Nonnberg Abbey (also known as Stift Nonnberg) is one of the most well-known sites in Salzburg. Founded in the early 8th century, it is the oldest nunnery that still exists in the German-speaking world. It also features in the 1965 musical, The Sound of Music, and is where the real Maria von Trapp lived while preparing to become a nun. Today, visitors can explore the church and cemetery as well as take in the mesmerizing views over the city of Salzburg. Whether you have an interest in monastical history, architecture, music, or just taking in spectacular scenery, Nonnberg Abbey is a must-see for visitors to historic Salzburg.
History of Nonnberg Abbey
Nonnberg Abbey is a Benedictine nunnery that is believed to have first been founded in the early 8th century by Saint Rupert of Salzburg. According to the Salzburg tourism website, not much is known about the early days of the Abbey, with the first records showing that the church on site, St. Mary’s Church, was consecrated in the year 1009. The remains of the first abbess, Erentrudis of Salzburg, still remain in the crypt of the church today.
Nonnberg Abbey is particularly interesting for the fact that it has been a continuously operating nunnery since its inception, therefore making it the oldest in the German-speaking world. Today, it continues to house a number of artifacts, including the mid-12th century murals which are admired world-wide.
Nonnberg Abbey and The Sound of Music
Nonnberg Abbey is probably most famous for its connection to 1965 musical,The Sound of Music. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the movie became a household name and is one reason a number of tourists travel to Salzburg each year to visit the filming locations.
The musical was based on the real von Trapp family, who also have a connection to Nonnberg Abbey. The real Maria von Trapp (at the time known as Maria Augusta Kutschera) lived at the abbey as a novice and governess before being deployed to take care of the von Trapp children. Nonnberg Abbey is also where Maria married Captain Georg von Trapp in the year 1927.
While the wedding scene in The Sound of Music was actually filmed in the town of Mondsee in Austria, exterior shots of Nonnberg Abbey are used in the film. One of the most recognizable scenes takes place at the abbey when the von Trapp children show up looking for Maria. Visitors today can actually walk through this same gate, which makes for a great photograph.
Visiting Nonnberg Abbey Today
Today, visitors have a few options for seeing Nonnberg Abbey. If you’re looking to just get a glimpse of it, most of city’s The Sound of Music tours will take you by it. As it’s perched on the mountainside, it’s also easy to view from many areas of the city. However if you do have the time (and want to see it up close) I would highly recommend a trip up the mountain to visit the grounds. You can either walk up to the abbey (which does require a bit of a hike) or you can take the Funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress and visit Nonnberg Abbey on your walk back down. The church and cemetery are open daily and free to enter. It doesn’t take long to look around and the views of Salzburg from the mountainside are worth the visit alone!
Key Information for Visiting Nonnberg Abbey
1. What parts of Nonnberg Abbey can you visit?
While visitors are not permitted to visit the actual abbey (as it’s still in use), you can visit the church and grounds. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth a visit, even just for the surrounding views of the Salzburg.
2. When can you visit Nonnberg Abbey?
For all of the early risers, the church opens at 6:45am in the morning. If you do get there at that time, you’ll likely be able to overhear the nuns singing their morning Gregorian chants.
Don’t worry if you’re not an early riser, as the grounds are usually open until dusk, which the Salzburg tourist website states is around 7pm in the summer.
2. How do you get there?
Nonnberg Abbey is located on the Festungsberg, the mountain that overlooks the city of Salzburg. You can take stairs up to the abbey, but be prepared for a bit of a climb. If you’re going to also be visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress, I would recommend taking the Funicular up to the castle and then walk back down the hill to visit Nonnberg Abbey.
3. How much does it cost to visit Nonnberg Abbey?
There is no cost to visit the church and cemetery, but you do have to request permission/register on arrival to view some areas of the church.
Always remember to check the tourist information site for updated info before you go. You can do so by visiting here.
4. How long does it take to visit?
It’s easy to have a quick look around the church and the grounds. I probably spent about 30 minutes exploring the inside as well as taking photos of the outside views.
5. Can you see where The Sound of Music was filmed?
Shots of the outside of Nonnberg Abbey were used in filming The Sound of Music, however the inside was not. One of the most recognizable outside locations is the gate, where the von Trapp children turn up looking for Maria. It’s pretty cool to see for anyone who has seen the movie!
6. What other historical things are there to do nearby?
Salzburg is a city filled with history and there are plenty of historical things to do. If you carry on up the mountain from Nonnberg Abbey, you can visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in central Europe. You can also visit St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery and Catacombs, which also provided inspiration for The Sound of Music. Salzburg is also famous for its music history, as the birthplace of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You can visit Mozart’s Birthplace or see where his family performed at Mirabelle Palace. If you’re looking for more The Sound of Music locations, visit here.
To see a further list of historical attractions see 10 Historical Things to do in Salzburg, Austria.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.