Sound of Music keeps tourists coming back

The Von Trapp Villa, as it is now named, was the home of Baron von Trapp and his seven children - who inspired the epic musical and Hollywood film The Sound of Music - before they were forced to flee the Nazi’s in 1938.

Maria von Trapp who is the Baron’s second-eldest daughter and is now aged 94 was invited to visit the house just before it opens as a new hotel.

Maria hasn’t been back to her home-city of Salzburg in recent years as flying has become too much of an ordeal, so Dietrich Mateschitz, the owner of Salzburg-based drinks company Red Bull, flew her over in the company jet and greeted her at the airport.

The house was put at the disposal of SS police chief Heinrich Himmler in WWII, who had barracks built on the grounds for his men.

On her long-awaited visit Maria said: "It’s the first time I have been here in 70 years. It brings back so many memories, so many favourite things from my life are in here, in this house. I loved the stairwell, where we always used to slide down the railings.

"I also loved the locally made sausages, and they are still on sale here and still taste just as good."

Salzburg City Official Grunda Pleckmamn accom- panied Maria on her trip back to the city. She said, "She is in such good shape, she hasn’t aged a bit since I last saw her in the US eight years ago."

Maria and her family's flight from the Nazis also inspired a Broadway musical and a multi-million dollar tourist industry in Austria.

But on arriving back at the house she said all that seemed unimportant.

"My youngest sister built herself a tree house. Of course, then we all had to have one as well, we loved to climb the trees.”

And for film buffs eager to have the full Sound of Music experience here are the top 5 on offer.

1. The Sound of Music Puppet show, Marionette Theatre . Back in Austria after touring the United States.

2. The Nonnberg Nunnery – Where Julie Andrews’ real-life character lived before joining the Von Trapp family.

3. The Pegasus Fountain – The Von Trapp family are seen marching around the fountain in the film.

4. Rock Riding School – Where the family took part in the singing contests that were their ticket to a new life in the United States.

5. Sound of Music Pavillion, Helbrum Palace – Where the song ‘I am 16 going on 17’ was filmed.

For more information ring the Salzburg Tourist board on 0662 88 98 7-0

See the full story online at http://www.austriantimes.at

Printausgabe vom 01.08.2008