Mirabell Gardens - a garden filled with lots of red flowers
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Mirabell Gardens

4.7
·13k reviews·Salzburg, Austria

Iconic Baroque gardens famous for 'The Sound of Music,' offering free entry, stunning floral displays, and fortress views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Mirabell Gardens - a garden filled with lots of red flowers

Mirabell Gardens

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Baroque gardens famous for 'The Sound of Music,' offering free entry, stunning floral displays, and fortress views.

4.7
(13k reviews)

"Inviting maintained beauty to be admired from every perspective. Open the heart and let the exquisite play of effervescent vibrant colors sing its soulful song."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, But Busy!

Mirabell Gardens are free, so expect crowds. Visit early or late to enjoy the beauty peacefully.

🎶 'Sound of Music' Magic

Channel your inner Maria! Recreate iconic scenes near the Pegasus Fountain and grand staircase.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pegasus Fountain

Pegasus Fountain

Central Garden

The iconic fountain where Maria and the children sang 'Do-Re-Mi.' A must-see for 'Sound of Music' fans!

Rose Garden

Rose Garden

Upper Terrace

A fragrant paradise with vibrant blooms and stunning views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Grand Staircase

Grand Staircase

Palace Entrance

Admire the ornate statues and architecture, a key filming location for 'The Sound of Music.'

Dwarf Garden

Dwarf Garden

Western Section

A quirky and charming area featuring unique dwarf statues, adding a touch of whimsy.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Serene Stroll

Mirabell Gardens are free to enter, making them a popular spot. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Overcast days can offer softer light for photos.

A Taste of 'The Sound of Music'

These iconic gardens are famous for their role in 'The Sound of Music.' Immerse yourself in the magic by exploring the Pegasus Fountain and grand staircase, just as the Von Trapp children did.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Dreamy Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, Austria (Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background)

🎯 Free Entry, But Busy!

Mirabell Gardens are free, so expect crowds. Visit early or late to enjoy the beauty peacefully. Reddit

🎶 'Sound of Music' Magic

Channel your inner Maria! Recreate iconic scenes near the Pegasus Fountain and grand staircase. Reddit

reddit.com

Salzburg was absolutely stunning in this weather!

reddit.com

Is it worth it to take a day trip to Salzburg?

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Overcast days offer softer light for stunning photos. Capture the fortress views and vibrant flowers. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Grab a bite from a local store and enjoy a picnic by the fountain for a delightful experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, But Busy!

Mirabell Gardens are free, so expect crowds. Visit early or late to enjoy the beauty peacefully. Reddit

🎶 'Sound of Music' Magic

Channel your inner Maria! Recreate iconic scenes near the Pegasus Fountain and grand staircase. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Overcast days offer softer light for stunning photos. Capture the fortress views and vibrant flowers. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Grab a bite from a local store and enjoy a picnic by the fountain for a delightful experience. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mirabell Gardens for their stunning beauty, meticulous upkeep, and the enchanting 'Sound of Music' connection. The free entry is a major draw, offering a peaceful escape with vibrant floral displays and impressive views of the fortress. While generally loved, some find it can get quite crowded during peak times.

"Stupendous! I Love Austria 🇦🇹 ❤️

Inviting maintained beauty to be admired from every perspective. Open the heart and let the exquisite play of effervescent vibrant colors sing its soulful song. Birds flying and chirping, global languages all interlace to weave the connectedness of this wonder.

Climb down from above to experience walking among the pattern formed flower beds.

The path folds into another flat garden, trees, and a central large fountain. All lead the eye to the distant castle on a hill.

There's is a quieter secluded side garden, a smaller musical 🎼 garden with multiple sprays of water from a feminine form. This path will exit onto the main road.

I brought a sushi roll from Spar, a grocery store. It was the best picnic next to the fountain.

Enjoy!"

Michelle Peacock

"A definite must-see in Salzburg! You can enter the garden for free so it just gets crowded later in the day. Well-maintained, and has a lot of pretty corners to sit. I heard some singers rehearse so that’s a superb experience too!"

Bea Andrea Sicat

"Walking around Mirabell Garden is a fantastic experience! The garden is quite large and absolutely beautiful, whether it's sunny or cloudy. Even on a less-than-perfect day, it's still a peaceful and enjoyable place to visit.

There’s also a place to eat, so you can grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the surroundings. The flowers are stunning, and the historical buildings around the garden make it even more special.

A perfect spot for anyone who enjoys nature, history, or just a relaxing walk. Highly recommend it!"

