Salzburg Tourism, Schloss Leopoldskron and the Salzburg Museum.

On the evening of 23 October 2025, the exclusive The Sound of Music Gala, themed Salzburg & the World, will light up Salzburg’s stunning Felsenreitschule. Guests can expect a spectacular night with performances by the Salzburg State Theatre and music by the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, conducted by its new chief conductor, Roberto González-Monjas. Special guests will include original cast members from the film and members of the Trapp Family.

NOVEMBER // The Sound of Music returns to the Salzburg State Theatre

In 2011, the world-famous Broadway musical The Sound of Music had its Salzburg premiere, and since then, the production directed by Andreas Gergen and Christian Struppeck has captivated thousands of theatregoers. To celebrate the 2025 anniversary, fans of this timeless family story can look forward to a special revival at the Salzburg State Theatre, with seven performances planned.
The musical will be performed in German with English surtitles.
Show dates: 15, 21, 23 and 25 November, and 12, 23 and 27 December
Click here to visit the official website of The Salzburg State Theatre.

a group of people singing and posing for the camera

Classics: the popular The Sound of Music tours and dining experiences

Every day, all year round, visitors to Salzburg can enjoy The Sound of Music tours by minibus, coach, bike, Segway, rickshaw or on foot. These tours take fans to 12 iconic filming locations around Salzburg, as well as to beautiful spots on Lake Wolfgang and Lake Mondsee. Options range from individual and group tours to exclusive private experiences. For an even richer The Sound of Music experience, Panorama Tours also offers dinner experiences and special accommodation packages.

Dine like the Trapp Family: In 2025, fans can truly indulge in this experience. The historic St. Peter Stiftskulinarium — the oldest inn in Europe — will offer a special The Sound of Music menu for groups at lunch or dinner. The Hyperion Hotel will serve up a Schnitzel and Noodles menu, and The Sound of Music Dinner Show will treat groups to an evening of great food and live music.

The original Sound of music tour bus in St. Gilgen