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Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The real-life von Trapp family from 'The Sound of Music' built a hotel in Vermont after fleeing the Nazis. Here's what it's like to visit.
The real-life von Trapp family made famous by "The Sound of Music" founded a hotel in Vermont. It's still operational (and growing) 75 years later. During a visit in December, I enjoyed delicious food and learned more about the family's fascinating history. "The Sound of Music" ends with the von Trapp family, led by Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and governess turned stepmother Maria (Julie Andrews), successfully escaping the Nazis. But in real life, the family's story didn't end after leaving Austria. The von Trapps wound up settling in Vermont when they reached the US. After careers as traveling singers, they pivoted to join the hospitality industry when they opened up their family home to guests. Seventy-five years later, the Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is still a thriving property in the ski town of Stowe, Vermont. I visited the lodge in December. Here's what it was like. The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is located in Stowe, Vermont. Nestled between Burlington and Montpelier, the northern Vermont ski town has seen rising popularity in recent years, with occupancy rates for accommodations including hotels, motels, and resorts reaching record highs, per Stowe Area Association data reported by The Stowe Reporter. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the state's highest peak, Stowe is a prime location for skiing, hiking, and other recreation. The four-star hotel first opened to guests in 1950. While "The Sound of Music" took plenty of creative liberties with the von Trapp family's story (no, they didn't cross the Alps on foot), it was accurate that they left their homeland of Austria to escape the Nazi regime. The 1965 film (and the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on which it was based) didn't follow the von Trapps to America. In real life, the family earned a living by performing as the Trapp Family Singers, which included all 10 of the von Trapp children (the seven kids in the movie, plus the additional three Maria and Captain von Trapp went on to have together after they married). They toured the US and Canada performing and eventually set up a home base in Stowe, where they ran a music camp while they weren't performing. They called it Cor Unum, or "one heart" in Latin. According to Sam von Trapp, the son of Maria and the Captain's youngest child Johannes and executive vice president of the lodge, Maria was drawn to settle in Stowe because it reminded her of Austria. In 1950, three years after her husband's death, Maria and her children opened their 27-room home to guests. It also wasn't the first time Maria had opened up the family home to make some cash: Sam told visitors during the lodge's Family History Talk — which I attended — that back in Austria, Maria had laid off servants, moved the family up to the servants' quarters, and rented out rooms in their villa to guests after they lost their fortune in the 1930s. The lodge has undergone several transformations over the decades. The hotel marked its 75th anniversary in February 2025 with a name change. It rebranded from the Trapp Family Lodge to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort as part of a move to reclaim the family legacy ("von" had been dropped when the family came to America and began touring). The property is markedly different now from the first incarnation that welcomed guests in 1950. In 1980, a devastating fire that killed one guest burned down the hotel; three years later, an expanded 73-room Austrian-style lodge replaced it. It's continued to grow, and now the 2,600-acre property houses a 96-room lodge in addition to more upscale villas and chalets. The Superior King Room was a great fit for our party of three. I visited the lodge for two nights in December 2024 with my husband and our 2-year-old daughter. The spacious room fit us (and the ridiculous amount of stuff traveling with a toddler requires) easily, and we had access to a shared balcony — perfect for taking in the snowy views. We were in a renovated room — the lodge has been undergoing renovations continuously over the last several years. A representative for the lodge told BI the work is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. Rates start at $280 for this room type, but Business Insider received a media rate for our two-night stay. There was even a special treat waiting for us when we arrived. The hotel's signature "Cow Cake" — a nod to the herd of Scottish Highland cows on the hotel's property — was so cute I could hardly bring myself to cut into it. (The toddler had no such qualms.) A private tour of the lodge showed how important family legacy is to the current owners — and how much they cater to fans of the von Trapps. Photos of the original von Trapps plastered the walls of the lodge, as did original Hans Wilhelm paintings of the family. There were also rugs hanging on the walls, a reference