Magic moments in the castle park: Roger Pluijm meets The Sound of Music

Magic moments in the castle park: Roger Pluijm meets The Sound of Music

In the shadow of the picturesque Hellbrunn Palace Park, south of Salzburg, a very special moment takes place in a magical way. Roger Pluijm, an avid collector of “The Sound of Music” souvenirs, calls this place a fairy tale. On a beautiful October day, the colors of the foliage shimmering in brilliant orange, yellow and green, he poses in front of the famous white pavilion where one of the film's most iconic scenes was filmed. In this pavilion, where Maria and Georg von Trapp fall in love, framed by ivy and artificial white roses, the story breathes a magical atmosphere that continues to attract new visitors.

The romantic love scene, in which the couple shares deep affection and kisses, makes the pavilion a popular stop for fans of the legendary film. Every year over 350,000 people come to Salzburg to explore the original filming locations and take a look into the world of the Trapp family. The film itself, which premiered in New York in 1965, is based on Maria von Trapp's memoirs, which she wrote in 1949, when the Trapp Family Singers were already making a name for themselves in the USA. The musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II premiered in 1959 and was adapted for the big screen by Robert Wise, starring the unforgettable actors Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

A piece of film history

The filming of “The Sound of Music” took place in and around Salzburg at almost all of the original locations. This cinematic tribute to the Trapp family has touched and inspired millions of people worldwide. Roger Pluijm, posing for the ZEIT photographer and combing his hair into a quiff, embodies the passion that many feel for this story. As he sinks onto a bench in the pavilion, his head resting on his hand, one senses that today's visitors also want to immerse themselves in this nostalgic world.

This emotional connection is also evident in the converted Salzburg Museum, where the history and influence of the Trapp family continues to be a central theme. Special exhibitions and projects show the historical significance and cultural impact of this phenomenon, which has unfolded over several generations. Salzburg is proud of its heritage and the presence of the Trapp family, who enrich the city's cultural calendar.

A place of meeting

The pavilion as such not only provides insight into film history, but also becomes a meeting place for like-minded people who share the magic of “The Sound of Music”. Children and adults often sing the film's songs and recreate the scenes, which rekindles the excitement and joy of this story. Here the oft-sung “Edelweiss” comes to life, and the spirit of Maria von Trapp wafts through the corridors of the pavilion.

Once again it shows how strong the passion for this ancient history not only has an economic impact, but also enriches the community and cultural life of the city. In this respect, Salzburg remains a magical place where dreams come true and where the past is kept alive.