Wesley Renes

What People Like

Breathtaking beauty
Free entry
'Sound of Music' vibes

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mirabell Gardens are centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of Salzburg's old town. You can also take a local bus to the 'Mirabellplatz' stop. Reddit

Limited street parking is available, but it's often metered and can be difficult to find. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if possible. Reddit

While there are no specific luggage storage facilities within the gardens, it's best to store your bags at your accommodation or a locker service in Salzburg if you're on a day trip. Reddit

Yes, several bus lines stop at Mirabellplatz, which is right next to the gardens, making them very accessible via public transport. Reddit

From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), you can take a short bus ride (lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27) to the Mirabellplatz stop, or enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mirabell Gardens are completely free to enter and explore. Reddit

The gardens are generally open daily from early morning until dusk. Specific hours can vary slightly by season. Reddit

While the gardens are free, access to the interior of Mirabell Palace may require tickets for specific events or tours. Reddit

Yes, the gardens are accessible year-round, though the floral displays will be less vibrant in winter. The Baroque architecture remains impressive. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, many visitors enjoy self-guided exploration. You can find information about 'Sound of Music' tours that often include the gardens. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Pegasus Fountain, Grand Staircase, Rose Garden, and the views of Hohensalzburg Fortress are prime photo locations. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed in the gardens for personal use. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing beautiful shots. Overcast days can also provide excellent, diffused lighting. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to inquire with the local authorities or palace administration about any necessary permits or fees. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Explore the meticulously manicured flowerbeds, admire the fountains (especially the Pegasus Fountain), walk the grand staircase, and enjoy the views of the fortress. Reddit

Restroom facilities are usually available within or near the gardens. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. Many visitors enjoy bringing their own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery. Reddit

There are often cafes or kiosks within or near the gardens where you can purchase refreshments. Reddit

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the gardens, but you could easily spend longer if you wish to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mirabell Gardens are a fantastic destination for families. The open spaces are perfect for children to run around, and the famous 'Sound of Music' connection provides an engaging narrative. The Pegasus Fountain and the various statues offer points of interest, and the colorful flowerbeds are visually stimulating. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, making it a relaxed and budget-friendly outing. The gardens are stroller-friendly, allowing for easy navigation with younger children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Mirabell Gardens are an absolute win. Entry is free, offering world-class beauty and historical significance without any cost. You can save money by packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, rather than dining at expensive tourist spots. The gardens provide hours of exploration and photo opportunities, making them a highly rewarding free activity in Salzburg. Reddit

📸 Photographers and 'Sound of Music' Fans

Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture stunning shots, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The symmetrical Baroque design, vibrant floral displays, and the backdrop of Hohensalzburg Fortress create a picturesque setting. For 'Sound of Music' enthusiasts, the gardens are a pilgrimage site. Recreating iconic movie moments, especially around the Pegasus Fountain and the grand staircase, is a highlight. The gardens offer a tangible connection to the film's magic. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Sound of Music' Connection

Mirabell Gardens are world-renowned for their starring role in the beloved musical film, 'The Sound of Music.' Many visitors come specifically to walk in the footsteps of Maria and the Von Trapp children. The iconic scenes filmed here include the 'Do-Re-Mi' song sequence, where the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain and climb the grand staircase. The symmetrical Baroque design of the gardens, with its statues, fountains, and manicured hedges, provides a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the film's joyful and whimsical spirit. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, the cinematic association adds an extra layer of charm and recognition to your visit. Reddit

Baroque Architecture and Design

The Mirabell Gardens are a stunning example of Baroque garden design, meticulously planned and maintained. Originally part of Mirabell Palace, which was built in the early 17th century, the gardens were later redesigned in the Baroque style. Their symmetrical layout, with grand avenues, geometric flowerbeds, and strategically placed sculptures, reflects the era's emphasis on order and grandeur. The central axis is dominated by the Pegasus Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture. The gardens also feature thematic areas like the Rose Garden and the Dwarf Garden, each offering a unique aesthetic experience. The careful arrangement of flora and water features creates a harmonious and visually captivating environment. Reddit

A Free and Accessible Gem

One of the most appealing aspects of Mirabell Gardens is that they are entirely free to enter. This accessibility makes them a must-visit for all travelers, regardless of budget. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Their central location also makes them incredibly convenient to reach, whether you're walking from the old town or using public transport. The open nature of the gardens means you can wander at your own pace, finding quiet corners to relax or vibrant spots to admire the artistry. This combination of beauty, historical significance, and free access solidifies Mirabell Gardens as a top attraction in Salzburg. Reddit

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