Welcome to Werfen, The Sound of Music Location Where Nature Steals the Show
Nestled in Austria’s Salzburg region, Werfen is a picturesque haven where nature takes center stage. Known for its ice caves, medieval castle, and rugged mountains, Werfen is a true gem in the Austrian Alps.
As summer warms the Alps, the pastures around Werfen bloom with buttercups and pink clover, bees hum, and cowbells echo through the valley. The Tennen Mountains rise dramatically, resembling the fortifications of a fantasy castle. Just an hour south of Salzburg, Werfen’s charm is undeniable with its pastel-painted chalets and domed church.
Werfen gained fame as a filming location for the iconic picnic scene in the 1965 film "The Sound of Music," where Julie Andrews taught the von Trapp children to sing "Do-Re-Mi." Today, the Sound of Music Trail from Werfen to Gschwandtanger remains a peaceful path highlighting the area’s cinematic beauty.
The medieval Hohenwerfen Castle, perched on a hill, offers a striking view. This castle was featured in the 1968 film "Where Eagles Dare," starring Clint Eastwood. Built in 1077, the castle has a storied past, having been besieged, plundered, and used by Nazi officers. Today, it hosts bird of prey shows, with eagles soaring above its walls.
The Tennen Mountains, reaching heights of 2,400 meters, are wild and full of ancient paths, caves, and crevices. Hiking the Hochkogelsteig trail offers stunning views of the Hochkönig massif. The trail, though challenging, rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas and the silence broken only by the call of golden eagles.
Werfen is also home to the Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest accessible ice caves. Visitors can take a guided tour through these magnificent formations, where the temperature remains around zero degrees Celsius year-round. The caves, formed millions of years ago, feature ice sculptures, glittering walls, and the stunning Eispalast.
Werfen’s blend of natural beauty and cinematic history makes it a unique destination. Whether exploring its meadows, hiking its trails, or delving into its ice caves, Werfen offers an unforgettable Alpine experience.