FAQ – Q&A

Check-in is guaranteed from 4:30 p.m. on your day of arrival. Should your room be ready earlier, we will gladly accommodate an earlier check-in. Alternatively, feel free to enjoy our spa facilities, indulge in a meal at our restaurants, or take a walk through scenic Elmau Valley until your room is available.

We would be delighted to try to arrange an early check-in for you. For a guaranteed early check-in, a fee equivalent to 100% of the previous night’s stay will apply.

Complimentary parking is available in the lot beneath the Schloss Elmau Hideaway. For a fee of 20€ per day, parking in the underground garage is also an option.

A transfer from Klais train station can be arranged at any time and takes approximately 15 minutes. We kindly request that transfers be booked in advance.

We are pleased to arrange transfers from both Innsbruck and Munich airports, as well as train stations, to Schloss Elmau.

Munich:

• Munich Airport – approx. 2 hours drive – 380€ for 1 to 6 people per trip
• Munich Main Station – approx. 1.5 hours drive – 280€ for 1 to 6 people per trip

Innsbruck:

• Innsbruck Airport – approx. 1 hour drive – 230€ for 1 to 6 people per trip
• Innsbruck Main Station – approx. 1 hour drive – 250€ for 1 to 6 people per trip

Schloss Elmau does not have its own helicopter landing pad due to the nature reserve. The nearest private airfields are located in Oberpfaffenhofen and Innsbruck.

The weekly program overview provides details on activities available during your stay, including Jivamukti Yoga, Qigong, Pilates, boxing, ice bathing, and more. Enjoy evening jazz in the Al Camino Bar, or attend cutting-edge concerts and festivals featuring renowned artists. You’ll also find information on which restaurants are open and their culinary offerings, along with details of our extensive spa and pool options. Your stay is further enhanced with the Sport & Fitness Experience and the Schloss Elmau Shopping Experience.

The daily information link offers a comprehensive overview of the day’s highlights, including opening hours for the bookshop, stores, and restaurants, as well as their menus. You will also find details of available activities, and can easily book your participation in programs or spa treatments. The link provides access to our full weekly program, allowing you to plan the remainder of your stay.

• Breakfast buffet in La Salle, Tutto Mondo, or Summit restaurants
• Welcome drink and amenities in your room on the day of arrival
• Mineral water in the minibar
• Teas and espresso machine in your room
• Cake served in the lounges
• Fruit, nuts, water, teas, and espresso in the spa lounges
• Admission to concerts, festivals, and cultural events
• Access to the Hideaway bathhouse spa with three outdoor infinity lap pools and cold plunge pool (for guests aged 16 and over)
• Access to the Hideaway Oriental Hamam (for guests aged 16 and over)
• Access to the Retreat Adult Spa with Onsen Pool and Infinity Lap Pool (for guests aged 16 and over)
• Access to the Retreat Family Spa with outdoor infinity lap pool
• Access to the Hideaway Family Spa with indoor infinity lap pool
• Access to the Nature Spa with lap pool (June – September) and sauna at the Ferchenbach stream
• Daily yoga classes with certified Jivamukti Yoga teachers
• Fit & Active programs
• Guided hikes and mountain tours (3x/week, June – October)
• Guided mountain bike tours (3x/week, June – October)
• Race bike tours (on request)
• Alpine wildlife tours with forest ranger (1x/week)
• Access to tennis clay courts (May/June – October)
• Ski safaris to the best slopes of the day (3x/week, December – March)
• Ski shuttle (10 – 25 minutes) to ski areas in Mittenwald, Seefeld, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Hiking poles and rucksacks
• Tobogganing, snowshoes, and ice skates
• Ice rink directly in front of the hotel
• Cross-country ski trails directly in front of the hotel
• Shuttle (5 minutes) to the cross-country ski trail network between Leutasch, Wallgau, Krün, and Garmisch
• High-speed wireless internet
• Transfer to and from Klais train station
   

The resort fee is charged for the entire duration of the stay and applies to all persons in the room. It is €225 per night, per person, and includes flat rates for:
€40 for breakfast, cake of the day, and minibar
€55 for cultural events
€130 for access to the spas and participation in the Fit & Active programs

At Schloss Elmau, you have the unique luxury of choosing between two 5-star superior hotels, located just 150 meters apart. Both hotels offer access to a world of exceptional services, with an atmosphere of understated elegance, warm lighting, and timeless furnishings that blend Asian and Italian influences, alongside natural materials from across the globe.
 

