Go Beyond the Tourist Trapps in Salzburg

If you’ve seen The Sound of Music, you'll have heard of the famous Von Trapp family. But are you aware that they were, in fact, a real Austrian family?

Maria Von Trapp was a nun (and teacher) who moved in with the Von Trapp family to look after the children after the death of their mother. Maria went on to marry their father, Georg Von Trapp, and have three children with him. The 1965 Hollywood blockbuster The Sound of Music is based on a book, written by Maria herself that was published in 1949.

Go Beyond the Tourist Trapps

When you visit the beautiful city of Salzburg, you'll have the opportunity to venture out into the suburbs and visit Villa Trapp (the historic home of the Von Trapps) to find out more about the true story behind the famous family.

Villa Trapp is a grand yellow mansion, built in 1863, located in its own beautiful park along the Salzach River. You can stay as a guest in the hotel here or simply go on a guided tour of the mansion. You’ll see plenty of memorabilia, such as photos, ornaments and practical items that will give you an insight into the family’s real-life story.

Apparently, Georg Von Trapp wasn’t nearly as strict as he was portrayed in the film and his children were said to be disappointed with the way he comes across in the movie. The house was indeed full of songs and music, though, since both Maria and Georg believed that music brought people together.

When you visit Villa Trapp, you’ll discover a host of history about the house, including the fact that the family let out the downstairs rooms to student priests during the economic crisis in 1935. One of them, Father Wasner, actually helped the Trapp Family Choir become a successful touring act. Although he doesn’t appear in the film, Father Wasner spotted the Von Trapp’s musical talent while living with them and, as a result, became their director.

Other Sound of Music Locations

There are other Sound of Music locations that are definitely worth a visit. They are:

1. Schloss Mirabell (that will inspire a rendition of Do-Rem-Mi).

2. Residenzplatz (where Julie Andrews, as Maria, sings 'I Have Confidence').

3. Schloss Leopoldskron (significant to the lake scene).

4. Untersberg (a mountain peak that appears at the end of the movie).

5. Schloss Hellbrunn (the gardens of a summer palace that feature in 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen').

How to Get There

Getting to Salzburg is easiest by air, although if you're coming from other destinations in Europe you can drive or even catch a train in to Austria from most major cities without too many changes. If you're arriving from the UK, however, you'll most likely fly in, and once you arrive in Salzburg, airport transfers can get you quickly and conveniently to your accommodation. If you've booked a stay in the hotel at Villa Trapp, the Salzburg airport transfers will be able to drop you right at the door so you can begin to enjoy your very own Sound of Music experience!