Schloss Elmau – #1 Luxury Hideaway of the Year Germany 2026
In a wide, sheltered Alpine valley at the foot of the Wetterstein mountains, away from roads and noise, far from the ordinary world – Schloss Elmau is one of the most extraordinary hotels on earth. Seven Michelin stars across eight acclaimed chefs, 7,000 sqm of spa in three distinct worlds, golf on three courses, skiing on the Zugspitze and a cultural concert programme that has been running without interruption since 1916. The complete guide.
Schloss Elmau – a place unlike any other
There are very few places in the world that you enter and immediately know: everything here is different. Schloss Elmau is one of them. In a wide, sheltered Alpine valley at the foot of the Wetterstein mountains – at 1,008 metres above sea level, far from roads and noise – the Müller family has been building a cultural refuge since 1916 that today stands as one of the most extraordinary hotel concepts in the world.
Schloss Elmau is not a hotel with a cultural programme added as an amenity. It is a cultural institution that operates a hotel. Over a century of concert and festival tradition has created a self-understanding that extends far beyond luxury and wellness. In 2026, Schloss Elmau was named #1 Luxury Hideaway of the Year in Germany and #2 Luxury Hideaway in the entire DACH region. National Geographic included it in its ‘100 Hotels of a Lifetime’. Condé Nast places it on the Gold List of the world’s best hotels year after year.
Schloss Elmau 2026 – enquire about rooms and restaurant reservations
#1 Luxury Hideaway Germany – 7 Michelin Stars – 7,000 sqm Spa – cultural programme year-round
The breathtaking, remote setting in a wide and sheltered Alpine valley at the foot of the mountains is unmatched in Europe. The extraordinary tradition of over 100 years of concerts and festivals with the great artists of our time is without equal anywhere in the world.
Schloss Elmau at a glance
- Address: In Elmau 2 – 82493 Krün – Wetterstein Mountains – Bavaria – Germany
- Awards 2026: #1 Luxury Hideaway of the Year Germany 2026 – National Geographic 100 Hotels of a Lifetime – Condé Nast Gold List
- Dining: 8 head chefs – 7 Michelin stars – including Ikigai by Chris Rainer (2 stars, 5 GaultMillau toques)
- Spa: 7,000 sqm – Badehaus Spa – Shantigiri Spa – Family Spa – 25 treatment rooms – panoramic rooftop pool
- Golf: 3 courses nearby: Garmisch/Oberau (18 holes), Wallgau (9 holes), Seefeld Tirol (18 holes)
- Winter sports: Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze skiing – cross-country – ski touring – snowshoe hiking
- Culture: Own concert hall – concert and festival tradition since 1916 – year-round programme
- MICE: 7 conference rooms – daylight – full AV – exclusive buy-out of the entire property possible
Rooms, suites and hideaways – Alpine nature meets design philosophy
Schloss Elmau consists of two buildings: the original Castle and the modern Retreat. Both share the same fundamental approach – high quality, individual, connected to nature – but differ in atmosphere and guest character.
Main building – history and cultural tradition
The Castle
The original Castle building from 1916 houses a portion of the rooms and suites as well as the concert halls, the library and several restaurants. The atmosphere is shaped by a century of history – warm, literary, with a slight sense of timelessness. Rooms from approximately 40 sqm, suites to over 100 sqm. For guests seeking history and cultural depth alongside luxury.
Modern wing – adults only
The Retreat
The Retreat is the quieter, more contemporary part of the property – with its own spa area (Shantigiri Spa), its own rooftop pool and a distinctly adults-only atmosphere. Contemporary design, large panoramic windows facing the Wetterstein mountains, separate restaurant areas. For couples and guests seeking absolute stillness.
Junior Suite – 40–45 sqm
Junior Suites
The Junior Suites offer 40 to 45 sqm with a balcony and mountain or garden views. King-size bed, premium bathroom, minibar. The ideal choice for couples and shorter stays. Air conditioning, satellite TV, complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the property.
Family – connected apartments
Family Apartments
Schloss Elmau offers multi-room family apartments that provide privacy for parents and children simultaneously. Connected rooms or large family suites with separate living areas. The Family Spa and Kids’ Clubs make Schloss Elmau one of the finest family addresses in Bavaria.
Dining – Ikigai, Luce d’Oro and the Alpine Alpe-Adria tradition
Schloss Elmau is one of the most significant culinary hotel addresses in Germany. 8 head chefs run 8 distinct restaurant concepts, together holding 7 Michelin stars – a Michelin density within a single hotel that is almost impossible to find anywhere in Europe.