For security reasons, we no longer store credit card details. However, a down payment can be made via a payment link or by bank transfer. Typically, no deposit is required, and the full balance can be settled upon departure.

CANCELABLE (Rackrate)
In case of cancellation or shortening of the stay less than 14 days before arrival, the cancellation fee of 80% of the room rate for the canceled days can only be waived if the room can be rented out again on the same day. Please note that a cancellation is only valid if you have received a cancellation number from us. We recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance.

NON-CANCELABLE
Top Packages in general (1 night free, Super Saver Package, gap days, etc.)
When booking a Top Package, cancellation or rebooking is not possible. In case of cancellation or rebooking, 100% of the package price will be charged.

The Hideaway features 100 rooms, suites, and family apartments ranging from 20 to 110 square meters.
The Retreat offers 47 junior suites, presidential suites, and family apartments ranging from 60 to 200 square meters.

While we do not offer rooms with separate beds, many of our suites feature two double beds or bunk beds. Additionally, our luxurious Schramm double beds feature separate mattresses that can be arranged as separate beds upon request.

For safety reasons, the maximum occupancy of a double room is limited to two guests.

We are pleased to offer an extensive room service menu, available from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. You may choose from a wide selection of gourmet dishes and beverages. After 9:30 p.m., we offer a selection of beverages, including beer, wine, spritzers, and soft drinks. Should you desire a cocktail, our expert bar team is at your service during their operating hours.

Hideaway Badehaus Spa – Adults Only - 4 Pools 
Hideaway Oriental Hamam – Adults Only - 500sqm 
Hideaway Family Spa – Indoor Infinity Pool 
Retreat Shantigiri Spa – Adults Only - Infinity Pool and Onsen Pool 
Retreat Shantigiri Family Spa – Infinity Pool 
Nature Spa – Lap Pool and Sauna by the Ferchenbach brook
Ferchensee – 3 km from the hotel – water temperature between 18-24°C from June to September

The opening hours of our spa facilities are shared with you daily via SMS through the “Daily Information” link or included in the weekly program.

Hideaway Ikigai by Chris Rainer – 2 stars, 5 toques, 28 seats
Hideaway La Salle – 120 seats
Hideaway Fidelio – 80 seats
Hideaway Kaminstube – 30 seats
Hideaway Ananda Spa Restaurant – 20 seats

Retreat Summit – 32 seats – Adults Only
Retreat Summit Pavilion – 28 seats
Retreat Tutto Mondo – 46 seats
Retreat Ganesha – 28 seats

Elmauer Alm, 1200m above sea level – 60 seats

For your convenience, the opening hours of our restaurants are also provided through the “Daily Information” link sent to you each day via SMS, or alternatively, in the weekly program.

You can view the menus offered at each of our distinguished restaurants through the “Daily Information” link, which is sent to you daily via SMS.

Upon notification of any allergies or food intolerances, our attentive service and kitchen team will ensure that your needs are fully met. Should you wish, our chefs are happy to prepare bespoke dishes or entire menus tailored to your specific dietary requirements.

Hideaway Tea Lounge – 70 seats
Hideaway Al Camino Jazz Lounge & Bar – 50 seats
Hideaway Smokers Lounge – 14 seats
Hideaway Silentium Library – 10 seats
Retreat Library Lounge & Bar – 40 seats

Rooms in the Hideaway do not feature air conditioning. Since our guests like to open the windows to enjoy the fresh mountain air, traditional air-conditionen systems would not work.

Rooms in the Retreat feature state-of-the-art, sustainable and noiseless inductive cooling systems.

Heat is produced sustainably in three wood-chip plants with gas as backup.

The hotel is powered by 100% eco-friendly energy, which is also generated by our own hydro-plant.

Room cleaning is scheduled by default, unless the “Do Not Disturb” light is activated. Should you prefer not to have your room serviced, simply notify the Hospitality Team via SMS to cancel cleaning for that day.

In keeping with our sustainability principles, we do not automatically provide turn-down service. However, should you wish for this service, we are more than happy to arrange it for you upon request. Kindly contact the Hospitality Team to make your arrangements.

Our baby kit, designed for your little one’s comfort, includes a crib, changing mat, and diaper pail, all thoughtfully provided in your room. Additionally, upon request, we can provide a bottle warmer, potty, and sterilizer. Highchairs and bibs are also available for use in our restaurants. Baby food is available from the La Salle team.

