Schloss Leopoldskron is pure inspiration! Situated in a unique lakeside location with magnificent view of the majestic mountains, the palace is only a short walk from the old town of Salzburg.
In 1736 the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian, was inspired to build his family residence in this beautiful and unique location. He died shortly after its completion in 1744 and, as an expression of his love for this palace, willed that his heart be buried beneath the chapel of Schloss Leopoldskron.
Ownership of the palace changed frequently throughout the 19th century. The most famous owner was King Louis I. of Bavaria, who celebrated the engagement of the future Empress Sissi to Emperor Franz Josef of Austria with the family at Schloss Leopoldskron.
In 1918 Max Reinhardt, the founder of the Salzburg Festival and Europe´s most famous theater impresario, bought the estate, lovingly restored it over the next twenty years to its original splendor, and making it an important international venue for the artistic and cultural life of his time.
Since 1965 the palace is world-famous for being the original film location of the movie “The Sound of Music” which has been seen by more than a billion people all over the world. Today the palace is an inherent part of all guided tours in Salzburg although tourists can only gaze at it from the opposite side of the lake. Since the palace is private property of the Salzburg Global Seminar, it is not open to the public. The exclusive experience of exploring the historic palace and the beautiful garden is therefore still a privilege of clients and guests onsite.
Since 1947 Schloss Leopoldskron has been home to the American non-profit-organization, the Salzburg Global Seminar. For more than 60 years, about 27.000 individuals from over 160 countries worldwide have found inspiration it the Seminar´s programs, which seek creative solutions to contemporary challenges. The Salzburg Global Seminar provides a neutral, independent platform for dialogue and together with its partner institutions invites leaders, experts and distinguished individuals to exchange knowledge and expertise at the highest professional level.
Tourists can enjoy a unique living experience within the historic walls of the Birthplace of the Salzburg Festival. The 12 suites at the palace and the 55 rooms in the adjoining Meierhof impart a private living atmosphere in English mansion style. Guests dine just like the Archbishop once did, in the magnificent rooms of the palace, which are also available for banquets and unforgettable events as well as for cultural programs and performances.
The exquisite combination of an historic, originally preserved ambience, where history was written and a gorgeous location, modern technology and the personal service offered, make Schloss Leopoldskron and Meierhof a distinguished jewel, both as a year-round residence and venue for conferences an celebrations.
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