2 Michelin Stars – 5 GaultMillau Toques
Ikigai – Chris Rainer
The Ikigai by head chef Chris Rainer is the culinary centrepiece of Schloss Elmau. Awarded 2 Michelin stars and 5 GaultMillau toques, it represents the art of refining the elemental – from European tradition to Asian subtlety. The Ikigai is the only two-star restaurant in the greater Garmisch area and ranks among the ten best restaurants in Bavaria. Reservation is essential, often weeks in advance.
6 further restaurant concepts
Luce d’Oro and six more
The Luce d’Oro – also Michelin-recognised – offers Mediterranean haute cuisine in an elegant setting. Further restaurants include the Gutshaus with Bavarian cuisine, the Retreat Restaurant for adults-only guests, a Japanese restaurant, a family restaurant and café. No guest needs to dine in the same setting on two consecutive evenings.
Culinary awards at Schloss Elmau
- Total Michelin stars: 7 stars across 8 chefs – unique density within a single hotel in Bavaria
- Ikigai: 2 Michelin stars – 5 GaultMillau toques – finest restaurant in the hotel
- Luce d’Oro: Michelin-recognised – Mediterranean haute cuisine
- Eight restaurant concepts: For every mood, every occasion, every generation – a different culinary world each evening
Ikigai at Schloss Elmau – reserve well in advance; the waiting list fills quickly.
Spa – three worlds for three different needs
The spa area at Schloss Elmau is one of the largest and most thoughtfully divided hotel spa environments in Germany. Across 7,000 square metres, three self-contained spa worlds cater to different guests and different moods – a system that almost no other European hotel implements with this degree of consistency.
Adults only – Castle building
Badehaus Spa
The Badehaus is the classic adults-only spa area of the main Castle building. Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, hamam, herbal sauna, panoramic pool, relaxation rooms and 25 treatment rooms offering classical massage, sports massage, Ayurveda, Thai massage, hot stone, Shiatsu and beauty treatments.
Adults only – Retreat building
Shantigiri Spa
The Shantigiri Spa serves guests of the Retreat building – for adults aged 16 and over. Saline pool, sauna landscape, panoramic views of the Wetterstein mountains. More exclusive and quieter than the Badehaus. Treatment brands include Schloss Elmau Signature, Niance and Annanné.
All ages – families
Family Spa
The Family Spa is open to all ages and offers water features and activities for children and families. Child-friendly water attractions, supervised AI Creativity Labs and football camps for children and teenagers. Parents can use the adults-only spa areas simultaneously.
Spa highlights at a glance
- Total area: 7,000 sqm – three self-contained spa worlds
- Treatment rooms: 25 – including couple treatment suites and specialist therapy rooms
- Massages: Classical, sports, Abhyanga, Lomi-Lomi, Thai, Hamam, hot stone, Shiatsu, reflexology
- Beauty: Anti-ageing, cellulite, peeling, facials, manicure, pedicure – brands Niance and Annanné
- Panoramic rooftop pool: In the Retreat, with views of the Wetterstein mountains – one of the most impressive hotel outdoor pools in Bavaria
- Fitness: Premium gym with state-of-the-art equipment and mountain views
- Yoga and QiGong: Daily classes – indoors and outdoors in the Alpine landscape
Golf – Garmisch, Wallgau and Seefeld with Alpine panoramas
Schloss Elmau is an excellent base for golf in one of the most scenically outstanding regions of Germany and Austria’s Tyrol. The concierge team organises transfers and tee-times to three high-quality courses in the surrounding area.
18 holes – Garmisch/Oberau
Golfpark Garmisch-Oberau
An 18-hole championship course in Garmisch-Oberau – one of the finest courses in Bavaria, with a full Zugspitze panorama. Varied layout through meadows and woodland. Approximately 25 minutes from Schloss Elmau. Tee-times bookable through the hotel concierge.
9 holes – Wallgau
Golf Wallgau
A compact 9-hole course in Wallgau – ideal for a relaxed round without a full day’s commitment. Approximately 15 minutes from Schloss Elmau. Suitable for beginners and for all guests who enjoy golf as a gentle outdoor experience rather than a competitive pursuit.
18 holes – Seefeld Tyrol
Golfpark Seefeld-Wildmoos
The internationally known 18-hole course in Seefeld, Tyrol, is approximately 30 minutes from Schloss Elmau and ranks among the finest high-altitude golf courses in the Alps. At 1,200 m, with an exceptional mountain panorama. The choice for serious golfers who want a course that matches the landscape.