We would be delighted to welcome your canine companion to Schloss Elmau. Kindly inform us in advance if you plan to bring a dog. A surcharge of €40 per night applies. We offer six dedicated “dog-friendly” rooms, located in the Wetterstein Wing of the Schloss Elmau Hideaway, as well as on the spa floor or the first floor of the Schloss Elmau Retreat. Our beautiful nature reserve offers many scenic trails for long walks, where dogs are to be kept on a lead. We kindly ask for your understanding that dogs are not permitted in the public areas and restaurants of the resort.

Our thoughtfully designed dog setup includes bowls, poop bags, a dog blanket, and dry food from the Futternapf in Mittenwald.

Yes, our e-charging stations are available for your convenience. You may charge your vehicle using your personal card or, should you prefer, we can charge the vehicle for you and charge the costs to your room account.

Concerts
Concert Hall – 300
Fidelio – 120
Yoga Pavilion – 90

Meetings
Board Room – 12
Breakout Rooms – 3 x 50
Yoga Pavilion – 75

Banquets
Concert Hall – 180
La Salle – 160
Fidelio – 80
Retreat – 250

Please contact our event team at event@schloss-elmau.de.

140-160 concerts, 30-40 book presentations, and political debates take place at Schloss Elmau each year.
European Jazztival – mid-November
Verbier Festival@Schloss Elmau – end of November
Chamber Music Week – mid-January
Daniel Hope Music Week – the week after Easter
Jazz Festivals – the week before Easter and after Pentecost
Romantic Week – end of June
Christian Gerhaher Song Week – every two years in the fall

Admission to all cultural events during your stay is included as part of the resort fee.

Especially at classical concerts, we recommend, in the interest of the artist, that the concert be attended only by children aged 10 and older who are experienced concertgoers and can remain seated quietly throughout the entire performance.

We recommend registering in advance, but you are also welcome to come for entry at short notice (30 min before the event starts). For particularly sought-after events, we suggest securing a seat ahead of time through the cultural calendar or as part of your hotel booking. You may choose your seats upon arrival.

Guests arriving on the day of an evening concert may attend without additional charge. However, should you wish to join a morning concert on your day of arrival, a fee will apply. Similarly, on the day of departure, access to the morning concert is included, while the evening concert will incur an additional charge.

GAGA is a unique dance language developed by Ohad Naharin, one of the most renowned choreographers of modern dance. Designed for both professional dancers and non-dancers alike, GAGA promotes flexibility, lightness, and body awareness. This form of dance stimulates brain cell regeneration, contributing to vitality and a youthful spirit.

Schloss Elmau, with its concert hall and yoga pavilion, provides the perfect environment for a GAGA retreat. As the first hotel to offer this experience, we invite guests to explore a new dimension of sustainable relaxation through this innovative dance practice.

We kindly ask that you check out by 11:30 a.m. at the latest.

We would be happy to check the availability of a late check-out on the day prior to your departure, with the possibility of extending your stay until 1:00 p.m. If this is not possible, we can arrange for your luggage to be stored so that you may continue to enjoy the full range of amenities at Schloss Elmau, including our spa areas, on your departure day.

A transfer to Klais train station can be arranged at any time and takes approximately 15 minutes. We kindly request that transfers be booked in advance.

We are pleased to arrange transfers to both Innsbruck and Munich airports, as well as train stations.

Munich:

• Munich Airport – approx. 2 hours drive – 380€ for 1 to 6 people per trip
• Munich Main Station – approx. 1.5 hours drive – 280€ for 1 to 6 people per trip

Innsbruck:

• Innsbruck Airport – approx. 1 hour drive – 230€ for 1 to 6 people per trip
• Innsbruck Main Station – approx. 1 hour drive – 250€ for 1 to 6 people per trip

Schloss Elmau does not have its own helicopter landing pad due to the nature reserve. The nearest private airfields are located in Oberpfaffenhofen and Innsbruck.

In India, the elephant Ganesha stands at the entrance of every temple as a powerful symbol of judgment and memory, qualities that are essential for navigating the diverse world around us. Ganesha reminds us of the importance of embracing different perspectives, both in the world and in people, fostering understanding and reconciliation.

In 1963, Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist initiated the International Defense Studies Meetings in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and a deep sense of responsibility for a peaceful future. This platform, now known as the Munich Security Conference (MSC), embraces the motto “Peace through dialogue.” Kleist, who believed that those capable of action must take it, was willing to risk his life in 1944 to end the war.