to the Captain's refusal to raise Hitler's flag and putting out the family's Oriental rugs instead. There was even a signed photo of Mary Martin, who played Maria in the Broadway musical, with a note addressed to the von Trapp matriarch. It was displayed outside a set of rooms that Maria herself once used as her apartment. The two had become good friends when Mary studied Maria to play her in the musical. Even the subtler details paid tribute to the von Trapps' roots — new carpets installed in April 2024 mimicked Austrian woodcraft details. The gift shop was filled with cute von Trapp-inspired items, like a singing goat. Apparently, Johannes, the sole surviving von Trapp child, was not a huge fan of the goat. But his son Sam told me that his father has come around on it, especially since ceding control of the lodge to his kids (Sam and his sister, Kristina von Trapp Frame) and retiring to New Mexico. Visitors could also buy Maria von Trapp's book. "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers," published in 1949, formed the basis of the 1959 musical and the later 1965 movie. On our first night, we dined at the main restaurant located inside the lodge. We arrived at 5:30 p.m. to a fairly empty dining room, but it quickly filled up with guests by 6 p.m. This included a huge group from a bus tour that had a buffet-style dinner set up for them separately. Our server told us they get lots of bus tours coming through. The ambiance was perfect for our December trip, with a local pianist playing Christmas tunes as we dined. Our dinner was incredible. As parents of toddlers know, convenience is key when it comes to dining out while traveling. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that not only was the dining room super convenient (it was in the same building as our room) and cozy, but the food was also outstanding. To start our meal, we had a complimentary bread basket with rolls and warm, melt-in-your-mouth banana bread. My husband ordered a salad appetizer and the spinach fettuccine, while I got the corn chowder soup and filet mignon. Our server told us the most traditional dish on the menu was the schnitzel, and the most popular was the beef duet. But I had no regrets about my order; the filet was cooked to perfection. My daughter had two and a half bites of her chicken fingers and all of her french fries, which honestly was a win in my book. For dessert, we split the linzer torte, which was flaky, delicious, and not too heavy. The next morning, we had breakfast and lunch in the main dining room and lounge. Breakfast was buffet-style, with standards like Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit. But the real star of the meal was the warm maple syrup. It tasted like pure Vermont heaven. We also chatted a bit with the host while we dined, who raved about the atmosphere in Stowe: "I feel like I'm living in a Hallmark Christmas town." For lunch, we split that day's soup special, an Austrian potato soup, which surpassed the previous evening's corn chowder, and my daughter enjoyed mac and cheese and a mixed fruit bowl. We (the adults) also finally indulged in the von Trapp family's other big venture: beer from the von Trapp Brewery located down the road. My husband had the Dunkel, a Munich-style dark lager that was very smooth, while I had the crisp and light Kölsch ale. After our lunch beers impressed us, we visited the bierhall itself for our second evening's dinner. Down the road from the lodge is the bierhall, a restaurant attached to the on-site brewery that Johannes started in 2010. This time, I drank the Zwickelbier, a pale lager made in partnership with the Austria-based Hofstetten Brewery. My dark beer-loving husband enjoyed the Trösten, a rich and smoky lager. I ate the bratwurst sampler, while my husband got the Johannesburger, the bierhall's signature burger made from the lodge's Highland cows. Incidentally, we'd met some of those cows (or their brethren) earlier the same day. Yep, that's right: The lodge raises its own cows. The lodge has a number of additional offerings for entertainment, including a "Meet the Cows" excursion. My husband, toddler, and I decided to partake in that one, because who doesn't want to see adorable fluffy cows? The cows were indeed adorable and fluffy, and we were able to get surprisingly close to them with our tour guide. The tour was informative, giving the history of the cows being brought to Vermont by the family and how they've become part of the resort's ongoing operations (and menu). In retrospect, this excursion is probably best reserved for adults or those with older kids: My toddler was not super interested in remaining quiet while our tour guide told us everything we could possibly want to know about these cows. Von Trapp Lodge offers year-round activities, but I can't imagine how spring or summer visits would top our Christmastime trip. The lodge went all out on its Christmas decor. There were multiple elaborately decorated Christmas trees scattered throughout the property, each with a different theme, and a pamphlet at the front desk challenged visitors to find each of them during their stay. There were also seasonal