The Hills Are Alive
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 69 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Hills Are Alive worth booking?
The Hills Are Alive is a 8-hour experience in Salzburg, Austria, from $1,016 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 69 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (69)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $1,016 per person
Devote a day to ‘The Sound of Music’ on this private, customizable 8-hour tour from Salzburg. Traveling by private minivan, trace the footsteps of Maria and the Von Trapps to one location after another, stopping for lunch (own expense) on route. Tour the ‘Do Re Mi’ scenes in Salzburg, see the famous gazebo, Mondsee, and ‘The Hills are Alive’ meadow, and absorb the Alpine scenery. Price is per vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
What you get
About this experience
Devote a day to ‘The Sound of Music’ on this private, customizable 8-hour tour from Salzburg. Traveling by private minivan, trace the footsteps of Maria and the Von Trapps to one location after another, stopping for lunch (own expense) on route. Tour the ‘Do Re Mi’ scenes in Salzburg, see the famous gazebo, Mondsee, and ‘The Hills are Alive’ meadow, and absorb the Alpine scenery. Price is per vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Private tour
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Salzburg Private Tours
Pick up from your hotel or any other location in the city of Salzburg.
Pass by without stopping
Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten
On this stop we will explore the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, where the grand finale of Do, Re, Mi was filmed and we will also show you the Pegasus Fountain, Dwarf Garden, Hedge Tunnel and the steps where Maria and the kids finished Do, Re, Mi.
20 minutes here
Salzburg Marionette Theater
If you love the Sound of Music you will know this fantastic puppet theater ( operating since 1913 ). The Salzburg puppet theater is the oldest continuous theater of its kind in the world. The Lonely Goatherd and the puppet scene in the Sound of Music where inspired by this theatre. Sound of Music Film Connection: This is what inspired one of the most memorable scenes "The Lonely Goatherd"
Pass by without stopping
MoenchsbergAufzug
Enjoy panoramic views over the city as Maria and the children did bringing the Do, Re, Mi song into Salzburg from the picnic meadow in Werfen. In the Sound of Music that's the moment when they begin to mix the order of the musical notes up for practice.
20 minutes here · Admission included
PFERDESCHWEMME - HORSE WELL
This iconic monument fountain, built in the 17th century, was used as a horse wash in former days. It was also featured in the Sound of Music.
Pass by without stopping
Felsenreitschule
Built in the 17th century as a riding school for the prince archbishops of Salzburg and transformed into a theater in 1925. This is the location where the Von Trapps performed Edelweiss and won the Salzburg festivals during the Sound of Music escape scene.
Pass by without stopping
Petersfriedhof
St. Peters Cemetery, is located next to St. Peters Basilica and Monastery. In the Sound of Music the oldest part of Salzburg ( goes back to 696AD ) inspired the escape scene.
Pass by without stopping
Mozartsteg
Built in 1903 the Mozart Bridge is the oldest Bridge over the river Salzach in the city of Salzburg. In the Sound of Music Marie and the children cross the bridge while pointing during the instrumental end of "My Favorite Things" before they skip along the grassy riverbank.
Pass by without stopping
Residenzplatz Market
We will stop at this majestic 17th century baroque fountain, where Maria splashed water just before she boarded the bus to the captains Villa during I have Confidence in the Sound of Music.
2 minutes here
Stift Nonnberg
The oldest Abbey north of the Alps (714AD) was featured several times in the Sound of Music. Only the exterior of the abbey was used in the movie. Innside shots where done in a studio.
Pass by without stopping
Leopoldskroner Weiher
Here we stop for a view over the Lake to the Palace Leopoldskron. This beautiful rococo building was used as the back of the family house in the Sound of Music. The boat scene was filmed here and it used to be the home of the original Gazebo.
10 minutes here
Stop and short walk to the 17th century Palace Frohnburg. This are the gates where Maria arrived hopping, swinging here guitar and singing "I Have Confidence" in the Sound of Music.
