The Hills Are Still Alive: 5 Surprising New Chapters For The Real Von Trapp Family

The legacy of the von Trapp family, immortalized by the beloved film *The Sound of Music*, continues to evolve and thrive in the modern era. As of December 12, 2025, the real-life story is far from over, with the family's entrepreneurial spirit and musical roots flourishing across generations in their adopted home of Stowe, Vermont.

Far removed from the cinematic portrayal, the current von Trapp narrative centers on a thriving hospitality business, a commitment to sustainable farming, and a new generation of musicians stepping into the spotlight. The real-life saga of escaping Nazi-occupied Austria and finding success in America is a testament to resilience that still defines their identity today.

The Complete Real-Life Von Trapp Family Biography: From Salzburg to Stowe

The von Trapp family originated in Austria and consisted of Baron Georg von Trapp, his first wife Agathe Whitehead von Trapp, their seven children, and his second wife Maria Augusta Kutschera, with whom he had three more children. The family's musical act, The Trapp Family Singers, was their ticket to freedom and eventual success in the United States.

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The Core Family Members:

• Baron Georg von Trapp (The Captain): Born April 4, 1880 – Died May 30, 1947. A decorated Austro-Hungarian naval officer and submarine commander during World War I.
• Agathe Whitehead von Trapp (First Wife): Born November 14, 1891 – Died September 3, 1922. Mother of the first seven von Trapp children.
• Maria Augusta Kutschera von Trapp (Second Wife): Born January 26, 1905 – Died March 28, 1987. Sent to the family as a tutor, she married Georg and became the stepmother to the seven children, later having three of her own.

The Ten Von Trapp Children (In order of age):

Children from Georg’s First Marriage (Portrayed in *The Sound of Music*):

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• Rupert von Trapp (Friedrich in the film): 1911–1992. Became a medical doctor.
• Agathe von Trapp (Liesl in the film): 1913–2010. Worked as a kindergarten teacher and artist.
• Maria Franziska von Trapp (Louisa in the film): 1914–2014. Spent 27 years as a missionary in New Guinea.
• Werner von Trapp (Kurt in the film): 1915–2007. Became a farmer and later a musician.
• Hedwig von Trapp (Brigitta in the film): 1917–1972. Worked as a teacher.
• Johanna von Trapp (Marta in the film): 1919–1994. Married and settled in Austria.
• Martina von Trapp (Gretl in the film): 1921–1951. Died tragically from complications during childbirth.

Children from Georg and Maria’s Second Marriage (Not in the film):

• Rosmarie von Trapp: 1929–2022. Passed away in May 2022 at age 93, having worked in missionary service.
• Eleonore von Trapp: 1931–1998. Married and had seven children.
• Johannes von Trapp: Born 1939. The youngest and last surviving member of the original Trapp Family Singers. He currently runs the family business.

Johannes Von Trapp: The Last Survivor and Modern Patriarch

The true heart of the von Trapp family's current operations is Johannes von Trapp. At 86 years old, he is the only surviving child of Georg and Maria and remains actively involved in managing the vast family estate.

Johannes was born in Philadelphia after the family had already emigrated from Austria, meaning he was not one of the children portrayed in *The Sound of Music*. He has successfully transformed the family's land into a multifaceted, modern enterprise, ensuring the legacy continues well into the 21st century.

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The primary focus of his work is the Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe, Vermont, a sprawling 2,600-acre property. While Johannes still guides the vision, the daily operations are increasingly managed by the next generation, specifically his daughter, Kristina von Trapp, and her husband.

This transition of leadership is key to the family's continuity, moving from the musical legacy of the singers to the business acumen of a resort and agricultural operation.

The 75th Anniversary Re-Brand and Thriving Business Ventures

A major recent milestone for the family was the celebration of the Trapp Family Lodge's 75th Anniversary. This momentous event, which kicked off recently, was accompanied by a significant re-brand, solidifying its identity as the "von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort."

The anniversary celebrations highlight the lodge’s long history of hospitality and its commitment to sustainability, which has been a core value since its inception. The resort continues to draw visitors from around the world who are curious about the real story behind *The Sound of Music* and eager to experience the Austrian-inspired architecture and mountain setting.

Key Von Trapp Business Entities:

• Trapp Family Lodge & Resort: The 96-room alpine lodge offers year-round activities, including cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, making it a major economic driver in Stowe.
• Von Trapp Brewing: Founded by Johannes, this microbrewery is a significant part of the resort's identity. It focuses on brewing traditional Austrian-style lagers, offering a unique blend of European tradition and Vermont craftsmanship. The Bierhall is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
• Von Trapp Farmstead: This agricultural arm of the family business, managed by Johannes’s nephew, Sebastian von Trapp, and his wife, Molly, focuses on sustainable, organic farming. The Farmstead produces award-winning artisan cheese, live-culture yogurt, and sustainably raised meat and dairy products, further diversifying the family's income and topical authority in the food and beverage sector.

The family also continues to honor its musical past. In 2024, the lodge hosted a sold-out run of "The Sound of Music In Concert," bringing the story full circle back to its original setting.

The Next Generation: Great-Grandchildren Forge New Paths

The musical talent of the family has been passed down to the great-grandchildren of Georg and Maria. For over a decade, four of them—Sofia, Melanie, Amanda, and August von Trapp (Werner's grandchildren)—formed a successful musical group called "The von Trapps."

They performed across the globe, including a notable performance of "Edelweiss," and were seen as the continuation of the Trapp Family Singers legacy.

However, the group has recently disbanded as the members have chosen to pursue individual careers. This "new chapter" in their lives is focused on separate creative and professional endeavors, though they still occasionally reunite for special guest appearances. This move demonstrates a modern shift in the family, where the younger generation maintains their creative roots while prioritizing personal professional development outside of a unified family brand.

The von Trapp family's story is a powerful narrative of survival, adaptation, and enduring success. From the escape from Austria to the establishment of a thriving resort and farmstead in Vermont, the legacy lives on through Johannes, his children, and the great-grandchildren who continue to explore new frontiers in both business and the arts.