Original Sound of Music Tour Salzburg With Schnitzel and Noodle

Discover the Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg with Authentic Austrian Cuisine

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg offers a 4-hour journey through the city’s most famous filming sites, combined with a delicious 3-course meal at an historic Austrian restaurant. Priced at $116.29 per person, this tour is highly recommended by 91% of over 117 reviews, and booked 68 days in advance on average. It features a live guide leading a bus tour that covers key movie locations like Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Castle, and Mondsee Abbey, while also dipping into the scenic countryside around Salzburg. After the tour, visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner at Herzl, a restaurant in Salzburg’s old town, famous for its Schnitzel, noodles, and Apfelstrudel served in a 15th-century folkloric ambiance.

This tour suits fans of the film, history buffs, and food lovers alike, offering a mix of iconic film spots and authentic Austrian cuisine. The five-hour experience balances sightseeing, storytelling, and culinary delights, although those seeking a more personalized or private experience might find the group size of up to 60 travelers a bit large. Overall, it delivers a compelling combination of movie nostalgia and scenic beauty, making it a popular choice for visitors to Salzburg.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, including lunch or dinner
• Price: $116.29 per person, vegetarian options available
• Highlights: Filming locations such as Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Castle, Lake Wolfgang, and Mondsee Abbey
• Culinary experience: 3-course Austrian meal at Herzl restaurant, featuring soup, schnitzel with noodles, and apple strudel
• Guides and commentary: Known for knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and film facts
• Group size: Limited to 60 travelers, with opportunities to disembark at key sites

Meeting Point and Logistics in Salzburg

The tour begins at the Salzburg Panorama Tours Bus Terminal in Mirabellplatz, centrally located and accessible by public transport. Guests check in here to meet the live guide and board the climate-controlled bus. The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, with no transfer necessary for the restaurant, which is a 15-minute walk away in Salzburg’s old town. Participants are advised to collect their lunch or dinner voucher after the tour to enjoy their meal at Herzl restaurant.

Exploring Salzburg’s Famous Film Locations

Traveling through Salzburg, the tour guides lead guests past many notable filming sites. The bus makes a photo stop at Leopoldskron Palace and Lake, where the famous boating scene was filmed, and at Hellbrunn Castle to see the garden gazebo used in the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” song. The Nonnberg Abbey makes an appearance, as it’s the setting for Maria’s convent and her wedding to Baron von Trapp. The scenic drive also takes visitors to Lake Fuschl and St. Gilgen, with short stops to admire the picturesque views and sing famous songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Edelweiss.”

The highlight for many is the Mondsee Abbey, where Maria and Baron von Trapp’s wedding scene was filmed. Guests get about 50 minutes here to explore the Basilika St. Michael, known for its role as the wedding church, making this stop both scenic and historically significant.

Taking in Salzburg’s Iconic Sights

The tour begins with a visit to Mirabell Gardens, where the “Do-Re-Mi” song was shot. This iconic location features the Pegasus Fountain and the steps used for singing scenes. Passing by Nonnberg Convent, visitors see where Maria was a novice before her marriage. The castle gardens of Schloss Hellbrunn are also a major highlight, especially the glass gazebo, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity and a famous movie scene.

Throughout the tour, guests experience a blend of city sights and countryside panoramas, with many stops for photos that capture the beauty of the Salzburg region. The driving route is designed to balance filming locations with scenic views of Austria’s landscape.

The Scenic Drive to Lake Wolfgang and St. Gilgen

One of the most picturesque parts of the tour is the drive to Lake Wolfgang and St. Gilgen. The short stop here offers a chance to admire the lake vistas and take memorable pictures. The route showcases beautiful rural scenery, giving guests a taste of the Austrian countryside that served as the backdrop in the film.

This part of the tour provides a relaxing break from city sights, with the opportunity to sing along to classic Sound of Music tunes, which guides encourage throughout the drive. The 5-minute stop at Lake Wolfgang is brief but impactful, highlighting the stunning natural beauty that frames the film’s setting.

Visiting Mondsee Abbey for Maria and Baron’s Wedding

The Mondsee Abbey is a key stop, as it’s the location where the wedding scene was filmed. Guests have about 50 minutes to visit the Basilika St. Michael, which remains an impressive and historic location. The church’s interior and exterior offer a vivid connection to the movie, and many visitors appreciate the opportunity to stand in the same spot as the beloved characters.

