where did they film the sound of music

The Sound of Music (1965) was primarily filmed in and around Salzburg, Austria, with some scenes in nearby Germany and interiors recreated in Hollywood studios.

Primary Locations

Most exterior shots captured Austria's stunning Alps and historic sites. Salzburg served as the von Trapp family's home base, featuring landmarks like Nonnberg Abbey for the convent scenes and Mirabell Gardens for the iconic "Do- Re-Mi" sequence with its Pegasus Fountain and steps. The wedding took place at Mondsee's parish church, while opening helicopter shots showcased Untersberg mountain and Water Palace Anif.

Iconic Opening Hill

Julie Andrews' famous twirl in "The Hills Are Alive" occurred on a private meadow near Marktschellenberg in Bavaria, Germany—about 30 minutes from Salzburg at Mehlweg 5—overlooking Austrian peaks. This spot remains off-limits to visitors, though fans view it from afar; birch trees and props seen in the film were temporary additions by the crew.

Other Key Sites

• Residenzplatz & Fountain, Salzburg: Carriage ride during "Do-Re-Mi."

• Schloss Frohnburg, Salzburg : Front of the von Trapp villa.

• Werfen : "Do-Re-Mi" backdrop with Hohenwerfen Fortress.

• Felsenreitschule, Salzburg : Music festival scenes.

• Obersalzberg, Germany : Mountain escape sequences.

Filming Notes

Production ran from 1964-1965 under director Robert Wise, blending real locations with 20th Century Fox soundstages for interiors like the abbey catacombs. Salzburg thrives on "Sound of Music" tourism today, with guided tours hitting these spots—perfect for fans revisiting Maria's adventures 60 years on.

TL;DR : Core filming centered in Salzburg, Austria (gardens, abbey, church), plus Germany's Bavarian hills for the opener.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.