Panorama Schloss Elmau Vogelperspektive im Schnee mit Wettersteingebirge.
Gruppe Kinder stehen mit Ski und Snowboard an Abfahrt.
Zwei Mountainbiker auf einer Tour vor der imposanten Bergkulisse des Karwendelgebirges nahe Schloss Elmau.
Summit Suite.

The Schloss Elmau
Luxury Spa Experience
high in the Alps

Escape. Unwind. Recharge.

Escape to Schloss Elmau in the secluded Elmau Valley— the unique Luxury Spa Retreat, Cultural Hideaway and host of two G7 Summits — set high between Zugspitze in the unspoiled Bavarian Alps and the Karwendel mountains in Austria. It is near Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the UNESCO World Heritage King’s House on Schachen.

Unwind in six spacious spas —  three adults-only-spas, and three spas for families. Recharge with sports in the invigorating Alps. Rejuvenate with serenity in Longevity Retreats that include soothing treatments,  ice-bathing. TCM, Taiji, QiGong,  Pilates, Gaga, and Yoga

Enjoy two-starred Ikigai cuisine and find inspiration in world-class literary events and political debates. And above all: experience the sounds of silence and rushing streams in pristine nature, and the power of music in concerts & festivals with the great artists of our time.

A hidden gem in the Alps

Discover the magical Elmau Valley, a sanctuary set high between Bavaria’s Zugspitze Glacier and Austria’s Karwendel Mountains, amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Alps. It is just 100km from Munich, 45km from Innsbruck, and 18km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 

Visit the King’s House on Schachen at 1,800 m above sea-level in the Wetterstein Mountains, reachable only from Elmau in one hour by e-mountain bike or via a 3.5-hour hike.

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Highlights

Top Luxury Spa Packages

Gefüllter Konzertsaal mit Musikern auf Bühne in blauem Licht.

Cultural Program Calendar

Upcoming Concerts, Festivals & Talks

World in Pieces
22 – 27 February

Symposion about the shifts in politicc shaping our era and the future. Curated by Ivan Krastev.

Ludovico Einaudi am Flügel im Konzertsaal.

Ludovico Einaudi
26 & 27 February

Experience Ludovico Einaudi in two concerts!

Lucas & Arthur Jussen
7 March

with Alexej Gerassimez & Emil Kuyumcuyan, percussion

Barbara Hannigan & Belcea Quartet
10 March

Ragnhild Hemsing
14 März

„Norwegische Jahreszeiten“

Gaga Retreat.

Gaga in the Alps
15 – 19 March

Experience the joy of dance in a retreat led by Ohad Naharin, Saar Harari, and Yara Moses.

Chilly Gonzales Porträt.

Chilly Gonzales
19 – 22 March

Two concerts by the pianist and “exceptional live performer” (NDR)

Gautier Capuçon &
Nikolai Lugansky
24 March

Porträt Musiker Nils Landgren.

Nils Landgren-Festival
28 March – 3 April

Jazz & Beyond

Max Mutzke &
Daniel Hope
5 April

Daniel Hope mit Violine.

5th Daniel Hope Week
6 – 12 April

The famous Violonist and Artistic Director of the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad, Switzerland

Porträt Igor levit.

Igor Levit
Artist in Residence 2026

six piano recitals: 24 & 25 April  | 11 & 12 September | 4 & 5 December

Louis Philippson
9 May

Wolfgang Haffner
14 – 17 May

the famous drummer – celebrating 50 years on stage

Mao Fujita
18 May

Pianistin Yuja Wang.

Piano Summit
18 – 22 May

with Yuja Wang, Mao Fujita, Lucas Debarque et al.

Person macht Yoga am See.

SLOW Festival
28 – 31 May

Decelerate mindful music, moments of silence, meditation and yoga

10th Annual Yoga Summit
31 May – 4 June

Yoga with outstanding teachers, and Ayurveda with SOUKYA, the ultimate Ayurvada Center in India

Rolando Villazón &
Xavier de Maistre
4 – 7 June

Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer von Casper David Friedrich.

