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Stift Nonnberg: Salzburg's Ancient Abbey

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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 circa 712/715, is the oldest continuously operating nunnery in the German-speaking world. Perched beneath Festungsberg hill in Salzburg, Austria, it offers visitors a glimpse into monastic life and stunning city views. The abbey gained fame as the nunnery in 'The Sound of Music'.

A brief summary to Stift Nonnberg

Local tips

  • Arrive early to hear the nuns sing Gregorian chants at 6:45 AM.
  • Visit the church in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Bring €0.50 to illuminate the frescoes and altar inside the church.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Stift Nonnberg is accessible by foot from the Salzburg Old Town. From Kaigasse, ascend the Nonnbergstiege staircase. Alternatively, walk from Nonntal via a narrow lane. Note that the walk involves a climb. As of July 2025, Nonnberggasse is closed due to construction; access is via Erhardgässchen.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Stift Nonnberg via public transport, take bus line 25 from various locations in Flachgau towards Salzburg. Get off at the 'Salzburg ZIB' stop. From there, walk approximately 15-20 minutes to Nonnberggasse 2. Alternatively, from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus line 2 or 3 to the city center and get off at 'Nonnberggasse'. A single ticket costs €2.50 from vending machines or €3.00 when purchased on board. A 24-hour ticket costs €4.90 from vending machines or €6.40 on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Salzburg. A taxi from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Stift Nonnberg will cost approximately €9-13, depending on traffic. Taxi базовый fare is €3.90, with €1.70 per kilometer after the first. Note that the city center is mainly pedestrianized, so taxis will drop you off in the ring around the old town.

Discover more about Stift Nonnberg

Stift Nonnberg, a Benedictine abbey, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 8th century when it was established by Saint Rupert. The abbey's first abbess was Saint Erentrudis, whose tomb rests in the church's crypt. For centuries, Nonnberg has been a place of worship and contemplation, and it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously existing nunnery in the German-speaking world.The abbey's architecture reflects various periods, with Romanesque and Gothic elements. The church, Maria Himmelfahrt, features a late-Gothic style with three naves, rebuilt after a fire in 1423. Inside, visitors can admire the late Gothic winged altar, the crypt with its free-standing columns, and the tomb of St. Erentrudis. The abbey also houses a crucifix from the old cathedral dating back to 1300 and wall paintings from the mid-12th century.Nonnberg Abbey gained international recognition through its association with 'The Sound of Music'. Maria Kutschera, a novice at the abbey, was sent to be a governess to the von Trapp family before marrying Baron Georg Ritter von Trapp. While the movie was not filmed at the actual abbey, Nonnberg served as the inspiration for Maria's convent. Today, visitors can explore the church and grounds, taking in the views of Salzburg and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere. The nuns continue to sing Gregorian chants every morning, adding to the abbey's unique ambiance.

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