Trapp Family Lodge: A Legacy Of Hospitality And Harmony In The Hills Of Vermont
Where Alpine Charm Meets American History in the Green Mountains
Set high in the hills above Stowe, Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge blends storybook scenery with a storybook past. Owned and operated by the real-life family who inspired The Sound of Music, this Austrian-style mountain resort offers more than just a place to stay—it offers a legacy. Guests don’t just visit the Trapp Family Lodge—they walk into history, surrounded by the sweeping landscapes and quiet strength that helped shape a family’s American journey.
The Trapp Family Lodge blends European alpine charm with sweeping Vermont landscapes, offering history and hospitality in every view.
🎵 From Salzburg to Stowe
When Maria von Trapp and her family fled Austria in 1938, they eventually settled in the rolling green countryside of Vermont. The climate and landscape reminded them of home. In the early 1940s, the family opened their home to guests—first as a modest 27-room lodge and eventually as the full-fledged Trapp Family Lodge, complete with European-style lodging, trails, gardens, and more.
Though the original lodge burned down in 1980, it was rebuilt with expanded facilities and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, it’s a unique blend of old-world Austrian charm and modern New England comfort, still owned and operated by the Trapp family.
🏔️ A Destination for All Seasons
The Trapp Family Lodge is more than just a hotel—it’s a four-season destination. Spanning 2,500 acres, it offers:
Extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the winter
Hiking and biking paths through forests and meadows
Spectacular fall foliage, with prime views across the valley
Spring and summer gardens, filled with vibrant alpine flowers
The Trapp Family Lodge offers something in every season—from winter skiing to summer gardens and colorful autumn hikes.
Many guests come for the outdoor experience alone, and with good reason. The property includes over 35 miles of groomed trails, making it one of the best Nordic destinations in the Northeast.
Stowe is considered one of Vermont’s premier four-season destinations. Learn more at GoStowe.com.
🏡 Lodging With Heart (and Views to Match)
Accommodations at the lodge range from European-inspired guest rooms to luxurious villas and family-sized guest houses. Interiors showcase warm wood finishes, mountain views, and thoughtful details that reflect the von Trapp heritage.
What’s especially notable is that, despite its historic roots, the lodge offers modern comforts and eco-conscious updates. Solar panels, sustainable practices, and an on-site brewery make the property feel relevant—and responsible.
🍽️ Austrian Flavors with a Vermont Twist
Dining is a core part of the Trapp experience. Guests can enjoy:
- The Dining Room, featuring Austrian classics like schnitzel, bratwurst, and goulash
- The Bierhall, home to Trapp Lager and traditional pub fare
- Outdoor beer gardens and patios with views of the surrounding hills
The farm-to-table approach is strong here, with many ingredients sourced from on-site gardens or nearby Vermont farms. It’s a culinary nod to both their Austrian roots and Vermont’s artisanal spirit.
The lodge’s dining spaces combine Austrian elegance with Vermont’s natural charm—perfect for a hearty meal with a view.
🌲 History Meets Hospitality
Throughout the lodge, you’ll find tributes to the family’s story—from photos and memorabilia to scheduled talks and performances. The Maria von Trapp Gallery and history room offer background on both the family’s journey and the making of The Sound of Music.
Occasionally, guests may even meet a member of the family, who continue to be involved in operations and community events.
📸 What Makes It a Must-Visit
The Trapp Family Lodge offers something rare: a destination rooted in truth, tradition, and tranquility. Whether you’re drawn by its Hollywood connection, alpine heritage, or breathtaking location, the lodge leaves a lasting impression. It’s one of the few places where you can walk the same trails as a world-famous family, sip a lager brewed on-site, and watch the sun set over the mountains—all in one day.
If you’re planning a visit to Vermont, this isn’t just another hotel—it’s a historical, cultural, and natural landmark rolled into one elegant escape.
To learn more or book your stay, visit the official Trapp Family Lodge website.