Week of Romanticism
21 – 28 June

Classical Music Festival with works from the Romantic Era

Grigory Sokolov
27 June

The greatest pianist of our time

Lisa Batiasvhilli, violin
11 July

with Schumann Quartett
and Nino Gvetadze, piano

Porträt Janine Jansen mit Geige.

Janine Jansen, Violine
6 – 9 August

Longevity Retreats

Rejuvenate and recharge with serenity and results-oriented programs

Yoga Retreats

Unwind with Yoga in retreats led by outstanding teachers of renowned Yoga Studios

Pilates Retreats

Get back in shape and balance with Pilates on a mat and reformer in retreats led by a master

Frau macht Taiji im Yoga Pavillon.

Taiji & QiGong Retreats

Practice Meditation in Motion with a master

Sport Retreats

 Sports Unlimited with Champions

An inimitable
Luxury Spa Retreat &
Cultural Hideaway

Embrace the luxury of space and serenity in two exceptional Leading Hotels of the World, and experience  a deep sense of peace and belonging in spacious yet intimate interiors blending timeless Italian elegance, and precious natural materials from around the globe with breathtaking views of the Alps.

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Ultra Luxury Retreat

entdecken

Luxury Hideaway

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Luxury Wellness Beyond Compare

Three Adults-Only-Spas
The Badehaus Spa at the Hideaway features three signature outdoor infinity lap pools and a cold plunge pool. The authentic Oriental Hamam at the Hideaway celebrates a spa tradition rooted in antiquity. The intimate Shantigiri Spa at the Retreat offers an outdoor infinity lap pool alongside a restorative Japanese Onsen Pool.

Three Family-Friendly Spas
The Family Spa at the Hideaway is home to a serene indoor infinity lap pool. The Shantigiri Family Spa at the Retrest offers a breathtaking outdoor infinity lap pool, and the huge Nature Spa features a classic lap pool and rustic sauna at the Ferchenbach mountain stream—the perfect setting for a rejuvenating ice bath.

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Gaga

Experience the joy of dancing

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Yoga

Jivamukti Yoga Center und Yoga Retreats.

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Longevity

Strengthen your health with serenity and ease

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Sports Unlimited in the Alps

Recharge while jogging and hiking along secluded trails, mountain biking, cycling, or road biking on trails and roads less traveled, mountaineering and extreme rock climbing in the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains.

Play tennis on three clay courts, tee off on three beautiful golf courses, and practice the art of archery with a champion. While Lake Walchensee remains a mecca for kite surfers, Lake Eibsee and Lautersee invite you stand-up paddle.

Wintersports
Shape up with ice skating and cross-country skiing in the untouched Elmau Valley—or head to the Bavarian and Tyrolian Alps for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski touring.

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Family & Me Time

Experience an unsurpassed variety of ways to escape into seclusion, spend quality time with family and friends, and encounter artists and authors from around the globe.

Relax with your children in one of the family spas or choose to unwind in an adults-only sanctuary. Let your children roam free, expand their horizons, and forge new friendships—whether in the Kids Club, or at adventure sports programs, AI labs, edutainment, and professional soccer camps with coaches from the top German league.

Beyond the activities, experience unforgettable moments with your children where time truly stands still. Enjoy concerts by the great artists of our time and find inspiration in a sophisticated bookstore designed for four generations.

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AI Creativity Labs

Learn how to be creative with AI

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Trainer schaut spielender Fußballmannschaft auf Fußballplatz zu.

Soccer Camps

Learn from coaches of the 1.Bundesliga

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Superb Culinary Art

Relish European, and Asian cuisine, as well as Ikigai by Chris Rainer honored with two Michelin stars and five Gault&Millau toques

And beyond: experience the vibrant energy and unobtrusive, authentic warmth of a young, enthusiastic hosts from around the globe.

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Bookstore & Libraries

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Bars & Living Rooms

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World-Class Concerts & Festivals

Music calms the mind, releases emotions, and fosters a profound connection to ourselves, to others, and to the sense of eternity. As an essential part of life and holistic renewal, it has been deeply rooted in the DNA of Schloss Elmau for over a century—an inimitable and internationally renowned cultural tradition.

