Fodor's Expert Review Schloss Leopoldskron

A large lake and expansive grounds surround this historic palace immortalized in The Sound of Music, located less than a kilometer (⅔ mile) southwest of Fortress Hohensalzburg, which was originally built in the 18th century for Archbishop Leopold von Firmian. In 1918 it became the summer residence of Max Reinhardt, founder of the Salzburg Festival, and today you can yourself marvel at the mirrors of the Venetian Room and enjoy the property's two libraries. Coffee and a slice of homemade cake, or a glass of locally produced wine, are best enjoyed on the enchanting terrace overlooking the peaceful lake and jagged Untersberg mountains. The historic Meierhof building offers 55 elegant, modern rooms embellished with artifacts discovered in hotel storage; if you're a fan of The Sound of Music, request one of the handful of rooms adorned with movie and stage memorabilia. There are also 12 luxurious suites in the palace itself.