Winter sports – skiing, touring and snow in the Wetterstein mountains
The Wetterstein mountains around Schloss Elmau offer outstanding winter sports for skiers, ski tourers and snowshoers. The major ski areas of the region are within easy driving distance, and the valley around the hotel provides its own cross-country skiing directly from the property.
Classic – 22 km of pistes
Garmisch Classic
The Garmisch Classic ski area (formerly Alpspitze/Hausberg/Kreuzeck) offers 22 km of pistes for all levels and one of the best après-ski scenes in Bavaria. 30 minutes from Schloss Elmau. Direct shuttle service bookable through the hotel.
Glacier skiing – to 2,720 m
Zugspitze Glacier
The Zugspitze glacier – 30 minutes from Schloss Elmau – is the only glacier ski area in Germany. Up to 2,720 m altitude, snow-reliable through to May, with extraordinary panoramic views extending into Austria, Switzerland and Italy on clear days.
Cross-country – from the hotel
Cross-country skiing in the Elmau valley
The valley around Schloss Elmau is an outstanding cross-country skiing environment. Groomed tracks lead through the pristine winter landscape of the Wetterstein mountains. The hotel provides cross-country ski equipment. Evening moonlit skiing is also possible on selected evenings.
Mountain adventure
Ski touring and snowshoeing
Guided ski tours into the Schoenlahngruppe and Wetterstein mountains, as well as snowshoe hikes through the forests around Elmau, represent the genuine alpine winter adventure. Certified mountain guides are available through the hotel on request.
Hiking – from the Partnachklamm to the Zugspitze summit
The Wetterstein mountains around Schloss Elmau offer some of the most impressive walking routes in Bavaria. Trails begin directly from the hotel in every direction – from gentle alpine meadow walks to demanding summit routes.
Hiking highlights in the region
- Partnachklamm: The famous gorge near Garmisch – 700 m through a narrow rock canyon with a rushing torrent – suitable for everyone – 30 minutes from the hotel
- Eckbauer to Wamberg: One of the finest day hikes: start at the Partnachklamm – ascent to the Eckbauer (1,237 m) – descent to Wamberg – 4 hours – an ideal circular route
- Zugspitze (2,962 m): Germany’s highest peak – accessible by rack railway or cable car – summit walk for experienced hikers via the Jubilaumsweg
- Leutasch Geisterklamm: 40 minutes from the hotel – a spectacular gorge with the only accessible Geisterklamm in the Alps
- Three-lakes walk: Elmau – Ferchensee – Lautersee – three idyllic mountain lakes on a circular route – family-friendly – approximately 3 hours
- Hotel-guided tours: Schloss Elmau offers daily guided mountain hikes with certified mountain guides – register at reception
Cycling and e-bike – through the Wetterstein mountains and the Zugspitze region
Schloss Elmau provides bicycles and e-bikes for its guests. The region offers outstanding cycling routes from flat valley roads to demanding mountain descents – for all levels and all ages.
Easy – family-friendly
Isar valley route and valley roads
The flat Isar valley routes between Mittenwald, Wallgau and Garmisch are manageable even for less athletic guests by e-bike. Beautiful mountain scenery, minimal traffic and several cafe and lunch stops along the way make this the classic gentle cycling option.
Demanding – mountain trails
Mountain bike trails in the Wetterstein mountains
For experienced mountain bikers, the Wetterstein mountains offer challenging trails with spectacular views. The alpine roads above Elmau and Krün lead into a mountain world that lies entirely off the main tourist circuits – pristine, quiet and rewarding.
Cultural programme – concerts and festivals with the great artists of our time
The cultural programme is not an optional amenity at Schloss Elmau – it is the founding idea of the place. Since the property was established by Johannes Müller in 1916, Schloss Elmau has built a concert tradition that is genuinely without equal in the world of luxury hotels. In its own concert hall, the great artists of classical music, jazz and world music perform throughout the year.
Cultural programme at Schloss Elmau
- Own concert hall: Extraordinary acoustics – intimate scale – concert-grade atmosphere directly within the castle
- Programme: Year-round – classical music, chamber music, jazz, world music and contemporary music
- Festivals: Annual music festivals with international stars – advance tickets strongly recommended
- Bookshop: The hotel’s own bookshop is one of the most personal in Germany – curated across four and a half generations
- AI Creativity Labs: New creative workshops for children and young people – where technology meets art
- Talks and readings: Regular author readings, philosophy discussions and intellectual salon conversations
MICE – meetings in one of Europe’s most celebrated conference hotels
Schloss Elmau became the world’s most recognised conference hotel when it hosted the G7 Summit in 2015 and again in 2022. Since then the property has expanded its conference infrastructure and today offers seven meeting rooms with natural daylight, state-of-the-art technology and a setting that no other conference venue in Germany can replicate.
