Sound of Music (1965) opening scene song "The Hills Are Alive With the Sound Of Music" filming location

After visiting Burg Hohenwerfen near Werfen in Austria, we cross the border into Germany to the precise location of Julie Andrews Meadow (also known as Mehlweg Meadow, not to be confused with Sound of Music Meadow near Salzburg) where Julie Andrews was filmed performing the song "The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music" in the opening scene of the movie "The Sound of Music" (1965). We then cross the border back into Austria and go around the photogenic town of Salzburg which is popular for the numerous other shooting locations of the legendary film. We will then cross the border into Czech Republic heading for Prague in our next photo-story.

We walk down from Burg Hohenwerfen to the parking lot and jump into our rented Nissan Qashqai. Instead of heading straight to Salzburg like everyone else, we decide to first try our luck in finding the shooting location of the fabulous opening scene of "The Sound of Music" where Julie Andrews' Maria dances and sings "The Hills Are Alive". Some online research had led us to believe this location was not even in Austria but at a place called "Julie's Meadow" across the border in Germany.

There is a highway and there are multiple backroads criss-crossing the Austria-Germany international border in the area. We take the highway over Salzach river across Österreich-Deutschland international border on our first attempt and promptly get lost, somehow ending up back in Austria. On our second try, we cross the border into Germany again on a dirt road and this time we find it!

Maria (Julie Andrews) sings "The Hills Are Alive" at the shooting location

The exact location of Julie's Meadow is at a tiny hamlet called Mehlweg (the shooting location is also called "Mehlweg Meadow") in the municipality of Marktschellenberg in Berchtesgaden Land district of Bavaria, Germany: MAP.

Important: The location is on private property, please make sure to ask the owners of the property before going romping on their grass.

The Austrian and German Alps with rolling green hills and meadows are breathtaking. We managed to find a spot on a meadow from where the mountain peaks behind match up exactly with those in the movie!

We drive back across the border from Mehlweg, Germany to Salzburg, Austria and check out more filming locations of "The Sound of Music". Salzburg, Austria, has experienced a tourism boom due to the film's popularity. Fans flock to visit the filming locations, recreating iconic scenes and feeling a connection to the story.

The Schloss Leopoldskron rococo castle served as the exterior for the back of the Von Trapp villa, including the lakeside terrace where the children famously fall into the water. Built in 1736 as a family estate by a prince-archbishop, Schloss Leopoldskron has since transformed from a residence to a cultural hub.

Schloss Leopoldskron By Pixelcreatures2 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

The Schloss Frohnburg country house provided the imposing exterior shots of the Von Trapp villa's front entrance. It was built as a summer residence in the 17th century and is now the Mozarteum Music Academy.

Schloss Frohnburg By Luckyprof - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 at, Link

In the stunning Mirabell Gardens, Maria and the children sang "Do-Re-Mi". Built in the early 17th century by a love-struck prince-archbishop, the gardens were designed as a romantic gesture. Today, they showcase a stunning Baroque layout with geometric hedges, meticulously sculpted statues, and cascading fountains. Visitors can wander through the famous hedge tunnel, marvel at the Pegasus Fountain, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, all while soaking in the grandeur of this historic green space.

View of Festung Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress) from Mirabell Gardens By Amiodarone, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Mirabell Gardens feature the famous Hedge Tunnel (Hedge Maze) made up of tall hedges that have been carefully trimmed into an arch shape.

Hedge Tunnel (Hedge Maze) at Mirabell Gardens Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

Sound of Music scene at the hedge tunnel

The gazebo of romance is the location of the scene where Liesl sings "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" to Rolf  as well as the tender moment between Maria and Captain von Trapp. It was situated at Leopoldskron Palace when the movie was filmed, but later relocated to Hellbrunn Gardens at Schloss Hellbrunn for the benefit of tourists.

The Sound of Music gazebo at Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg, Austria By Bede735, 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 4.0, リンクによる

Nonnberg Abbey is a real Benedictine monastery where Maria served as a postulant before being sent to the Von Trapp family. It is the oldest continuously inhabited nunnery in the world. Founded in the early 8th century by Saint Rupert, the abbey boasts a rich architectural tapestry. Romanesque influences are evident in the basilica, while Gothic flourishes grace the ornamentation and the famed late Gothic winged altar. Descend into the unique crypt with its free-standing columns and marvel at the abbey's greatest treasure - the well-preserved wall paintings dating back to the mid-12th century. This captivating blend of architectural styles and artistic heritage makes Nonnberg Abbey a Salzburg must-see.

