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Nonnberg Abbey – Maria’s convent

Nonnberg Abbey, high above the Old Town below the Fortress, is Maria’s convent in the film – and in real life. It is one of the places where film and history come closest.

In the film

The film shows the abbey gate and part of the entrance area of the church, and the abbey returns near the end of the film, when the family seeks shelter there from the Nazis. The courtyard, the cloister and the interiors – including the scene of the nuns singing about Maria – were filmed on studio sets in Hollywood.

The real history

Nonnberg was founded in the early 8th century by Saint Rupert and is the oldest convent of nuns in the German-speaking world that has existed without interruption. The real Maria Augusta Kutschera was a novice here before she went to the von Trapp household as a tutor. On 26 November 1927 Maria and Georg von Trapp were married in the abbey church of Nonnberg – not in Mondsee, as in the film.

Why our van tours do not drive up to Nonnberg

Nonnberg is not a museum but a living convent. The lane up to the abbey is narrow and not meant for tour vehicles, and the nuns do not like cars driving up to their home. Out of respect for their privacy, our minivan and minibus tours do not drive up to Nonnberg for sightseeing – on these tours you see the abbey from the Old Town below. On our walking and bike tours we go up on foot or by bike.

Tip: Vespers with Gregorian chant

Guests regularly ask us about the sung Vespers of the nuns – Gregorian chant in the abbey church, one of the most moving experiences in Salzburg. Vespers are usually held Monday to Saturday at 5 pm, on Sundays and public holidays at 4:30 pm and on the eve of holidays at 4 pm. From November to February, please register with the abbey at least one day ahead ([email protected]). Times can change, so please check the website of Nonnberg Abbey before your visit. Vespers are a church service, not a concert – the church cannot be visited during services.

If you would like to attend Vespers after a private tour, we can end your private tour at Nonnberg and drop you off at the abbey – just let us know when you book.

Visiting tips

  • Nonnberg is an active Benedictine convent. The church is not open for guided tours: you can step inside briefly and look around quietly, while the rest of the abbey is private.
  • From the path below the abbey you have one of the best views over the rooftops of Salzburg.
  • The walk up from the Old Town takes about 10 minutes via the steep Nonnberg steps (Nonnbergstiege) from Kaigasse. A little longer but more relaxed is the way via Festungsgasse and Nonnberggasse.
  • On our walking and bike tours we go up to Nonnberg when the group is fit for the climb. You can take a short look inside the church; your guide explains the history outside – the view over the city is worth it.

Visit with Bob’s Special Tours

Our guides have been showing guests the filming locations since 1976 – with the stories behind the scenes, the real history of the von Trapp family and Salzburg’s culture beyond the film. You can see this location on:

All filming locations at a glance: The Sound of Music movie filming locations in and around Salzburg.

Frequently asked questions

Was the real Maria von Trapp a nun at Nonnberg?

Maria Kutschera was a novice at Nonnberg Abbey before she became a tutor for the von Trapp family. She did not take her final vows.

Where did the real Maria and Georg von Trapp get married?

In the church of Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg on 26 November 1927. The wedding in the film was shot in the basilica in Mondsee.

Can you visit Nonnberg Abbey?

You can take a short look inside the church, but no guided tours are given inside, and the convent itself is private because nuns still live there. Guides explain the history outside.

Do tours drive up to Nonnberg Abbey?

Our minivan and minibus tours do not drive up for sightseeing: the lane is narrow and the nuns do not like cars driving up, so we respect their privacy. Our walking and bike tours go up to the abbey, and private tours can end at Nonnberg on request, for example if you want to attend Vespers.

When are Vespers at Nonnberg Abbey?

The nuns sing Vespers with Gregorian chant usually Monday to Saturday at 5 pm and on Sundays and public holidays at 4:30 pm (4 pm on the eve of holidays). From November to February registration with the abbey is required at least one day ahead. Times can change – please check the website of Nonnberg Abbey.