Electric boat "Maria Franziska von Trapp"
In the footsteps of the von Trapp family - the true story at Lake Zell
With the baptism of "Maria Franziska von Trapp" the Schmittenhöhebahn AG combines the future of shipping with a special chapter of the regional history. What ist less well known is, that family von Trapp lived in Thumersbach on Lake Zell for many years.
From Erlhof to the worlds stage
the history of family von Trapp and their way to musical fame
- 1902
Agathe Whitehead bought the Erlhof - 1909
her daughter, Agathe Whitehead, got to know Georg von Trapp - 1911
Agathe Whitehead and Georg von Trapp got married - 1914–1920
Agathe von Trapp lived at the Erlhof in Thumersbach togeter with her children. A few of her children were born at this place. Music played an important part in the family life. - 1922
Agathe died of scarlet fever - 1927
second marriage: Georg von Trapp married Maria Kutschera - 1937
Winner of the District Singing Competition - 1939
the family emigrated to the United States, where they achieved great success as "The Trapp Family Singers."
The Sound of Music
the true story and connection to Zell am See
Millions of people are familiar with the story of the von Trapp family from the musical an the film "The Sound of Music". What ist less well known is that the family lived in Thumersbach on Lake Zell for many yeas. The region played an important role in their history and remains closely linked to the family to this day.
Naming
Why was the name "Maria Franziska von Trapp" chosen for the new electric boat?
Maria Franziska von Trapp was the first born child of the family, who was born in Thumersbach. Her childhoof at the Erlhof took place during the years, in which music became an integral part of the family life, and the roots of the story that would later become world-famous as "The Sound of Music" began to shape.
Today the modern boat built in Porsche Design holds her name and in doing so, it links an important chapter of regional history with the future of sustainable shipping on Lake Zell.
Baptism of the boat
on 26. Juni 2026
In glorious summer weather, the new electric boat was officially christened "Maria Franziska von Trapp" on Friday 26 June 2026. The presence of the guests of honour emphasized the significance of the naming ceremony: Kristina von Trapp, Elisabeth von Trapp and her husband Edward Hall, Shela von Trapp and Kikuli Mwanukuzi, son of the ship's namesake Maria Franziska von Trapp (1914-2014), the descendants of the world-famous "Trapp Family Singers."
Reactions to the new electric boat
"We are particularly delighted that, through the ship's christening and naming ceremony, we are honouring and keeping alive te story of Maria Franzsika and the entire von Trapp family, as well as their close ties to the region. In doing so, we are paying tirbute to their extraordinary legacy, which continues to resonate to this day. With this new electric boat, we are combining state-of-the-art technology with regional history and an impressive experience of nature for our guests. Lake Zell is one of the most beautiful natural gems in our region. This makes it all the more important that we enable people to experience it in the most environmentally firendly way possible. The "Maria Franziska von Trapp" therefore stands for innovation, quality and our clear commitment to treating nature with care." - Dr. Erich Egger, Executive board of Schmittenhöhebahn AG
"The story of the von Trapp Family has great international appeal, with deep roots in the Lake Zell area. The "Maria Franziska von Trapp" therefore not only enhances the quality of the summer and year-round touris offering in Zell am See-Kaprun, but also, from now on, brings this special story to life as a floating ambassador. It not only ferries guests across the lake, but also carries a story out into the world that further strengthens Zell am See-Kaprun's position." - Lisa Loferer, CEO Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus GmbH
"Hardly any other story has shaped the image of the SalzburgerLand around the world quite like that of the Trapp Family. The film adaptation of the family's story in "The Sound of Music" is a global phenomenon that has inpsired millions of people to fall in love with our region for generations. For many international visitors, the story of the Trapp Family provides an emotional connection to the SalzburgerLand. The christening of the ship "Maria Franziska von Trapp" in Zell am See builds a special bridge between the historical roots of this unique family and the present day. The ship symobolises the Trapp Family's close ties to our region and the extraordinary international appeal that this Hollywood film continues to exert, even 60 years after its release." - Leo Bauernberger, MBA, Managing Director SalzburgerLand Tourismus GmbH