classes and activities on the docket during our visit, including wreath-making and ornament-making classes. We opted for the latter, and while our little snowman is slightly wonky (it was made with toddler hands, after all), we'll treasure it forever. Overall, I'd recommend the Von Trapp Family Lodge, whether you're a fan of "The Sound of Music" or not. The von Trapp family's fame from "The Sound of Music" is certainly a major draw for the lodge. When I attended the Family History Talk (led by Sam von Trapp) they regularly host, there was a huge group who weren't even guests — they were just stopping by for the talk while on a larger bus tour. But even if you're not a huge fan of musicals, the Von Trapp Family Lodge offers an excellent escape for families. With its delicious food offerings, cozy accommodations, and fun array of activities — plus its proximity to Stowe's skiing — it was a great choice for a winter retreat with a European vibe without having to leave the East Coast. Read the original article on Business Insider
National Geographic
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
The best ‘The Sound Of Music' experiences in Salzburg, Austria
From the hills of the opening scene to the mountain over which they escape, here's how to follow in the footsteps of the von Trapp family in real life. Fans of 'The Sound of Music' can follow in the footsteps of the famous von Trapp family The classic movie The Sound of Music celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, but beyond its milestone celebrations this year, there are several experiences inspired by the famous flick that fans should not miss out on when visiting Salzburg, Austria. The classic movie The Sound of Music celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, but beyond its milestone celebrations this year, there are several experiences inspired by the famous flick that fans should not miss out on when visiting Salzburg, Austria. The classic movie The Sound of Music celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, but beyond its milestone celebrations this year, there are several experiences inspired by the famous flick that fans should not miss out on when visiting Salzburg, Austria. The classic movie The Sound of Music celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, but beyond its milestone celebrations this year, there are several experiences inspired by the famous flick that fans should not miss out on when visiting Salzburg, Austria. The hills are still alive with The Sound of Music. Sixty years after this family feel-good classic movie premiered, fans still travel to Salzburg to see where the story of the singing Trapp family began. Whether filmed on location or on elaborate Hollywood sets, the original, real-life locations haven't changed. Travelers can relive the nostalgia of the famous movie and the places featured in its unforgettable scenes—such as the gazebo where Liesl von Trapp sings '16 going on 17' or Nonnberg Abbey where the nuns discuss "how to solve a problem like Maria." Here's how fans can celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music this year and beyond. How to find The Sound of Music film locations Of the 16 most famous locations, 12 are in Salzburg city, two (the village in the opening scenes and the church where the real Trapp couple gets married) are in Salzkammergut, while two (Untersberg mountain from 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' and the famous picnic scene in Werfen) are in Salzburg State. Fans can arrange the Original Sound of Music Tour, where people are escorted to all the major film locations on a bus. The owner of Panorama Tours, Stefan Herzel, explains his unique connection to the movie. 'Back in 1964, we transported everyone—actors, crew, equipment … everything. So, it was natural to start doing tours. We transported Julie Andrews when she came back in 1987, and the actors playing the children for the BBC's How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria [which documented the search for the right Maria for the musical adaptation] in 2006.' Fans of The Sound of Music can visit Nonnberg Abbey where the nuns in the movie were contemplating, 'How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria.' Photograph by Image Professionals GmbH, Alamy Stock Photo On this trip down memory lane, some travelers may find it hard to stifle spontaneous singing on the group excursions. So, fans who prefer a quieter excursion can use the free Smartguide 'On the trail of the Sound of Music' or compromise with a hop-on-hop-off tour. Visitors can also find a licensed guide who can offer a personalized tour and local perspective, along with in-depth information about the real Trapp family. Best Sound of Music experiences A taste of The Sound of Music Guests staying at the Hotel Hyperion can have a three-course meal inspired by The Sound of Music—thanks to Michael Daus, the executive chef of Gaumenfreund, the hotel's on-site restaurant. Part art, part sculpture, and part deconstruction, each component of the meal is a nod to the movie, Alpine culture, or the original Trapp family. The chef creates a paillard of veal