My second day in Salzburg was nothing short of magical! I embarked on a scenic day trip to the picturesque village of Hallstatt, followed by an unforgettable Sound of Music tour that had me singing along to all my favorite tunes from the iconic film. Whether you’re a history buff, a movie fan, or just love breathtaking scenery, this day was packed with fun, laughter, and a bit of movie magic. Let’s dive into the details!
A Day Trip to the Fairy-Tale Village of Hallstatt
Our adventure began with Panorama Tours, whisking us away from Salzburg for a day trip to the enchanting village of Hallstatt. Nestled between towering mountains and the serene Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in the world—and it’s easy to see why.
As we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of pastel-colored houses clinging to the hillside, their reflections dancing on the crystal-clear lake below. Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its history dates back over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest still-inhabited settlements in Europe. The village was historically known for its salt mines, which have been in operation since prehistoric times.
Unfortunately, the tour did not allow time to visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, where you can learn about the ancient process of salt extraction and an opportunity to slide down the miners’ wooden slides—talk about a fun history lesson! But the tour did allow time to take the cable car up to the Skywalk to get an incredible view of Hallstatt, the valley, the lake and the mountains.
After the Skywalk, I walked up to the salt mine entrance and view the exhibits along the way. One of the exhibits was a skeleton of bones, one of thousands found in the area, of people living in the area thousands of years ago.
After the trip down the mountain in the cable car, I took a leisurely stroll through the village, soaking in the alpine views, quaint streets, and the charming marketplace.
If you have time, visit the Bone House (Beinhaus) in the Catholic Church, a fascinating yet slightly eerie place where over 1,200 skulls are carefully arranged as a macabre reminder of the village’s past.
The Ultimate Sound of Music Tour: Singing Through Salzburg
After returning to Salzburg, we hopped on the Sound of Music tour bus, ready to explore the film locations that made this city famous worldwide. The moment we stepped onto the bus, the fun began—our tour guide led us in a lively sing-along, with everyone belting out classics like “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” Even if you weren’t a fan of the movie before, it was impossible not to get caught up in the infectious enthusiasm!
The tour took us to several iconic filming locations, each with its own story to tell:
Mirabell Gardens: Our first stop was the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the von Trapp children sang “Do-Re-Mi.” It was surreal to walk through the same spots where they danced, especially with the grand Hohensalzburg Fortress looming in the background.
Leopoldskron Palace: Next, we visited the Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the exterior of the von Trapp family home. While the palace itself is privately owned and not open to the public, we were able to admire it from across the lake, just like in the movie.
Hellbrunn Palace and Gazebo: A highlight of the tour was the stop at Hellbrunn Palace, where we saw the famous gazebo from the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene. Although the gazebo is now permanently closed, you can still peek inside and imagine Liesl and Rolf dancing their way into cinematic history.
Nonnberg Abbey: We also visited the Nonnberg Abbey, the real-life convent where Maria was a postulant before joining the von Trapp family. The abbey itself is stunning, and its history is as fascinating as the movie.
Frohnburg Palace: was used as the exterior for the von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music. Frohnburg Palace is an elegant Baroque palace, located just outside Salzburg, provided the iconic backdrop for several memorable scenes in the film.
Throughout the tour, our guide shared behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of The Sound of Music in 1964. Did you know that the real Maria von Trapp had a cameo in the movie, or that the iconic opening scene with Julie Andrews twirling in the meadow was almost canceled due to bad weather? These fun tidbits added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
Conclusion
Day 2 in Salzburg was an absolute blast, from the serene beauty of Hallstatt to the lively Sound of Music tour. Whether you’re a fan of history, culture, or just love a good sing-along, this day offered a perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia. If you’re planning your own trip to Salzburg, be sure to add these experiences to your itinerary—you won’t regret it!