To commemorate the 60th edition of the MSC, an exhibition was held at the Amerikahaus Munich in February 2024, exploring both the history and the future of the conference.
An almost life-size white elephant played a central role in the exhibition, symbolizing the MSC’s core message—the “elephant in the room”—a pressing issue that often goes unaddressed due to fear or convenience.

Since February 2024, this fiberglass elephant, measuring 137 x 230 x 354 cm and representing an African elephant, has stood proudly in the gardens of Schloss Elmau. It continues to promote an open culture of dialogue and embodies the enduring message of the Munich Security Conference.

Schloss Elmau was founded in 1916 by the Protestant theologian and bestselling author Dr. Johannes Müller, with financial support from Elsa Countess von Waldersee. Müller envisioned it as a “free space for personal and communal life,” offering guests a “vacation from the self” and the opportunity to experience the living reality of God through silence and music. A critic of Western individualism and capitalism, Müller championed a form of communism rooted in selflessness.

His books became bestsellers, and he garnered the support of prominent figures such as Prince Max von Baden and Walther Rathenau.
From 1933, Müller controversially aligned with Hitler, although he regarded German Jews as the “better Germans.” Despite his anti-Semitic views, Schloss Elmau remained a sanctuary for Jewish guests.

During the Nazi regime, Müller faced repression, including interrogations by the Gestapo and a publication ban. After World War II, he was convicted of supporting Hitler, though the verdict remains contentious. In 1947, Schloss Elmau became a sanatorium under Dr. Philipp Auerbach.

The Müller-Elmau family took over the estate in 1951, and after extensive renovations, Schloss Elmau reopened as a luxury hotel in 2007, becoming an international cultural institution known for its Music Weeks and symposia. Since 1997, the castle has hosted conferences and political debates on world affairs and cultural history.

In 2015, Schloss Elmau was honored to host the G7 summit, a landmark event for transatlantic relations and climate protection. The G7 summit returned to Schloss Elmau in 2022.

For a deeper understanding of its fascinating history, we invite you to read Schloss Elmau: A German History by Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, published by Kösel-Verlag.
 

Rooms in the Hideaway do not feature air conditioning. Since our guests like to open the windows to enjoy the fresh mountain air, traditional air-conditionen systems would not work.

Rooms in the Retreat feature state-of-the-art, sustainable and noiseless inductive cooling systems.

Heat is produced sustainably in three wood-chip plants with gas as backup.

The hotel is powered by 100% eco-friendly energy, which is also generated by our own hydro-plant.

In keeping with our sustainability principles, we do not automatically provide turn-down service. However, should you wish for this service, we are more than happy to arrange it for you upon request. Kindly contact the Hospitality Team to make your arrangements.

Upon your departure, we collaborate with SapoCycle Deutschland e.V. to recycle used hotel soaps. This initiative is dedicated to reducing soap waste in hotels and helps support the reprocessing of used soaps in the Lebenshilfe  workshop in Nuremberg. These soaps are then distributed free of charge to those in need. By partnering with SapoCycle Deutschland e.V., Schloss Elmau is proud to reduce waste, create jobs for individuals with disabilities, and bring a little joy to those who need it most.

Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, CEO & Owner
Sarah Kesting, Artistic Director
Lukas Leitz, Managing Director
Christian Scheler, Hotel Director
Edyk Lopes de Caballero, Resident Manager Retreat
Marius Müller, Resident Manager Hideaway
Philipp Schlosshauer, Executive Chef
Chris Rainer, Executive Chef Ikigai

290 employees, including 30 hotel management students and 50 apprentices

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is a prestigious global alliance of luxury hotels, resorts, and spas. Schloss Elmau is a proud member of this exclusive group. All LHW member properties are held to the highest standards and undergo regular inspections by Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), ensuring that they consistently offer exceptional service and quality.

GAGA is a unique dance language developed by Ohad Naharin, one of the most renowned choreographers of modern dance. Designed for both professional dancers and non-dancers alike, GAGA promotes flexibility, lightness, and body awareness. This form of dance stimulates brain cell regeneration, contributing to vitality and a youthful spirit.

Schloss Elmau, with its concert hall and yoga pavilion, provides the perfect environment for a GAGA retreat. As the first hotel to offer this experience, we invite guests to explore a new dimension of sustainable relaxation through this innovative dance practice.

In consideration of our diverse guest community, including many children and minors, we respectfully prohibit the consumption of cannabis throughout the resort. This policy ensures compliance with legislation and maintains a family-friendly environment where all guests can enjoy the full range of amenities.