with onions and sausage inspired by 'My Favorite Things,' which mentions schnitzel, veal in breadcrumbs, and noodles, a traditional Austrian pasta dish known as Käsknöpfle. Goat cheese crumbled over beef broth references mountain goats in the Alps, and for dessert, apple strudel with a tuile (thin wafer cookie) made in the shape of Mount Untersberg (where the family escapes) is served in a cinnamon cloud. Shop for dirndls Salzburger Heimatwerk is a beloved shop in Salzburg's old city center where visitors can browse and buy local crafts and pret-a-porter or made-to-measure dirndls—traditional Bavarian clothing for women which includes a bodice, blouse, high-waisted skirt, and matching apron. The shop has created a new collection of limited-edition dirndls for the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music. The new styles are based on a combination of traditional designs, modern cutting techniques, and fabric inspired by the Trapp family's artwork. And even if fans miss out on purchasing one of the limited-edition dirndls, at least one of each will remain on display. (Related: Welcome to Werfen, The Sound of Music location where nature steals the show.) Sound of Music activities for families Take a singing bicycle tour Ideal for a family, Maria's Bicycles offers a 3.5-hour singing bicycle tour through all the major movie locations. Photo stops include the Mozart Bridge (where Maria and the children point at their favorite sights), Mirabell Gardens (from the famous 'Do-Re-Mi' song), and the Felsenreitschule—the theater where the family sings "So Long" after winning the 1938 Salzburg Summer Festival. Maria, played by Julie Andrews, and the seven children dance around the Pegasus Fountain while singing 'Do-Re-Mi' at Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage site, once home to two Prince-Archbishops, now houses the administration and mayor of Salzburg's offices. Photograph by Gulliver Theis, Laif/Redux Stay at Schloss Leopoldskron Fans can check into Schloss Leopoldskron where scenes were filmed, including when viewers see Baron von Trapp and Baroness Schraeder drink pink lemonade, Maria and the children fall out of their boat, and Maria return from the abbey. However, the Venetian ballroom, staircase, and main foyer were reproduced in Hollywood. The Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian (1679-1744), built the palace in 1736, which was eventually transformed into a boutique hotel. If you're not a hotel guest or have not arranged a pre-booked tour, you won't be able to access the indoor spaces where some of the movie's iconic scenes were filmed. Guests staying at Schloss Leopoldskron—once a palace now transformed into a boutique hotel—have access to the indoor spaces where some scenes of The Sound of Music were filmed. A stay here also grants guests access to beautiful views like the one above. Photograph by Melanie Dreysse, Laif/Redux The hotel also features the famous gazebo and a photography exhibition that showcases photos of the real Trapp family, the movie's cast and crew, and original movie posters in different languages. It's a teaser to the forthcoming Sound of Music Museum, scheduled to open in Hellbrunn Palace in 2026. Puppet performance and film highlights Salzburg Marionette Theatre—a state-of-the-art institution founded in 1913—has a permanent exhibition and a 90-minute 'Big Broadway Musical in Miniature' performance in which puppeteers bring more than 100 puppets to life in a dance performance set to the original movie score. Parents with impatient or younger children may prefer the 35-minute highlights show that contains excerpts from The Sound of Music and Mozart's Magic Flute. Recreate a famous scene Visitors to Salzburg can also take the Mönchsberg elevator or walk three miles to the Winkler Terrace, located by the Modern Museum of Salzburg. Fans can recreate the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene. The view of the Salzach River and the old city center make a perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. Check into the hotels where the actors stayed Stop by the Sketch Bar at the Bristol Hotel for a drink. It received high marks from actor Christopher Plummer (Baron von Trapp), who stayed at the hotel and thought the bar had a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Fans can also visit Hotel Sacher, where actress Julie Andrews (Maria von Trapp) stayed, or the Hotel am Mirabellplatz where the children actors (other than Charmian Carr who was over 21) stayed. While in Salzburg, visitors can experience more of the city by experiencing the healing nature of the Salzburg Mountains. Getting around More than 350,000 fans visit Salzburg each year; more than double the city's population of 160,000. Visitors can get around Salzburg via its S-Bahn rail system, public trolleybuses, local bus lines, or on foot. Renting a car or car service is your best option for exploring all points outside of the city. Visitors can reach Salzburg via a two-hour direct flight from the U.K. with British Airways, Austrian Airlines, Easyjet, WizzAir, or Ryanair. Fans can also plan a 14-hour journey by train via Eurostar, with