Mondsee Cathedral (Basilika St. Michael)

A mainstay of “The Sound of Music” tours, the Mondsee Cathedral sits in the heart of Mondsee, a small town set on the shores of the lake of the same name. Visit this landmark 15th-century church—which part of a larger monastery complex founded in the 8th centur—on a day trip or tour that covers the most famous locations featured in the musical, from Salzburg’s Summer Riding School to Schloss Hellbrunn.

• The church is an active place of worship, so opt for modest dress and speak in a quiet voice while visiting.

• A variety of eateries and cafés sit in the square just outside the church, ideal for a snack or meal.

• There’s no fee to visit the church, but you’re encouraged to leave a small donation for the building’s upkeep.

• The Mondsee Cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers via entrance ramps.

Mondsee is quite small and the town’s famed cathedral is easy to access on foot from anywhere in the historic center. To reach Mondsee, take the bus from Salzburg, Oberhofen/Zell am Moos, Bad Ischl, or St. Gilgen. Alternatively, join a tour that includes transport from Salzburg or Vienna.

The Mondsee Cathedral is open daily year-round, and the church is charming to visit in all four seasons. During the Christmas season, fairy lights decorate the square outside; from spring through fall, the verdant surrounding slopes evoke picturesque scenes from “The Sound of Music”.

Fans of the “The Sound of Music” starring Julie Andrews have been coming to Austria to visit filming locations since its release in 1965. Favorite destinations include Mirabell Palace and Garden, where Maria and the children dance around the fountain singing "Do-Re-Mi"; the Summer Riding School, where the Baron von Trapp sang "Edelweiss"; and Schloss Frohnburg Palace, which was used as the von Trapp residence in the film.