15 minutes here
Rossfeld Panoramastrasse
This Panoramic Road is considered one of the most beautiful in the Alps. After a scenic drive to the top (1570 meters) your private guide will walk with you to the place where the family hiked over the Alps to Switzerland. (Weather permitting)
10 minutes here · Admission included
Berchtesgaden
Enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting) at the location where Maria was spinning in the field during the opening scene of the Sound of Music while singing "The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music".
10 minutes here
Schloss Hellbrunn
Hellbrunn Palace, famous for its trick water fountains, is since 1991 the location of the original Gazebo. Some of the most unforgettable and romantic scenes of the Sound of Music, like "16 going on 17" with Liesl and Rolf and "Something Good" where performed in this timeless Gazebo.
10 minutes here
The Sound of Music Trail
Sound of Music picnic meadow, where Maria and the children started to sing Do, Re, Mi during their picnic. Enjoy beautiful views to the fortress Hohenwerfen and the Alps.
10 minutes here
Former hunting lodge built in 1450 by Prince Archbishop, Schloss Fuschl is today a Luxury Lake Side Resort.
Pass by without stopping
Red Bull Global Headquarters
Home of the most famous Energy Drink, enjoy beautiful architecture.
2 minutes here
Basilika St. Michael
Visit "The Sound of Music" wedding basilica.
10 minutes here
Enjoy beautiful views above the Lake Wolfgang and the town of St. Gilgen. This is the area that was shown during the opening scene of the Sound of Music. You also have a view to the Schafberg where Maria and the children took the train up to the picnic meadow.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Salzburg Private Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Children under the age of 12 or shorter then 150cm need a child seat. Please inform us.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 69 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
69 verified traveler reviews for The Hills Are Alive. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A perfect day
We had a great day with Michael. He was an excellent guide and took us to all the locations we wanted to see. We loved seeing the places they had filmed in the mountains as well as the church where the wedding scene was shot. We also went to all the places in Saltzburg which we were familiar with from the film. In addition he took us to a lovely place for lunch. We really enjoyed singing along to all the songs in the car while we travelled to the various places. Michael had a great knowledge of the history of the area which was very interesting to hear as well.
via Tripadvisor
The day was alive!
We had a wonderful experience visiting sites from The Sound of Music both in and out of town. We had a lovely lunch in the hills—no tourists. Took pictures spinning around in the fields from the movie. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Carlos was a fantastic...
Carlos was a fantastic guide- we traveled with four kids - Carlos helped gear the trip to our group. Would recommend again. We booked a second tour with him Monday to a different location!
via Viator
Great fun
We had so much fun, our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful
via Tripadvisor
Amazing, hills are alive tour.
Wow is all we kept saying. Salzburg is beautiful and the tour is amazing an absolute must for the hills are alive fans. We opted for the private tour and had lots of fun & laughter with Carlos. He knew the film inside and out and also lots of information regarding the true story behind the family which was very interesting. Definitely recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 24
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Salzburg Private Tours, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.7.
See everything Salzburg Private Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Hills Are Alive: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salzburg.
How much does The Hills Are Alive cost?
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Prices start at $1,016 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salzburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Hills Are Alive take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salzburg is not rushed.
Is The Hills Are Alive worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 69 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Salzburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Hills Are Alive?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Hills Are Alive suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Hills Are Alive?
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Around 24 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salzburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salzburg and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Hills Are Alive start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salzburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Salzburg?
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On Outty we rank every Salzburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg, Salzburg Oldtown: Sightseeing Walking Tour with Licensed Local Guide, Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Salzburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The Hills Are Alive?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Professional guide; and Private tour. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Hills Are Alive include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 308 listed pickup locations in and around Salzburg. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is The Hills Are Alive offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Hills Are Alive?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The Hills Are Alive wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Hills Are Alive if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Salzburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The Hills Are Alive?
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Across 69 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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