connections to NS, Deutchebahn, WESTbahn, Meridian, or Transdev. Airport transfers to the city center are cheapest by a 20-minute bus ride or an 8-to-12-minute taxi ride—the fastest option. Where to stay In central Salzburg, the Hotel Hyperion is just a few minutes walk from Mirabell Gardens, the Salzburger Marionetten Theater (Salzberg Marionette Theater), the starting point for The Sound of Music Tour, and within easy reach of other city sites and attractions. Check into the Arabella Jagdhof Resort at Lake Fuschls, especially for its proximity to film locations in Fuschlsee, St. Wolfgang, and Mondsee Church. (Related: 10 of the best hotels in Salzburg, the Austrian home of The Sound of Music.) What you should know Travel with cash if you want to delve into Salzburg's café culture. Most coffeehouses only take cash. Visitors to Salzburg should be aware that outdoor tours stop during the winter, so you may want to consider arranging a licensed guide to see The Sound of Music sights. Bus tours and other indoor experiences are available year-round. It's recommended to book in advance, especially when visiting during peak season because tours and other experiences fill up fast. Wheelchair accessibility can be challenging because of the protected historical nature of Salzburg's buildings. However, most hotels have at least one wheelchair-accessible room, and most city experiences are accessible with a motorized wheelchair. Carole Edrich is a freelance writer, photographer, and podcaster based in London and Brussels, follow her at CaroleInnit for travel humor and comment.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 of the best hotels in Salzburg, Austria
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The most Austrian of cities, Salzburg is an instant heart-stealer. It's backdropped by the Mönchsberg, a mount rising like a gentle giant above the old town's alleys and abbeys, plazas and palaces. Topping it is a 900-year-old fortress straight out of a kids' story, while the mountains on the horizon remind you that the Alps are but a yodel away. The hotel scene mirrors the city itself: petite, characterful and surprisingly varied, skipping from revamped medieval inns to affordable palace stays. If you're visiting, book now: in 2025, Salzburg will celebrate 60 years of The Sound of Music with performances, exhibitions and tours of filming locations. Best for romanticsThis 16th-century castle hotel is so romantic, you half expect a Disney princess to waft out of the door. Perched atop Mönchsberg, it surveys Salzburg from on high, the baroque city unfurling below and the snow-dusted Alps etched on the horizon. The building is powder-puff pink and whimsically turreted, and rooms are modern-classic, with parquet floors, champagne and cream tones, chandeliers, re-upholstered antiques and the occasional hint of ruby red. There's a sense of leaving the city behind here, whether you're drifting in the spa's outdoor infinity pool or wandering the castle's prettily wooded parkland. The clincher is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Glass Garden. Centred around a hand-blown glass sculpture by American artist Dale Chihuly and topped by a striking glass-vaulted ceiling, it serves season-led tasting menus featuring the likes of dove breast with pumpkin and Périgord truffle. Rooms: From €414 (£345), B&B. Best for The Sound of Music nostalgiaThis rococo palace is spread across 17 acres of parkland, with knockout views of the mountains and 900-year-old Hohensalzburg fortress on Mönchsberg. If you love The Sound of Music, you might recognise the setting — the rowboat scene, where the von Trapp kids tumble into the lake, was filmed here. Pick between 12 suites in the main palace, with high ceilings, antique furniture and the finest views of the gardens; or smart, modern — and cheaper — rooms in a revamped 300-year-old annex. The perks are the same: lavish breakfasts, walks in the grounds and access to a magnificent baroque library — plus free bike rental and entry to the adjacent public lido. Rooms: From €162 (£135), B&B. Best for old-school luxuryThink Sacher and you might picture the namesake torte, believed to have been invented by confectioner Franz Sacher in 1832 for Viennese royalty. This grand hotel, part of an Austrian hospitality group founded by Franz's son, hits the sweet spot, too. Every cream-panelled, chandelier-lit room comes with the trimmings expected of five-star digs — gilt-framed oil paintings, antiques and sparkling marble bathrooms — but blow the budget on a signature suite for fortress views. You're in good company: Julie Andrews, the Dalai Lama and Tom Hanks top the list of famous past guests. A smart grill restaurant, opulent cafe and health club with sauna, fitness centre and treatments are the icing on the rich chocolate cake. Rooms: From €315 (£260). Best for restful breaksBirds twitter and fountains splash in the vine-draped gardens of this villa hotel. It's just a 10-minute toddle from baroque Schloss Mirabell, where Maria teaches the von Trapp kids to sing Do-Re-Mi in The Sound of Music, and the banks of the Salzach, the fast-flowing river that cuts through the