Visit & Tour Guide: Trapp Family Lodge

Where the Sound of Music Still Echoes in the Hills of Vermont

There’s a hush that settles in as you climb Trapp Hill Road, like the land itself is preparing to tell you a story. The trees thin, the mountains open wide, and suddenly, there it is—an alpine-style lodge standing proudly against the ridgeline, as if Austria had quietly tiptoed into Vermont.

This is the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the family whose story inspired The Sound of Music. But this isn’t a movie set. It’s a living, breathing tribute to resilience, reinvention, and the quiet joy of mountain life. Whether you come for the history, the views, or the sense of calm that lingers in the air, one thing is certain: you’ll leave changed.

Getting There

Located in Stowe, Vermont, the Lodge is about 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport, and just a few minutes from downtown Stowe.

Address: 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT

Parking: Free, with designated accessible spaces near the Main Lodge and Bierhall

Driving Note: The final stretch is a scenic, uphill drive—steep in spots, especially during winter. Take your time.

he scenic drive up Trapp Hill Road—where Vermont’s charm begins before you even arrive.

First Impressions

The Lodge greets you not with grandeur, but with grace. Its wide balconies, red geraniums, and wood-shingled roofs feel more like a home than a hotel. Step inside, and the warm wood interiors, quiet sitting rooms, and sweeping views from nearly every window set the tone: this is a place to slow down.

You’re not just visiting a resort—you’re stepping into a chapter of a much larger story.

Touring the Grounds

The Lodge is the heart of the property, but its soul stretches far beyond the front door. The family history tour, offered on select days, is a must. You’ll hear the real-life story of the von Trapps—not the Hollywood version—and see how this land helped shape their next chapter after leaving Austria.

One floor down, the Maria von Trapp exhibit offers a more personal glimpse of the woman behind the legend. It’s humble, sincere, and deeply human.

And if you follow the short trail just beyond the Lodge, you’ll find the Chapel on the Hill—a simple, handmade space surrounded by trees and silence. Maria often prayed and sang here. It remains one of the most quietly moving spots on the estate.

One of the many biking trails on the Trapp Family property—where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

Outdoor Adventures

The land was always part of the vision. Today, the Trapp Family Lodge spans 2,500 acres, and they’ve made the most of it:

• Hiking and biking trails weave through meadows and woodlands (35+ miles, with maps available at the Activity Center)
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing transform the property into a winter wonderland
• Sugarhouse tours in early spring highlight Vermont’s sweetest season
• he scenic drive up Trapp Hill Road—where Vermont’s charm begins before you even arrive. make summer an ideal time to explore

Accessibility Note: Some trails are steep or unpaved. Ask at the Activity Center for terrain suggestions. Shorter loops and scenic overlooks are available for guests with mobility limitations.

Dining and Brewery

Food here is more than a necessity—it’s part of the experience.

The Main Dining Room offers candlelit dinners with an Austrian-Vermont fusion. Dishes like pork schnitzel and smoked trout are served alongside farm-fresh produce and classic strudel for dessert. The view alone is a reason to book a table.

Just down the hill, the Trapp Bierhall serves casual fare—bratwurst, burgers, and house-brewed lagers—in a lively yet cozy atmosphere. In summer, the patio becomes a favorite gathering spot for both guests and locals.

Menus: Available in large print or digital format

Seating: Staff is happy to assist with accessible accommodations

Dietary requests: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-vision–friendly guidance available on request

The Trapp Family Bierhall—a favorite gathering spot for hearty meals, fresh brews, and mountain air.

Staying Overnight—or Nearby

Staying at the Lodge

Guests can choose from cozy lodge rooms, elegant suites, or spacious guest houses for larger groups. Interiors feature warm woods, soft textiles, and subtle nods to the family’s Austrian heritage. Most rooms have private balconies with views that stretch to the horizon.

If you’re planning to overnight at the Lodge itself, I recommend booking directly through the official site to access the full range of room types, seasonal packages, and best available rates:

• Make your reservation at the official von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort “Book Now” page – for lodge rooms, suites, guest houses, and vacation packages en.wikipedia.org+4vontrappresort.com+4trappfamily.com+4.

Booking directly ensures you’re seeing current availability, official packages, and can select extra details like guest house options or dog-friendly rooms. It also helps you avoid redirect links or markup from third-party booking platforms.

Staying Nearby

If the Lodge is booked or your plans call for a different style of stay, there are excellent nearby options:

• Luxury: Edson Hill offers upscale rooms in a private setting with its own trails and views.
• Mid-Priced: Green Mountain Inn in downtown Stowe combines walkability with historic charm.
• Budget-Friendly: Commodores Inn provides a clean, dependable base just minutes from the Lodge.
• Airbnb Options: Look for cabins near Stowe Village or Trapp Hill—many are designed to echo the lodge aesthetic.

Accessibility Details

Trapp Family Lodge makes genuine efforts to accommodate guests with disabilities, though the hillside location presents some natural challenges.

• Elevators and accessible rooms available in the Main Lodge
• Designated parking near both the Lodge and the Bierhall
• Trail guidance for mobility-challenged guests
• Dining support for visual, hearing, and dietary needs
• Guide dogs welcome, with plenty of open space for exercise

The staff is helpful without being overbearing. If you need something—just ask.

Gift Shops and Keepsakes

The Lodge Gift Shop offers hand-selected items that reflect both the von Trapp story and the charm of Vermont:

• Music CDs, memoirs, and Sound of Music–inspired gifts
• Local maple syrup, hand-thrown pottery, and Austrian chocolates
• Lodge-branded apparel and seasonal crafts
• Beer and glassware from the on-site brewery

There’s also a rotating selection of local artisan work depending on the season.

Best Times to Visit

Every season offers something different at the Trapp Family Lodge. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring: Sap buckets, wildflowers, and quiet trails
• Summer: Outdoor concerts, garden strolls, and golden sunsets
• Fall: Peak foliage (late September through mid-October), crisp air, and brilliant color
• Winter: Cross-country skiing, fireside dining, and snow-covered serenity

The best season depends on what you’re looking for—but it’s hard to go wrong here.

Trapp Family Lodge in every season—maple sugaring in spring, trail adventures in summer, golden hills in fall, and cross-country skiing all winter long.

Nearby Things to Do

Extend your trip with a few local favorites—each one easy to reach and uniquely Vermont.

• Stowe Recreation Path: A flat, scenic, and wheelchair-accessible walking and biking trail that winds through farmland, woods, and town. Ideal for families and anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury): Just a short drive from the Lodge, this iconic ice cream factory offers fun, informative tours with plenty of flavor sampling at the end.
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill: A classic Vermont stop for fresh cider, warm cider donuts, maple gifts, and old-fashioned charm. The store and café are both accessible.
• Mount Mansfield Toll Road: Drive to the summit of Vermont’s tallest mountain for jaw-dropping views across the Green Mountains. Open seasonally, weather permitting.

Each of these options is within 30 minutes of the Lodge, and all make for excellent half-day trips if you’re staying a little longer.

The entire Stowe area is filled with charming general stores, scenic lookouts, and small surprises tucked into every backroad.

A Few Words Before You Go

The hills are still alive here—but not in a theatrical way. The music at the Trapp Family Lodge is quieter. It’s in the wind through the trees, the laughter on the trails, the clink of beer mugs at the end of a long hike.

It’s a place that honors a remarkable past without clinging to it—a place built on love of land, strength of family, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve come home to somewhere you didn’t know you were missing.

Come for the history. Stay for the silence. And if you find yourself humming a familiar tune on your way back down the hill, you’re not alone.