Up to 200 delegates
7 conference rooms
Seven conference rooms of varying capacities – all with natural daylight, full AV equipment, coffee break service and direct access to terraces and the castle grounds. For groups of 10 to 200 in a range of configurations from boardroom to theatre-style.
Exclusively bookable
Buy-out – the entire property
For the most senior corporate retreats, product launches and private gatherings, the entire Schloss Elmau property can be exclusively booked. This option was used for the G7 Summit itself – providing maximum privacy and security in the world’s most celebrated Alpine setting.
MICE highlights at Schloss Elmau
- Setting: G7 Summit location 2015 and 2022 – world-famous backdrop – highest security standards available
- Conference rooms: 7 rooms – all daylit – capacity 10 to 200 delegates
- Catering: Conference catering at Michelin-star quality – from coffee breaks to gala dinners in the Ikigai
- Team activities: Guided mountain hikes, cross-country skiing, cooking events with Michelin chefs, concert evenings in the hall
- Buy-out: Full property available for maximum discretion and security
- Access: Helicopter transfers possible – shuttle from Garmisch-Partenkirchen – chauffeur service
MICE and events at Schloss Elmau – conference enquiries and buy-out bookings.
The region – Zugspitze, Partnachklamm and the Karwendel
Germany’s highest mountain
Zugspitze (2,962 m)
The Zugspitze is Germany’s highest point, reachable from Schloss Elmau in 45 minutes. By rack railway from Garmisch or by cable car from the Eibsee. Views extending to up to 400 peaks in four countries. Open year-round; glacier skiing available until May.
Natural wonder – 30 minutes
Partnachklamm
The Partnachklamm near Garmisch is one of Bavaria’s most impressive natural sights – 700 m through a narrow rock gorge, spectacular with ice formations in winter and surging water in spring. Open year-round; entry approximately 6 euros.
Mountain lakes – romantic
Eibsee, Ferchensee and Lautersee
The Eibsee (with stand-up paddling and rowing available directly from Schloss Elmau), the Ferchensee and the Lautersee are three of Bavaria’s finest mountain lakes – within 20 minutes of the hotel. Crystal-clear water, green mountain surroundings, ideal swimming temperatures in summer.
Cultural town – 20 minutes
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The twin market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with its historic Loisachstrasse, the Werdenfels Museum, the Olympic ski-jump arena and a lively shopping and dining offer, is 20 minutes from Schloss Elmau – providing everything that the unspoilt nature around Elmau does not.
Getting there and best time to visit – the valley that makes the world feel far away
Schloss Elmau sits in a sheltered Alpine valley – deliberately remote, deliberately without through traffic. The hotel is 14 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reached via the Elmauer Strasse.
| Departure point | Connection | Travel time approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Munich HBF | Zugspitzbahn to Garmisch – hotel shuttle | approx. 1.5 hrs. |
| Munich Airport (MUC) | Hire car via A95 towards Garmisch | approx. 1.5 hrs. |
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Hotel shuttle service or taxi | approx. 25 min. |
| Innsbruck (INN) | Car via Scharnitz and Mittenwald | approx. 1 hr. |
| Zurich HBF | Railjet to Munich – Zugspitzbahn to Garmisch | approx. 4 hrs. |
| Frankfurt HBF | ICE to Munich – Zugspitzbahn to Garmisch | approx. 4.5 hrs. |
| Helicopter | From Munich helipad direct to Elmau | approx. 30 min. |
Best time to visit
- Winter sports: December to April – Zugspitze glacier skiing until May – cross-country and ski touring from December
- Hiking and golf: May to October – main season June to September
- Cultural programme: Year-round – major festivals mainly in summer months
- Wellness and spa: Year-round – the winter months are particularly atmospheric
- MICE: Year-round – winter retreats in the snow are particularly popular for senior leadership gatherings
- Hidden gem timing: March and April – spring skiing on the Zugspitze in sunshine – hiking season beginning – very quiet
Schloss Elmau 2026 – Luxury Spa Retreat and Cultural Hideaway – Bavaria
Schloss Elmau – nature, Michelin stars and a century of music.
Germany’s #1 Luxury Hideaway 2026 – 7 Michelin stars, 7,000 sqm spa, golf on three courses, skiing on the Zugspitze, hiking in the Wetterstein mountains, MICE at G7 level and a cultural programme that has been running without interruption since 1916. Schloss Elmau – a place unlike any other.
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