5 Things Fans Should Know Before Hiking the Sound of Music Trail

At some point, I made it my mission to see as many Sound of Music filming locations as possible. And so far, I’ve been pretty successful. I’ve danced at Mirabell Palace, stood in front of the famous gazebo, walked down the aisle at the Basilica of St. Michael and clicked my heels in front of Villa von Trapp. On my most recent trip to Salzburg, I decided to take it one step further and hike the Sound of Music Trail to see the famous “Do-Re-Mi” meadow. Here’s what I wish I’d known before making the trip to Werfen.

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The Sound of Music Trail: 5 Things to Know-Re-Mi

Before you start channeling your inner Maria and twirling in the hills of Austria, these tips will make your Sound of Music Trail experience one of your favorite things.

1. The Sound of Music Meadow Is in Werfen, Not Salzburg

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I know what you’re thinking: Wasn’t The Sound of Music filmed in Salzburg? And you’d be mostly correct. But the scene where Maria sings “Do-Re-Mi” in a meadow with the von Trapp children was filmed in Werfen.

Werfen isn’t that far from Salzburg, just a 40–45 minute train ride. And if you’re staying in Salzburg and receive the Guest Mobility Ticket from your hotel, you can take the train to Werfen for free.

While the Sound of Music Trail and meadow are a big reason to visit Werfen, you can easily make a day trip out of it by also visiting Burg Hohenwerfen or Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave.

2. The Sound of Music Trail Is More of a Hike Than a Leisurely Walk

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While the Sound of Music Trail is less than a mile one way, there were parts where the hills were alive with huffing and puffing instead of music.

The trail begins with a large, relatively steep flight of stairs. Once you make your way past the houses and onto the dirt trail, you’ll have to traverse some steep inclines and rocky, uneven terrain. I even saw evidence that someone had biffed it in the mud, so make sure you wear shoes with good traction.

By the time you reach the meadow, there’s a good chance you’ll hear Mother Abbess singing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”

The good news is there are benches along the trail and a Relaxbereich with wooden lounge chairs where you can catch your breath. (Maybe that should have been my first clue that the trail was harder than it sounds.)

3. The Trail Is Well Marked (Until It Isn’t)

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Taking a wrong turn or getting lost on the Sound of Music Trail is pretty much impossible up to a certain point. But when you reach the final stretch before the designated Sound of Music Meadow, things get a little confusing.

When I hiked the trail, the gate to the pasture was closed, which made me think I’d reached a dead end. It wasn’t. You can easily open the gate, which brought me to my next challenge: figuring out the best way to go.

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On my first attempt, I crossed the paved road and walked into the field on the opposite side. The barbed wire and electric fences made it obvious I was in a fenced-in cow pasture. And as an American, walking on someone’s private property, especially out in the country, makes me think someone’s going to come running out of their house and yell at me. So I immediately turned around.

Then I saw a couple walking down the hill from the meadow. I thought, “OK, that must be the way to go,” only to discover there was no opening in the fence. Long story short, I ended up crawling under an electric fence and into the meadow. (For safety reasons, I don’t recommend doing that, especially since there are easier ways to get there.)

The easier way would have been to walk up the right side of the field, past the picnic table and benches, through the large opening in the fence and into the meadow. Or just follow the paved road.

However you decide to get there, watch out for cow poop. It’s everywhere.

4. The Best Way to Beat the Crowds Is to Go Early

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Sleeping in on vacation? What’s that? If there’s one hill I will die on, it’s this: getting somewhere early to avoid crowds and not have strangers in my photos is always worth it. And it also helps to visit during the off-peak or shoulder season.

I visited Werfen in October and arrived by train at 9:30 am. It felt like the town was barely even awake at that time.

I think I saw maybe three or four other people on the Sound of Music Trail. And when I reached the Sound of Music Meadow around 10:23 am, there was only one other person there. By the time I left, more people had started to arrive, but not an annoying number of tourists.

So if you want the Sound of Music Meadow practically to yourself, go early.

5. You Can Get a Medal for Completing the Sound of Music Trail

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Other than the views and feeling Julie Andrews’ energy in the meadow, getting a medal for completing the Sound of Music Trail was THE best surprise.

All you have to do is share a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #WerfenSoundOfMusicTrail, go to the tourism office, show them proof, and they’ll give you your medal.

The Werfen tourism office is located directly across from where the trail starts, and it’s open from 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.

Ready to Hit the Trail?

If you’re a Sound of Music fan, the Sound of Music Trail needs to be on your Salzburg bucket list. It’s free, (relatively) easy to do and it’s one of those experiences you’ll never forget. And don’t forget to get your medal!

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