Nonnberg Abbey By Andrew Bossi - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link

Cut in the rocks of an abandoned quarry in 1693, the Felsenreitschule hosts the annual Salzburg Music Festival. It appears in the film as the grand setting where Captain von Trapp sings the memorable song "Edelweiss". It is also the dramatic location where the von Trapp family makes their daring escape right from under the noses of the Nazis.

Felsenreitschule
By Andreas Praefcke - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link

Salzburg's iconic Festung Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress) and Residenzplatz square make dramatic backdrops in several scenes throughout the film. Begun in 1077, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, a testament to the power of the prince-archbishops who ordered its construction. For centuries, this imposing structure offered protection and served as a grand residence. Today, visitors can explore its ramparts and halls, marveling at its architectural details and soaking up the breathtaking panoramas of the city below. Festung Hohensalzburg is a Salzburg must-see, a powerful symbol of the city's heritage and a place of undeniable beauty.

Festung Hohensalzburg: Salzburg Fortress By Mattsjc - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Designed in the Mannerist style, the Residenzplatz square was commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, who even tore down 55 buildings to make way for its grand design. Today, it's a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, flanked by the mighty Salzburg Cathedral and the twin Residenz palaces - the Old Residence and the New Residence which now housing the Salzburg Museum. But the true gem of the square is the Residenz Fountain, a magnificent display of sculptures and water features, considered one of Europe's most significant Baroque monuments.

Residenzplatz square By Barbara Marko-Bartilla - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

While the cemetery scenes were recreated on a Hollywood set, the real St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) is a beautiful and historic site. Dating back to around 700 AD, it's one of the city's oldest cemeteries, nestled alongside the majestic St. Peter's Abbey. Wander its pathways and discover beautiful gravestones and sculptures, marking the final resting place of Salzburg's aristocracy and notable figures like Mozart's sister Maria Anna. Don't miss the Romanesque Chapel of the Holy Cross and St. Margaret's Chapel, adding to the cemetery's architectural charm. Petersfriedhof is a place to contemplate the past amidst artistic beauty.

St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) By Ragesoss assumed (based on copyright claims) - Own work assumed (based on copyright claims), Public Domain, Link

The iconic wedding scene in The Sound of Music wasn't filmed where Maria began her journey as a postulant. Instead, the movie magic took place at the Mondsee Basilica in Austria.

Mondsee Basilica By C.Stadler/Bwag - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

This beautiful church, with its towering spires reaching towards the sky, became the backdrop for Maria and Captain von Trapp's vows.

Mondsee Basilica By Wolfgang Sauber - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Interestingly, the filming of the wedding scene was one of the first things accomplished during production. Now, the Mondsee Basilica is a popular destination for Sound of Music fans and even real-life couples seeking a touch of Hollywood romance on their wedding day.

These are just some of the many Salzburg locations that were immortalized in "The Sound of Music" which was a runaway box office success and continues to hold a significant place in popular culture. The film shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at its release, surpassing even the iconic "Gone With the Wind". It held this title until "The Exorcist" came along a few years later. The film wasn't just a flash in the pan either, enjoying a theatrical run lasting over four and a half years with two successful re-releases. It broke box office records in 29 countries and sold over 283 million tickets worldwide, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

When adjusted for inflation, "The Sound of Music" remains a box office powerhouse. Estimates place its total gross at over $2.3 billion, ranking it among the top ten highest-grossing films ever. The film reignited interest in musical theatre with its catchy tunes like "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," and "The Hills Are Alive" becoming ingrained in popular culture. It is a perennial favorite for sing-along events, fostering a sense of community and shared joy. It has also been remade and adapted numerous times, showcasing its enduring appeal.

The film's themes of love, family, defiance, and following your dreams resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It offers a sense of hope and escape, making it a timeless classic. The impact of "The Sound of Music" extends far beyond the box office. It's a cultural touchstone that continues to bring joy, inspire sing-alongs, and encourage exploration of its captivating filming locations.

Next, we continue our exploration of central Europe by road by driving across the border to Prague, Czechia.

Note: Prose in this post received AI assistance from ChatGPT and Gemini.