Our concert hall, with its extraordinary acoustics, hosts up to 150 concerts annually, along with several festivals and recordings featuring the great artists of our time.

Cultural Program Calendar

World in Pieces
22-27 February

A Schloss Elmau Symposion
curated by Ivan Krastev

Ivan Krastev, one of the most influential political thinkers of our time, has invited a circle of distinguished intellectuals to discuss the shifts in political thought shaping our era and the future.

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Exclusive Meetings & Events

Schloss Elmau is not only an ideal host for peaceful and politically successful G7 summits, but also the perfect destination for sophisticated Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE), as well as private celebrations and weddings in an exclusive setting. 

Both hotels—the Hideaway and the Retreat—can be booked together or individually for exclusive use, ensuring maximum privacy.

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Sustainability

100% Eco-Power. 90%
Wood-Chip heating.

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E-Mobility

Sightseeing with BMW.
80 Charging Stations.

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Schloss Elmau - A German History

Schloss Elmau was built between 1914 and 1916 by the philosopher Dr. Johannes Müller as a cultural retreat for his readers. Following a major fire in 2005, the landmarked building was largely demolished and rebuilt in 2007 by his grandson, Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, with a new sense of grandeur as a Luxury Spa & Cultural Hideaway, and Member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The Ultra Luxury Retreat opened in 2015. It served as the residence for the Heads of State and Government during both the 2015 and 2022 G7 summits.

Angela Merkel based her decision to hold the G7 summit at Schloss Elmau on its unique cultural tradition and political commitment to transatlantic and German-Israeli relations, as well as the exceptional quality of both hotels and the seclusion of the Elmau Sanctuary

Following a critical engagement with the history of its founder, the estate has evolved under Dietmar Mueller-Elmau into a significant forum for Jewish intellectuals and artists. Guided by the conviction that music, literature, and political debate can build bridges, Schloss Elmau provides a space for a dialogue between cultures—defined by mutual respect and a profound love of liberty.

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Most recent awards

Guide Michelin
Hotel 3 Keys 2025
Restaurant Ikigai 2 Stars

Bilanz Ranking (CH)
# 2 of the best Resorts in Europe 2025

Travel+Leisure
World’s Best Awards 2025
#2 Best International Spa
Best Destination Spa in Europe

Condé Nast Spa Guide
THE WORLD´S BEST SPAS 2025

THE 101 BEST HOTELS
Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Best Luxury Hideaway Germany, 2026
Best Leisure Hotel DACH 2025
Hotel of the Year – DACH Overall Winner 2025

National Geographic
100 Hotels of a Lifetime
The World´s Ultimate Retreats

Condé Nast Gold List
Best Hotels of the World 2020, 2024

 

Porträt Dietmar Mueller-Elmau in schwarz-weiß.

Dietmar Mueller-Elmau
CEO/Owner

dme@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Heidrun Mueller-Elmau.

Heidrun Mueller-Elmau
Edutainment Programs

heidrun.mueller-elmau@schloss-elmau.de

Managing Director Lukas Leitz.

Lukas Leitz
Managing Director

lukas.leitz@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Sarah Kesting.

Sarah Kesting
Artistic Director

sarah.kesting@schloss-elmau.de

Hoteldirektor Christian Scheler.

Christian Scheler
Hotel Director

christian.scheler@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Ines Sagolla.

Ines Sagolla
Executive Housekeeper

ines.sagolla@schloss-elmau.de

Resident Manager Retreat Edyk Lopes Caballero.

Edyk Lopes Caballero,
Resident Manager Retreat

edyk.lopes@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Marius Müller.

Marius Müller
Resident Manager Hideaway

marius.mueller@schloss-elmau.de

 

Director Rooms & Events Barbara Scheler.

Barbara Scheler
Director Rooms & Events

barbara.scheler@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Max Hopf.

Max Hopf
F&B Director

max.hopf@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Christoph Rainer.

