where did the von trapps escape to

The von Trapp family escaped to Italy , then traveled on to France, England, and eventually the United States. The famous movie version of them hiking over the Alps to Switzerland is not how it happened in real life.

Quick Scoop

They left Austria by train, using a family trip as cover, and headed first to Italy. From there, they made their way onward and ultimately settled in America.

Why the movie differs

The Sound of Music escape scene is dramatic, but historically inaccurate. In reality, the route over the Alps would have taken them toward Germany, not Switzerland.