Where was Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory filmed?
1971
City Locations
Bavaria, Munich (Germany)
Location Types
Church, Restaurant, House, Film Studio, Storefront
Location Styles
Gothic/Victorian, Foreign, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Factory/Manufacturing, Rustic
About Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Just like the dark and sweet candy it's named after, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) transformed from an underwhelming box office performance into a beloved black comedy/musical and a timeless family favorite. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a musical fantasy film that brings to life Roald Dahl's timeless novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” published in 1964. With brilliant direction by Mel Stuart, the film showcases an exceptional cast, including the talented Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson, and Roy Kinnear.
The plot follows the story of young Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), who finds one of five golden tickets hidden in a Wonka Bar, granting him an exclusive tour of the mysterious chocolate factory owned by reclusive candy maker Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). Along with four other winners, Charlie embarks on a magical journey through the factory, where he encounters strange creatures, fantastical inventions, and exciting surprises.
In 1972, the movie earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score, and Wilder received a Golden Globe nod for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. The film gave birth to the song "The Candy Man," later covered by Sammy Davis Jr., turning it into a hit. Over time, the film gained immense popularity through frequent TV broadcasts and home video purchases. In 2014, due to its historical, cultural, and aesthetic importance, it was chosen for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the esteemed Library of Congress.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Locations
Behind the scenes, the production of the iconic movie took place primarily in Germany, using its diverse regions and landscapes. Most interior scenes were shot at Bavaria Studios in Geiselgasteig, Grünwald, while exterior shots for Wonka’s factory were filmed at Stadtwerke München. The film also featured Quellenstraße as Charlie’s home while Sammtstraße and Am Herrgottseck served as locations for Charlie’s mother's laundry shop.
To begin with, Stadtwerke München provides visitors with a fantastic view of Munich’s city center set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. From here, you can see Dachau Palace—one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions—and wander through its ancient gardens brimming with colorful blooms. Bavaria Studios is located just north of Munich in Geiselgasteig, a small town near Grünwald, which offers plenty of nature paths perfect for strolls admiring Bavarian forests or a scenic river cruise on the Isar River. Quellenstraße presents another opportunity to admire charming German villages among beautiful parks filled with lush greenery and streams—ideal for relaxation away from busy city life.
A trip to the film locations used in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) would be exceptionally worthwhile—taking you through some spectacular pathways radiant with natural beauty and vibrant historic sites steeped in culture and folklore. From Munich's city center to quaint villages around Grünwald, you will surely have an unforgettable experience as you recreate your magical journey through Willy Wonka's world!
Charlie's school scene in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Kath. Pfarramt St. Sylvester, Biedersteiner Str. 1, 80802 München, Germany
At the school, the news of Willy Wonka's (Wilder) golden ticket contest, hidden in five of his billions of chocolate bars, spreads like wildfire among the students. The lucky finders of these tickets are promised a lifetime supply of chocolate and an exclusive tour of the elusive Wonka factory. We also witness Charlie Bucket (Ostrum) attending class and interacting with his classmates amidst the excitement.
Charlie's school scene was filmed at Katholisches Pfarramt St. Sylvester in Munich, Germany. The enchanting location, with its breathtaking architecture and vibrant surroundings, was the perfect setting for the young Charlie's school. The location beautifully amplified the movie’s early scenes, offering a visual spectacle that contributed to bringing the whimsical story to life.
To visit this iconic filming location, you would need to travel to Biedersteiner Straße in Munich, where Katholisches Pfarramt St. Sylvester is situated. It's just a quick 13-minute drive from the city center by car. If you prefer public transport, hop on the metro at the München Hauptbahnhof stop and get off at the Münchner Freiheit stop.
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Augustus interview scene in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Hofbräukeller, Innere Wiener Straße 19, 81667 München, Germany
One of the first major plot points is the discovery of the first golden ticket by a gluttonous and greedy German boy named Augustus Gloop (Michael Bollner). The scene in which we meet Augustus for the first time is particularly memorable: he is seated at a table with his family in a restaurant, constantly proclaiming his hunger even as he continues to eat.
This interview scene was filmed at the historic Hofbräukeller in Munich. Sadly, the original structure was destroyed by fire in the 1980s, but it has since been rebuilt. Although the current Hofbräukeller is a rebuilt version of the original, it still offers a taste of the film's unique atmosphere. Fans can walk around the venue, immersing themselves in the world of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
To visit this iconic filming location, you need to travel to Innere Wiener Straße in Munich, where the Hofbräukeller is located. The Old Town is just a short 10-minute drive away, and there's the convenience of a nearby metro station to catch.