Chris Rainer
Executive Chef Ikigai **

christoph.rainer@schloss-elmau.de

Andreas Niessl
Kitchen Manager

andreas.niessl@schloss-elmau.de

Biancamaria Giraldin
Spa Director

biancamaria.giraldin@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Dr. Imke König in schwarz-weiß.

Dr. Imke König
Ärztin TCM

imke.koenig@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt von Johannes Mikenda mit frontalem Blick in die Kamera.

Johannes Mikenda
Head of Yoga & Wellbeing

johannes.mikenda@schloss-elmau.de

Director Sports & Kids Programs Carina Fleischmann.

Carina Fleischmann
Sports & Kids Program Director

carina.fleischmann@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Kerstin Huber.

Kerstin Huber
Bookstore Manager

kerstin.huber@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Eva Jacobi.

Eva Jacobi
Bookstore Manager

eva.jacobi@schloss-elmau.de 

Director of Marketing & Communications Naomi Jödicke.

Naomi Joedicke
Director PR

naomi.joedicke@schloss-elmau.de

Alina Plath
Marketing Manager

alina.plath@schloss-elmau.de

Director of Sales Angel Ji Heltner.

Angel Ji Heltner
Director of Sales

angel.heltner@schloss-elmau.de

Porträt Shahid Wazir.

Shahid Wazir
IT Director

shahid.wazir@schloss-elmau.de

HR Director Wiebke Mowat.

Wiebke Mowat
HR Director

wiebke.mowat@schloss-elmau.de

Director Accounting Eva Widmann.

Eva Widmann
Director Finance

eva.widmann@schloss-elmau.de

Technischer Direktor Holger Otto.

Holger Otto
Technical Director

holger.otto@schloss-elmau.de

FQA

  • The breathtaking, secluded, and solitary location in a vast, protected high valley at the foot of the Alps is unrivaled in Europe.
  • The inimitable, century-old tradition of concerts and festivals featuring the greatest artists of our time is unmatched worldwide.
  • The freedom to choose between two "Leading Hotels of the World" within a single resort is absolutely extraordinary.
  • The abundance of space in the spas and pools—dedicated to both adults and families alike—is second to none.
  • The first hotel to have hosted two G7 Summits (in 2015 and 2025).

A Historic Venue

Schloss Elmau was the first hotel to twice host a G7 Summit—in 2015, under the presidency of Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel with President Barack Obama, and in 2022, under Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz with President Joe Biden.

By car: 1 ½ hours from Munich Airport via Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

By train: 1 ½ hours via Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Klais station.

By car: 45 minutes from Innsbruck Airport.

By car or train: 50 minutes from Innsbruck main station.

By car: 20 minutes from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

1,000 meters (3,280 ft) above sea level. Schloss Elmau offers fantastic sporting opportunities year-round. Winter sports on the Zugspitze are generally possible from December through the end of April.

The Luxury Hideaway & The Cultural Hideaway

Built in 1916, the Luxury Hideaway was largely demolished following a major fire in 2005 and rebuilt in 2007 according to the designs of Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, embracing a new sense of spaciousness. The rooms and suites in the Hideaway range from 25 to 110 sqm. The Hideaway is home to the Bath House, Oriental Hamam, Indoor Family Spa, the Concert Hall, the Bookstore, the two-star restaurant Ikigai, the Thai Restaurant, the Family Restaurant, the Kids Club, and the Sports Center.

The Ultra Luxury Retreat

The Ultra Luxury Retreat was built between 2013 and 2015, also according to the designs of Dietmar Mueller-Elmau. The Retreat served as the residence for the heads of state and government during the G7 Summits in 2015 and 2022. The suites in the Retreat range from 55 to 200 sqm. It features the Outdoor Adult Spa with a Japanese Onsen, an Outdoor Family Spa, the Yoga Pavilion, as well as the Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants and the Library Lounge.

Guests of either hotel are welcome to enjoy all amenities and offerings across the entire resort.

Symbolism & Interior Design

The elephant, featured on the Indian linen fabrics by Andrew Martin, is omnipresent throughout Schloss Elmau. In India, the elephant Ganesha is the symbol of memory and discernment—qualities without which we could find no orientation in the world, nor gain entry into the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple.