This stop also allows for some free time to explore the town of Mondsee, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the views of the lake and mountains surrounding the abbey.

Visiting Castle Sites: Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn

The photo stops at Leopoldskron Palace and Lake provide some of the most iconic scenes from the film. At Leopoldskron, guests see the palace’s reflective lake, which features prominently in the boating scene. The 20-minute stops allow plenty of time for photos and taking in the scenery.

At Hellbrunn Castle, the garden gazebo becomes the focus, as it’s where Maria and Baron von Trapp shared their famous kiss. The free admission to the gardens gives access to the exterior scenes, and guests can appreciate the historic architecture and lush gardens.

The Culinary Experience at Herzl Restaurant

After the 4-hour bus tour, visitors walk about 15 minutes to Herzl Restaurant in Salzburg’s old town. This historic venue dates back to the 15th century and offers a 3-course meal featuring soup, schnitzel with noodles, and apple strudel. The Schnitzel is a small turkey cutlet dipped in flour and beaten egg, fried in hot oil, and served with cheese sauce (either parmesan or gorgonzola). Vegetarian options are available upon request.

The atmosphere at Herzl is traditional folkloric, with musicians and artists who have been regular guests over the years, including Julie Andrews and Leonard Bernstein. Guests praise the authenticity of the meal and the historic setting, making it a memorable end to the day.

Tour Guides and How They Enrich the Experience

Multiple reviews highlight knowledgeable and engaging guides such as Peter, Bridgette, April, David, and Richard. Guides bring the film locations to life with stories and personal anecdotes, often encouraging sing-alongs and making the bus trip lively. Many mention the friendly and charismatic nature of the guides, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

The driver also receives praise for keeping the climate-controlled bus comfortable and ensuring smooth transit between stops. The guides are noted for their ability to entertain, even during rainy weather, which has been described as making the experience memorable.

Suitability for Different Types of Visitors

This tour appeals most to Sound of Music fans who want to see the filming locations and hear behind-the-scenes stories. It also suits families, as children enjoy the sing-alongs and short stops at scenic sites. The meal at Herzl adds a cultural touch for those interested in Austrian cuisine, though some reviews suggest that the voucher for the meal can be difficult to use if not well coordinated.

Travelers should be prepared for group sizes up to 60, and walking is minimal but necessary at certain stops like Mondsee and Herzl. Physical requirements are generally moderate, and the tour is accessible for most visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Salzburg Sound of Music Tour

The Original Sound of Music Tour with Schnitzel and Noodle delivers a well-rounded experience blending cinematic history, scenic countryside, and Austrian culinary traditions. The live guides are highly praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the sightseeing engaging and informative. The stops at iconic locations like Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Castle, and Mondsee Abbey provide authentic and memorable moments.

While some reviews mention initial logistical quirks with the meal voucher and large group size, the overall value and quality of storytelling make this tour attractive for film fans and culture seekers alike. The dinner at Herzl offers a taste of Austria’s culinary heritage, rounding out the day in a historic and cozy setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, transportation in a climate-controlled bus is included for the entire 4-hour guided tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at the Salzburg Panorama Tours Bus Terminal in Mirabellplatz.

Can I visit the film locations by foot?
Guests can disembark at Leopoldskron Castle, Hellbrunn Castle, St. Gilgen, Lake Wolfgang, and Mondsee, allowing for short walks and photos at these sites.

What is the meal at Herzl Restaurant like?
The 3-course meal includes soup, schnitzel with noodles, and apple strudel, with vegetarian options available.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly and offers sing-alongs that children typically enjoy. The stops are generally manageable for all ages.

How long is the entire experience?
The bus tour lasts about 4 hours, and the dinner or lunch at Herzl adds roughly an hour to the experience.

Is the guide knowledgeable about the film and Salzburg?
Absolutely, guides are praised for their stories about film facts, filming locations, and Salzburg history.

Are the stops at film sites free?
Yes, locations like Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Castle are free to visit from the outside, with photo opportunities.

What should I do after the tour?
You can make your own way to Herzl Restaurant, which is a 15-minute walk from the tour endpoint, to enjoy your Austrian meal.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 3 days in advance of the tour date.