city. Yet, it feels like an escape. If the weather's fine, breakfast is served on the terrace — and what a breakfast it is. With honey from the hotel's own hives, homemade spreads and preserves, flavourful porridge (with raisins and spices like cardamom and cinnamon) and fresh-pressed juices, it's how every day should begin. The mood is mellow here, from the warm-toned, wood-floored rooms to the spa, offering a Finnish sauna, massages, morning yoga and a terrace peeking above the rooftops and wooded hills. Rooms: From €150 (£125). Best for river & city viewsOn the banks of the Salzach, this adults-only address has dress-circle views of the UNESCO-listed Altstadt (old town) and Hohensalzburg fortress — the sort of panorama you often pay handsomely for. Dodge high season, however, and it comes with a budget price tag. It's one of Salzburg's oldest inns, but the late 14th-century bones underpin chic, modern rooms. Crisp white bedding and clean lines are enlivened by pops of cobalt blue, Venetian glass chandeliers and large-scale, black-and-white murals of historic landmarks. There's also a bijou spa and a city-facing rooftop restaurant and bar, Steinterrasse, for dishes from dim sum to pasta with truffle. Rooms: From €128 (£105). Best for urban vibesMost Salzburg hotels have historic settings, but this 15-floor option is refreshingly modern — one of few high-rises in a low-lying city. The rooms reference Scandi-style minimalism, from the monochrome tones to the clever backlighting, and the glass walls frame a panorama that reaches the Alps — executive ones have freestanding tubs to enjoy it while relaxing with Rituals toiletries. Even better, head to the top-floor Sky Bar restaurant or the roof terrace, which opens in the summer and has 360-degree views. Rooms: From €108 (£90). Best for art & designSet inside a building that's operated as an inn since 1350, this boutique hotel has stepped from historic to cool without missing a beat. The 34 rooms are big on character, with hardwood floors, one-of-a-kind art on stone walls and bathrooms with souvenir bath ducks. There's a library for browsing design books, a terrace to sip summer aperitifs and a glass atrium overlooking the kitchen herb garden. The restaurant riffs on regional produce in dishes like saddle of venison with spruce crust and buckthorn jus. Rooms: From €179 (£150). Best for medieval historyIn the historic heart, Goldgasse is a lane where gold and silversmiths plied their trade in the Middle Ages. Here, a minute's walk from the Residenz palace and domed cathedral, you'll find this hotel inside a 14th-century townhouse. It preserves original features, including thick, limewashed walls and heavy wood beams, which are given pride of place in 15 pared-back rooms. Street-facing ones are within earshot of church bells but may come with evening noise; for more peace, opt for the courtyard side. Rooms: From €199 (£165), B&B. Best for Mozart fansWedged in among the townhouses on Linzer Gasse, Salzburg's main pedestrian thoroughfare, this boutique hotel pays tribute to the city's prodigal son. It's right next to St Sebastian's Cemetery, where Mozart's father, Leopold, and wife, Constanze, are buried, and less than a 10-minute walk from both his birthplace and later residence, now popular museums. The river and Schloss Mirabell are just a stroll away, too. It's set in a restored 500-year-old building, and the interiors combine stone vaults and reupholstered antiques with pops of crisp colour, like velvet armchairs in sapphire blue or emerald. The large-scale prints on the walls were created by artists from the Brera Fine Arts Academy in Milan, where Mozart stayed during his first trip to Italy in the 18th century. Rooms: From €113 (£95). Best for opera enthusiastsDuck down a back alley in Salzburg's medieval core to find this 700-year-old building, which interweaves historic flair with contemporary style. Its 16 rooms and suites contrast original stucco, beams and flagstones with flamboyant, hand-blown glass chandeliers and SMEG fridges stocked with free drinks. Each room has giant prints of operas from the Salzburg Festival, on for five weeks each summer; to experience the real thing, the Great Festival Hall, host to many performances, is but a five-minute walk away. Downstairs, Gasthof Goldgasse is an inn in the traditional Austrian mould: vaulted, pine-clad and full of chatter. Snag a table for a multi-tiered breakfast feast of homemade bircher muesli, fresh-baked pastries, Alpine ham and cheeses. You can also book dinner for classics from schnitzel to a perfectly flaky strudel. Rooms: From €160 (£135). Published in the March 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
10 of the best hotels in Salzburg, Austria
