The picnic where Maria teaches the children “Do-Re-Mi” was filmed on the alpine meadows above Werfen, about one hour south of Salzburg – with the mighty Hohenwerfen Castle in the valley below.
In the film
Maria and the children sit on the mountain meadow and start “Do-Re-Mi” with “Let’s start at the very beginning”. The rocky peaks behind them and the castle in the Salzach valley make it one of the most scenic moments of The Sound of Music movie.
The real history
Hohenwerfen Castle was built in 1077 on a rock above the Salzach valley to protect the archbishops of Salzburg – around the same time as the Fortress Hohensalzburg. Today it is famous for its falconry shows and has also appeared in other films, such as “Where Eagles Dare”. The meadows above Werfen are working alpine pastures with farms and cows. On a clear day you can see the Tennengebirge mountains high above the castle – and even the entrance of the famous ice caves.
How to get to the Do-Re-Mi picnic field
- On foot: from Werfen the hike up to the meadow takes about 45–50 minutes, depending on your own pace. Sturdy shoes recommended.
- By train: as a day trip, take the regional train from Salzburg main station to Werfen and hike up from there.
- By car: a narrow mountain road leads up – not recommended in winter.
- With us: on our private Do-Re-Mi picnic tour (see below).
Visiting tips
- Please stay on the paths and respect the farmers’ land.
- Combine your visit with Hohenwerfen Castle and its falconry show (seasonal, roughly spring to autumn).
- Above Werfen lies the Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave system in the world – a great extra if you have more time.
- For adventure lovers: a few kilometres north, near Golling, an 800-metre zipline flies over the Salzach gorge (Salzachöfen) (May to October).
- Fans like to bring their own curtain dresses for a photo on the meadow.
Visit with Bob’s Special Tours
Our guides have been showing guests the filming locations of The Sound of Music movie since 1976. On our private Do-Re-Mi picnic tour with Werfen Castle we start with Leopoldskron Lake and the gazebo in Hellbrunn Park, buy fresh ingredients for the picnic together on the way, and then hike up to the Do-Re-Mi picnic field – or drive up, if you prefer. After the picnic with views of the Tennengebirge, we visit Hohenwerfen Castle with an all-inclusive ticket for the castle, the museum and the falconry show (seasonal).
All filming locations at a glance: The Sound of Music movie filming locations in and around Salzburg.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the Do-Re-Mi picnic scene filmed?
On the alpine meadows above Werfen, about one hour south of Salzburg, with Hohenwerfen Castle in the background.
Can you visit the Do-Re-Mi picnic field?
Yes. You can hike up from Werfen in about 45–50 minutes (Werfen is easy to reach by regional train from Salzburg), drive up on a narrow mountain road, or join our private Do-Re-Mi picnic tour.
What is the castle in the Do-Re-Mi scene?
Hohenwerfen Castle, a fortress from 1077 above the Salzach valley in Werfen.