Salzburg celebrates 60 years of ‘The Sound of Music’

The world knows melodies and images

Since its premiere on March 2, 1965, in New York, The Sound of Music has captivated over a billion viewers worldwide. For decades, millions of fans have journeyed to Salzburg and the surrounding Salzburger Land region to explore the origins of the singing von Trapp family. This year marks the 60th anniversary of this cinematic masterpiece, offering a perfect occasion to celebrate its extraordinary legacy. Special exhibitions, musical performances, and guided tours through the city and its picturesque surroundings will bring the story to life. The festivities will culminate in a spectacular anniversary week this October.

The melodies and scenes from The Sound of Music are universally iconic, their charm undiminished by time. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, in their legendary roles as Maria and Captain von Trapp, enchanted audiences with unforgettable moments: dancing and singing in the Mirabell Gardens, atop the Mönchsberg Hill, with the children before the medieval Hohenwerfen Fortress, and at the Summer Riding School (Felsenreitschule). The film introduced the world to timeless songs like "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favourite Things," "So Long, Farewell," and "Edelweiss," with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. This winner of five Academy Awards remains one of the most celebrated musical films in cinematic history.

Six decades on, the original filming locations continue to draw fans from across the globe, particularly from the United States, Australia, and Asia. Many of these iconic sites are found in Salzburg’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 25 years, as well as in the idyllic Salzkammergut region and the surrounding mountains.