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The most Austrian of cities, Salzburg is an instant heart-stealer. It's backdropped by the Mönchsberg, a mount rising like a gentle giant above the old town's alleys and abbeys, plazas and palaces. Topping it is a 900-year-old fortress straight out of a kids' story, while the mountains on the horizon remind you that the Alps are but a yodel away. The hotel scene mirrors the city itself: petite, characterful and surprisingly varied, skipping from revamped medieval inns to affordable palace stays. If you're visiting, book now: in 2025, Salzburg will celebrate 60 years of The Sound of Music with performances, exhibitions and tours of filming locations. Rooms in Hotel Schloss Mönchstein hold an antique and whimsical charm. Photograph by Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Salzburg The hotel's own Michelin-starred Glass Garden invites for a romantic seasonal menu. Photograph by Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Salzburg Best for romantics This 16th-century castle hotel is so romantic, you half expect a Disney princess to waft out of the door. Perched atop Mönchsberg, it surveys Salzburg from on high, the baroque city unfurling below and the snow-dusted Alps etched on the horizon. The building is powder-puff pink and whimsically turreted, and rooms are modern-classic, with parquet floors, champagne and cream tones, chandeliers, re-upholstered antiques and the occasional hint of ruby red. There's a sense of leaving the city behind here, whether you're drifting in the spa's outdoor infinity pool or wandering the castle's prettily wooded parkland. The clincher is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Glass Garden. Centred around a hand-blown glass sculpture by American artist Dale Chihuly and topped by a striking glass-vaulted ceiling, it serves season-led tasting menus featuring the likes of dove breast with pumpkin and Périgord truffle. Rooms: From €414 (£345), B & B. Best for The Sound of Music nostalgia This rococo palace is spread across 17 acres of parkland, with knockout views of the mountains and 900-year-old Hohensalzburg fortress on Mönchsberg. If you love The Sound of Music, you might recognise the setting — the rowboat scene, where the von Trapp kids tumble into the lake, was filmed here. Pick between 12 suites in the main palace, with high ceilings, antique furniture and the finest views of the gardens; or smart, modern — and cheaper — rooms in a revamped 300-year-old annex. The perks are the same: lavish breakfasts, walks in the grounds and access to a magnificent baroque library — plus free bike rental and entry to the adjacent public lido. Rooms: From €162 (£135), B & B. The signature suites at Hotel Sacher have views of the fortress. Photograph by Hotel Sacher Best for old-school luxury Think Sacher and you might picture the namesake torte, believed to have been invented by confectioner Franz Sacher in 1832 for Viennese royalty. This grand hotel, part of an Austrian hospitality group founded by Franz's son, hits the sweet spot, too. Every cream-panelled, chandelier-lit room comes with the trimmings expected of five-star digs — gilt-framed oil paintings, antiques and sparkling marble bathrooms — but blow the budget on a signature suite for fortress views. You're in good company: Julie Andrews, the Dalai Lama and Tom Hanks top the list of famous past guests. A smart grill restaurant, opulent cafe and health club with sauna, fitness centre and treatments are the icing on the rich chocolate cake. Rooms: From €315 (£260). The gardens of Hotel & Villa Auersberg blend indoor and outdoor relaxation. Photograph by Bio Paradies Best for restful breaks Birds twitter and fountains splash in the vine-draped gardens of this villa hotel. It's just a 10-minute toddle from baroque Schloss Mirabell, where Maria teaches the von Trapp kids to sing Do-Re-Mi in The Sound of Music, and the banks of the Salzach, the fast-flowing river that cuts through the city. Yet, it feels like an escape. If the weather's fine, breakfast is served on the terrace — and what a breakfast it is. With honey from the hotel's own hives, homemade spreads and preserves, flavourful porridge (with raisins and spices like cardamom and cinnamon) and fresh-pressed juices, it's how every day should begin. The mood is mellow here, from the warm-toned, wood-floored rooms to the spa, offering a Finnish sauna, massages, morning yoga and a terrace peeking above the rooftops and wooded hills. Rooms: From €150 (£125). Best for river & city views On the banks of the Salzach, this adults-only address has dress-circle views of the UNESCO-listed Altstadt (old town) and Hohensalzburg fortress — the sort of panorama you often pay handsomely for. Dodge high season, however, and it comes with a budget price tag. It's one of Salzburg's oldest inns, but the late 14th-century bones underpin chic, modern rooms. Crisp white bedding and clean lines are enlivened by pops of cobalt blue, Venetian glass chandeliers and large-scale, black-and-white murals of historic landmarks. There's also a bijou spa and a city-facing rooftop restaurant and bar, Steinterrasse, for dishes from dim sum to pasta with truffle. Rooms: From €128 (£105). Dress-circle views are an attractive feature of Hotel Stein's modern rooms. Photograph by Michael Groessinger Best for urban vibes Most Salzburg hotels have historic settings, but this 15-floor option is refreshingly modern — one of few high-rises in a low-lying city. The rooms reference Scandi-style minimalism, from the monochrome tones to the clever backlighting, and