A few of my favorite things!
In honor of The Sound of Music returning to theaters to celebrate its 60th anniversary, now is the perfect time to share some memories from visiting Salzburg, Austria and why the film will always have a special place in my heart. I’m sure the city of Salzburg is hosting many festivities this year to commemorate the beloved film. The Sound of Music held the record for many years as the highest grossing film of all time following its release in 1965, surpassing the previous record holder Gone with the Wind. It’s not surprising at all, given the wonderful music, captivating performance by Julie Andrews, and of course the gorgeous backdrop of Salzburg and the Austrian alps.
The Sound of Music significantly shaped my childhood and remains one of my favorite films of all time. I was constantly singing Do Re Mi and Edelweiss around the house when I was little and still can’t help but sing along to them today. The opening of the movie is simply stunning, with the sweeping shots of green hills dotted with onion dome chapels and beautiful little castles. I am completely entranced as soon as it starts playing, just as I was when I was a kid. Complete with the storyline being set against the days leading up to the outbreak of World War II, and the final scene of the Von Trapp family walking over the alps into Switzerland while Climb Every Mountain plays, The Sound of Music is truly an incredible film from start to finish.
I was very young when I visited Salzburg for the first time with my parents and grandparents. I do however remember being on the bus of the official Sound of Music sightseeing tour and getting to walk around Mirabellgarten, see Schloss Leopoldskron from afar, and step inside Basilika St. Michael, where Maria gets married to Captain von Trapp in the movie.
In 2014, I auditioned for our town’s annual production of The Sound of Music and was cast as Brigitta. That summer was a blast. I loved getting to hang out with my Von Trapp siblings and perform on stage every night with them. I was getting to live inside one of my favorite movies and I will forever be grateful for that experience.
Being in the show certainly deepened my love for The Sound of Music. Ten summers later, I had the opportunity to visit Salzburg again. This time around, I explored many non-Sound of Music sights like Mozart’s Birthplace, DomQuartier, and Hohensalzburg castle. And of course enjoyed a piece of crisp apple strudel.
But you won’t get far in Salzburg without passing a landmark that was seen in the movie such as Nonnberg Abbey, the Mozartsteg, or the Residenzbrunnen, the famous horse fountain where Maria sings part of I Have Confidence.
The Von Trapp villa in the movie was a combination of different filming locations in the Salzburg area. Schloss Frohnburg was used for the front exterior shots while Schloss Leopoldskron was used for the lakeside exterior on the back. Liesl and Rolf’s gazebo is now located in the beautiful gardens of Schloss Hellbrunn. All three of these “castles” are located just a short drive outside the main city of Salzburg and are must visit sights for any Sound of Music fan.
Who would have thought that after taking The Sound of Music tour in Salzburg when I was barely 5 years old, that I would be a part of the show when I was 10. And to celebrate 10 years of performing in it, I would be back in Salzburg! And now in 2025, I got to see the movie on the big screen in theaters to celebrate its 60th anniversary and reflect on how much the movie has meant to me and so many others as it continues to stand the test of time.
So long, farewell!