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Charlie found the last ticket at Bill’s candy shop scene in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Lilienstraße 58, 81669 München, Germany
One of the most memorable scenes occurs when Charlie, on his paper delivery route, discovers some money in a storm drain next to a candy shop. With newfound fortune, Charlie ventures into the shop to buy various Wonka Chocolates, including a regular Wonka bar. As he goes to retrieve his papers and continue his route, he overhears an uproar about a headline: "FIFTH TICKET FRAUD." Amid the buzz about the Paraguayan scam, Charlie slowly unwraps the Wonka bar he had just purchased, revealing the coveted fifth golden ticket.
Bill's candy shop was filmed at 58 Lilienstraße in Munich, Bavaria. Unfortunately, the original building used for the movie no longer stands as it was demolished and replaced with a new one. This means that fans can no longer visit the exact location where these scenes were filmed.
Despite this, Munich still offers plenty of attractions for those with a sweet tooth or fans of the classic film. From local bakeries and confectionery shops brimming with handmade chocolates and candies to a Willy Wonka-themed city tour highlighting the movie’s filming locations, there's much to discover.
You can take the road via Erhardtstraße from Old Town to reach there by private car. Alternatively, public transport is also available, with the option to take the metro. In just 20 minutes, you'll arrive at your destination.
Charlie’s little house scene in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Quellenstraße, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Having discovered the final golden ticket, Charlie races home to share the news. His Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) reads the terms on the ticket: the tour is scheduled for the next day, October 1st, and the ticket holder is permitted to bring one adult family member along. Overjoyed, Charlie chooses Grandpa Joe, who agrees with such enthusiasm that he manages to get out of bed for the first time in two decades.
The exterior scenes of Charlie's humble home were filmed at Quellenstraße in Munich, Bavaria. While there isn't an exact location for the house—it appears to have been a set decoration for the movie—the surrounding area offers a stunning panorama. The nearby park and riverside provide magnificent views, and the streets around Quellenstraße are replete with enchanting architecture and intriguing landmarks, giving a glimpse into the area's history and character.
To visit this filming location, you would need to travel to Quellenstraße in Munich. The place is conveniently located near three previous sites, making it a perfect destination for true fans. It's just a 10-minute drive from the old town via Erhardtstraße, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.
Production Spaces Search
The chocolate factory scene in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
SWM Stadtwerke München, Emmy-Noether-Straße 2, 80992 München, Germany
The town gathers for a grand celebration to witness the opening of the enigmatic chocolate factory. As the clock strikes ten, the factory doors swing open, and out walks Willy Wonka, leaning heavily on a cane. He beckons the golden ticket holders forward, with Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole) insisting on entering first despite her ticket being the second one found. The children's order of entry seems of little concern to the others. Wonka then leads them inside, requesting that they first sign a contract with a print that begins large but gradually shrinks to an almost microscopic size.
This pivotal scene was filmed at the gasworks of SWM Stadtwerke München in Germany, which served as the exterior of Wonka's fantastical chocolate factory. Small sets were created at the entrance, including the petite door through which Willy Wonka emerges. Remarkably, the main entrance remains largely unchanged today, including the two large buildings that frame the walkway leading up to the entrance. These structures also feature in the film, providing continuity between the actual location and the whimsical world of Willy Wonka.
SWM Stadtwerke München is situated on the city's outskirts, meaning the journey from the city center will take a bit longer. If you're driving your car, it will typically take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation, where the tram or metro ride will take approximately 25 minutes.
Conclusion
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic movie that all age groups can enjoy. The movie features Gene Wilder in the titular role as the eccentric yet captivating Willy Wonka, and his performance truly brings out the character's nuances and makes him an unforgettable screen presence. Jack Albertson also delivers an excellent performance in the role of the grandpa, providing delightful moments of comic relief and adding heartwarming emotion to the story.
The script written by Roald Dahl is equally impressive, providing plenty of magical moments for viewers to enjoy while also carrying a unique sense of humor and charm that has helped cement Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a timeless classic. The film’s visual effects are also stunning, with imaginative settings and costumes that transport viewers into another world.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory stands out as possibly the most exceptional film of its genre since The Wizard of Oz. It embodies all the qualities that family films often aspire to but seldom achieve: it's delightful, humorous, thrilling, slightly terrifying, and above all, a true product of imagination. The film is a masterfully crafted fantasy that captivates audiences of all kinds. Its fascination lies in its self-reflection, a trait inherent in all timeless fantasies.