Schloss Anif
A privately owned, fairy-tale castle near Salzburg, famous for its moat and 'The Sound of Music' intro. Access is rare.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Rare open days for events
Schloss Anif
Best Time
Rare open days for events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A privately owned, fairy-tale castle near Salzburg, famous for its moat and 'The Sound of Music' intro. Access is rare.
"A hidden gem on the outskirts of Salzburg city, truly a magical experience. "
🎯 Plan for Open Days
Inquire with the local church in Anif about the twice-yearly open days for a chance to visit.
🚗 Parking is Tricky
Parking can be difficult; research options or be prepared for a walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fairy Tale Exterior
Castle grounds
A stunning, fairy-tale-like castle surrounded by a moat, resembling a scene from a movie.
Corpus Christi Service
Castle courtyard
Experience a unique cultural event by attending the Corpus Christi service held within the castle grounds.
Sound of Music Connection
Exterior views
Recognize this iconic location as the setting for the introduction of the classic film 'The Sound of Music'.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access is Limited
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Schloss Anif - Salzburg, Austria - 16th century
🎯 Plan for Open Days
Inquire with the local church in Anif about the twice-yearly open days for a chance to visit.
🚗 Parking is Tricky
Parking can be difficult; research options or be prepared for a walk.
💧 Bring Your Own
No toilets or refreshments are available on open days, so come prepared.
📸 Capture the Magic
Ample time is usually given to take photos of the castle's exterior and grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Open Days
Inquire with the local church in Anif about the twice-yearly open days for a chance to visit.
🚗 Parking is Tricky
Parking can be difficult; research options or be prepared for a walk.
💧 Bring Your Own
No toilets or refreshments are available on open days, so come prepared.
📸 Capture the Magic
Ample time is usually given to take photos of the castle's exterior and grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Schloss Anif is a visually stunning, fairy-tale-like castle, often praised for its resemblance to movie sets, particularly 'The Sound of Music'. However, its primary drawback is its extreme inaccessibility, being privately owned with very limited public viewing opportunities, usually tied to specific religious events.
"Schloss Anif is privately owned and not open to the public for visits. The surrounding perimetre is totally hidden by trees/shrubbery so its almost impossible to get a glimpse of this hidden gem.
My Mum who now resides in Austria found out about the "Open Day" by enquiring with the local church in Anif. Twice a year, once in summer and once in winter, the gates are open and you are permitted with the church as part of their Corpus Christi service celebrations allowed to join them and enter the castle gates to view this stunning castle on the moat and attend the service.
This year on the 19-06-25, we were fortunate enough to be able to join the procession and enter the private gates that are usually locked to the general public.
Aside from being from the UK, this is very special for Austrians alike who also get to be a part of a special day and view this stunning castle for a short period of time.
The castle is beautiful. Very much like a fairy tale movie.
We followed the procession, stopping to take pictures along the way and joined everyone in the castle's courtyard for the Corpus Christi service which is fully in German. Afterwards, you follow the loop round back to the gate but there was ample time to take in the scenery and take many pictures before being ushered out.
As part of the Corpus Christi celebrations, it only permits you entrance into the grounds and courtyard of the castle for the service, not the castle itself.
A magical experience. It was really worth getting up early for. A hidden gem on the outskirts of Salzburg city.
NOTE - On day of event - there are no toilets/refreshments provided so you have to be prepared if you are lucky enough to attend a service to join the procession to enter the castle gates to see Schloss Anif and attend the Corpus Christi service. You may not wander off of your own accord/no private tours/no visits to interior of the castle."
Joanna M L Fearn
"It is not possible to enter or approach the castle, do not try or you will waste time. the castle is part of a privately owned resort, and is located within a golf course in the region"
Kevin Aguiar
"Lovely place if I could enter."
高柏軒
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Schloss Anif is located on the outskirts of Salzburg. While public transport options exist to Anif, parking directly at the castle is challenging. It's often recommended to research local bus routes or consider a taxi for convenience, especially if attending an open day.
Parking directly at Schloss Anif is very limited and often unavailable, especially on event days. Visitors are advised to research parking in the nearby village of Anif and be prepared for a walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Schloss Anif is privately owned and not open to the public for general visits. Access is typically restricted to special occasions like the Corpus Christi service.
The castle holds rare open days twice a year, usually once in summer and once in winter, often coinciding with religious celebrations like Corpus Christi. It's best to inquire with the local Anif church for specific dates.
While specific ticketing might not be required for the Corpus Christi service, entry is usually part of the procession and service. It's advisable to confirm any entry requirements when inquiring about open days.
As general visits are not permitted, there's no standard admission fee. For the rare open days, entry is often tied to participation in a service, which may not have a direct cost but requires adherence to event protocols.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted for the exterior and courtyard during open days. Visitors are usually given ample time to capture the fairy-tale architecture and moat.
While exterior photography is usually allowed, there are no interior tours, so interior shots are not possible. Always be mindful of the ongoing service if attending.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If attending the Corpus Christi service, be aware that it is conducted in German. Ensure your children are comfortable with potentially long periods of standing and quiet observation. The novelty of seeing a real castle might be enough to keep them engaged, but it's best to be prepared with snacks and drinks, as none are provided.
🎬 Film Buffs
While direct access is impossible, understanding its role in the film adds a layer of appreciation. If you're lucky enough to attend an open day, you'll be able to capture photos of the castle that mirror the iconic movie shots, making for a truly special pilgrimage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Access to Schloss Anif
However, there are rare occasions when the gates are opened. The most commonly cited opportunity is during the Corpus Christi service, which occurs twice a year (once in summer and once in winter). During this event, visitors can join a procession that leads into the castle's courtyard for the service. It's crucial to understand that this access is for the service and the courtyard only; interior tours are not part of this event.
If you are planning a trip to Salzburg and are keen to see Schloss Anif, your best bet is to contact the local church in Anif well in advance to inquire about the dates and specific arrangements for these open days. Be prepared for limited amenities, as no toilets or refreshments are provided on these occasions.
The 'Sound of Music' Connection
While you can't enter the castle itself, seeing its exterior, even from a distance during the rare open days, can be a magical experience for film enthusiasts. It allows you to connect with a piece of Hollywood history and appreciate the picturesque Austrian landscape that served as the backdrop for such a memorable film.
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