The interior design of Schloss Elmau, developed by Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, is a reflection of the world's complexity, and contradictions, which are unique to every individual. This diversity of spaces, materials, and furnishings from around the globe is illuminated by the omnipresence of golden light fixtures by Enzo Catellani. In their form, these lights represent the sun and the moon—sources of light that remain the same for all humanity.

Accommodations & Interiors

The Luxury Hideaway features 100 rooms, suites, and family apartments, ranging from 20 to 110 sqm.

The Ultra Luxury Retreat offers 47 junior suites, presidential suites, and family apartments, ranging from 60 to 200 sqm.

All rooms are furnished with timelessly elegant furniture from Italy and Asia and are appointed with precious, natural materials sourced from around the world.

Spa & Wellness Facilities

 

Hideaway Bath House Spa – Adults Only – 4 outdoor pools, heated year-round, including Salt Walter Pool (35°C). Sunset Pool (35°C in Winter, (28°C in Summer), Rooftop Pool ((32°C in Winter, 30°C)in Summer)

Hideaway Oriental Hamam – Adults Only – 500 sqm, 4 Treatment Rooms, 3 Dome Rooms, 2 Steambaths, Tealounge

Retreat Shantigiri Spa – Adults Only – Outdoor Infinity Pool (32°C). and Onsen Pool (40°C)., heated year-round.

Hideaway Family Spa – Indoor Infinity Pool (32°C). Sauna, Bio-Sauna, Herbal Sauna, Sole-Steam Bath, Infra-Red Sauna

Retreat Shantigiri Family Spa – Outdoor Infinity Pool, (32°C). heated year-round

Nature Spa – Lap pool (28 °C).and Sauna at the Ferchenbach stream – June to September.

Lake Ferchensee – 3 km from the hotel – June to September (22–24°C in July and August).

Culinary Offerings

Hideaway Ikigai by Chris Rainer – French-Japanese cuisine with two Michelin stars and 5 Toques (Gault&Millau) – 28 seats.

Hideaway La Salle – Family restaurant – 120 seats.

Hideaway Fidelio – Thai restaurant – 80 seats.

Hideaway Kaminstube – Fondue restaurant – 30 seats.

Hideaway Ananda – Spa restaurant – 24 seats.

Retreat Summit – Mediterranean cuisine – 32 seats – Adults Only.

Retreat Summit Pavilion – Sushi restaurant – 28 seats.

Retreat Tutto Mondo – Family restaurant – 46 seats.

Retreat Ganesha – Private dining – 32 seats.

Hideaway Tea Lounge – 70 seats

Hideaway Al Camino Jazz Lounge & Bar – 50 seats

Hideaway Smokers Lounge – 14 seats

Hideaway Silentium Library – 11 seats

140–160 concerts and 30–40 book presentations and political debates annually, including the following festivals:

  • Chamber Music Festivals – Mid-Januar
  • Nils Landgren Festival – The week before Easter
  • Daniel Hope Week – The week after Easter
  • Piano Summit - in 2026 last week of May withYuja Wang, Mao Fujits
  • The Romantic Era Music Festival – Last week of  June
  • Christian Gerhaher Liedwoche – Biennially (every two years) in autumn
  • European Jazztival – Mid-November
  • Literary Festival – Mid-November
  • Verbier Festival @ Schloss Elmau – Late November
  • Political Symposions - Beginning of December

Events & Conferences

  • 300 seats in the Concert Hall
  • 120 seats in the Fidelio
  • 90 seats in the Yoga Pavilion

Meetings

  • Boardroom: 12 seats
  • Breakout Rooms: 3 rooms for 50 guests each
  • Yoga Pavilion: 75 seats

Banquets

  • Concert Hall: 180 seats
  • La Salle: 160 seats
  • Fidelio: 80 seats
  • The Retreat: 250 seats
     

 

300 employees from more than 50 nations, including 30  Hotel Management Students and 50 Apprentices

Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, CEO & Owner
Sarah Kesting, Artistic Director
Lukas Leitz, Managing Director
Christian Scheler, Hotel Director