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.
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.
discoverEmbrace 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.
discoverThree 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.
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.
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.
discoverRelish 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.
discoverMusic 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 CalendarIvan 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.
Discover the ProgramSchloss 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.
discoverSchloss 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.
discoverMost 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
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