the glass walls frame a panorama that reaches the Alps — executive ones have freestanding tubs to enjoy it while relaxing with Rituals toiletries. Even better, head to the top-floor Sky Bar restaurant or the roof terrace, which opens in the summer and has 360-degree views. Rooms: From €108 (£90). Best for art & design Set inside a building that's operated as an inn since 1350, this boutique hotel has stepped from historic to cool without missing a beat. The 34 rooms are big on character, with hardwood floors, one-of-a-kind art on stone walls and bathrooms with souvenir bath ducks. There's a library for browsing design books, a terrace to sip summer aperitifs and a glass atrium overlooking the kitchen herb garden. The restaurant riffs on regional produce in dishes like saddle of venison with spruce crust and buckthorn jus. Rooms: From €179 (£150). Best for medieval history In the historic heart, Goldgasse is a lane where gold and silversmiths plied their trade in the Middle Ages. Here, a minute's walk from the Residenz palace and domed cathedral, you'll find this hotel inside a 14th-century townhouse. It preserves original features, including thick, limewashed walls and heavy wood beams, which are given pride of place in 15 pared-back rooms. Street-facing ones are within earshot of church bells but may come with evening noise; for more peace, opt for the courtyard side. Rooms: From €199 (£165), B & B. For those wanting to step into Mozart's shoes, the Amadeus offers a prime location. Photograph by Michael Groessinger Best for Mozart fans Wedged in among the townhouses on Linzer Gasse, Salzburg's main pedestrian thoroughfare, this boutique hotel pays tribute to the city's prodigal son. It's right next to St Sebastian's Cemetery, where Mozart's father, Leopold, and wife, Constanze, are buried, and less than a 10-minute walk from both his birthplace and later residence, now popular museums. The river and Schloss Mirabell are just a stroll away, too. It's set in a restored 500-year-old building, and the interiors combine stone vaults and reupholstered antiques with pops of crisp colour, like velvet armchairs in sapphire blue or emerald. The large-scale prints on the walls were created by artists from the Brera Fine Arts Academy in Milan, where Mozart stayed during his first trip to Italy in the 18th century. Rooms: From €113 (£95). The interiors at Hotel Goldgasse mix contemporary and historic flair. Photograph by Michael Groessinger Best for opera enthusiasts Duck down a back alley in Salzburg's medieval core to find this 700-year-old building, which interweaves historic flair with contemporary style. Its 16 rooms and suites contrast original stucco, beams and flagstones with flamboyant, hand-blown glass chandeliers and SMEG fridges stocked with free drinks. Each room has giant prints of operas from the Salzburg Festival, on for five weeks each summer; to experience the real thing, the Great Festival Hall, host to many performances, is but a five-minute walk away. Downstairs, Gasthof Goldgasse is an inn in the traditional Austrian mould: vaulted, pine-clad and full of chatter. Snag a table for a multi-tiered breakfast feast of homemade bircher muesli, fresh-baked pastries, Alpine ham and cheeses. You can also book dinner for classics from schnitzel to a perfectly flaky strudel. Rooms: From €160 (£135). National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click Published in the March 2025 issue of(UK).To subscribe to(UK) magazine click here . (Available in select countries only).
Boston Globe
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Hamilton,' ‘Suffs,' and more announced for new Broadway In Boston season
Next up is the return of ' The von Trapp family sets up residence at the Opera House from Jan. 6-18, with a production of 'The Sound of Music.' Advertisement Arriving at the Opera House on Jan. 28, 2026 and running through Feb. 8, 2026 will be 'Some Like It Hot,' a musical version of the classic 1959 Billy Wilder comedy starring Marilyn Monroe as a singer in an all-female band and Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis as musicians on the run from the mob who pass themselves off as women and join the band. 'Kinky Boots' briefly kicks up its heels at the Opera House, from Feb. 17-22, 2026. ' From March 31-April 12, 2026, the Opera House will provide a home for 'The Outsiders,' an adaptation of Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film about the family-like bonds among the Greasers gang in Tulsa, Okla., in the 1960s. Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast,' one of the weirdest love stories of all time, will be at the Opera House from April 14-May 2, 2026. Jean Valjean will once again suffer nobly and try to outrun the relentless Inspector Javert in 'Les Miserables,' at the Opera House June 9–21, 2026. 'The Great Gatsby,' a new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's landmark Jazz Age novel, will be at the Opera House July 7-19, 2026. (Not to be confused with 'Gatsby,' Advertisement Lastly, 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' sets up shop at the Opera House July 28-Aug. 2, 2026. Don Aucoin can be reached at
