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Stift Nonnberg, Pinzgau Travel Guide

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Explore Salzburg's oldest nunnery, Stift Nonnberg, a historic Benedictine abbey with stunning views and a 'Sound of Music' connection.

Stift Nonnberg, founded in the 8th century, is the oldest continuously operating nunnery in the German-speaking world. Perched above Salzburg, it offers stunning city views and is famed as the abbey where Maria von Trapp was a novice in 'The Sound of Music'. Visitors can explore the church and grounds, immersing themselves in history and tranquility.

A brief summary to Stift Nonnberg

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stift Nonnberg.

  • Arrive early to potentially hear the nuns singing their morning Gregorian chants.
  • Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress and walk down the hill to visit Nonnberg Abbey.
  • Be mindful and respectful when visiting as it is a still an active abbey.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Salzburg city center, a pleasant 15-20 minute walk will bring you to Nonnberg Abbey. Begin at Kapitelplatz Square and walk along Festungsgasse. You can ascend the Nonnbergstiege staircase from Kaigasse, or take a narrow lane from Nonntal. Note: The route is steep and may be difficult for those with limited mobility.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest bus stop to Nonnberg Abbey is Nonnberg, which is served by several bus lines. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient route. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the abbey.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Salzburg and can drop you off near Nonnberg Abbey. Expect a short ride from the city center. Note that due to the location on the mountain, the final approach might involve a short walk.

Discover more about Stift Nonnberg

Stift Nonnberg, or Nonnberg Abbey, stands as a testament to centuries of faith and history in Salzburg. Founded circa 712/715 by Saint Rupert, it's the oldest continuously existing nunnery in the German-speaking world. The abbey is located beneath the Festungsberg hill. Emperor Henry II built a Romanesque basilica around the turn of the millennium, which was consecrated to the Holy Mother of God in 1009 and has since then been the second oldest Marian church in Salzburg.Visitors can explore the abbey church, Maria Himmelfahrt, a late-Gothic structure rebuilt between 1464 and 1506 after a fire. The church features a Romanesque crypt with the tomb of St. Erentrudis, the abbey's first abbess. The abbey gained international fame through the story of Maria Kutschera, a novice who later married Baron Georg Ritter von Trapp; her life inspired 'The Sound of Music'. While the movie wasn't filmed here, Nonnberg remains a pilgrimage site for fans.The abbey's architecture showcases Gothic elements, including a late Gothic winged altar. The nuns of Nonnberg Abbey sing Gregorian chants every morning. Visitors can access the monastery from Kaigasse via the Nonnbergstiege staircase and from Nonntal via a narrow lane.

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