Hotel in Krün, Germany
Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway
Exclusive mountain resort in Bavarian Alps hosting G7 summits. Five spas, multiple restaurants, concert hall with world-class performances, and stunning Alpine location create unique luxury hideaway combining wellness, culture, and nature.
Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway stands in the Elmau valley approximately 80 kilometres south of Munich in Bavaria's Wettersteingebirge mountain range, near the village of Krün. The resort sits at around 1,000 metres altitude, with the Zugspitze — Germany's highest peak — visible from the grounds on clear days. Elmau is accessible from Munich by car in approximately one hour via the A95 motorway toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen; a private shuttle service connects guests from Munich Airport and Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station.
The castle was originally built in 1914 to 1916 by philosopher Johannes Müller as a cultural refuge and family retreat. Following a fire in 2005, the main building was completely rebuilt and expanded, with a second wing, Retreat, opening in 2015. The property gained worldwide recognition when it hosted the G7 summit in 2015 and again in 2022, yet retains the atmosphere of an intimate, privately owned hideaway rather than a corporate resort. Accommodation spans more than 160 rooms and suites across the Castle and Retreat wings, from double rooms and family suites to Mountain View suites with private terraces overlooking the Bavarian Alps. Interiors blend alpine materials — stone, timber, woven textiles — with contemporary furnishings and original artworks.
Dining spans seven distinct venues. The flagship Luce d'Oro holds two Michelin stars, while the Almhütte, the Japanese IKIGAI restaurant, and four further options cover Alpine specialities, casual garden meals, and international cuisine. Five separate spa areas total over 6,000 square metres, encompassing a family spa, couples spa, outdoor and indoor pools, thermal facilities, yoga pavilions, and guided meditation programmes. An on-site concert hall hosts a year-round programme of classical concerts, jazz performances, author readings, and philosophical lectures — an expression of the resort's founding intellectual mission that distinguishes it from all other German luxury properties.
Amenities
- five spa areas
- multiple pools
- concert hall
- seven restaurants
- yoga and meditation
- hiking access
- family spa area
- library and book tower
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +49 8823 180
Location
In Elmau 2, 82493 Krün
47.4654, 11.1779 — View on map
Highlights
- Iconic Bavarian mountain resort that hosted the G7 summit in 2015 and 2022, set in the Elmau valley near the Zugspitze
- Two-Michelin-starred Luce d'Oro restaurant alongside six further dining options covering Alpine, Japanese, and international cuisines
- Five spa areas totalling over 6,000 square metres with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal facilities, and yoga pavilions
- On-site concert hall with a year-round programme of classical music, literary events, and philosophical lectures
- More than 160 rooms and suites across two wings combining alpine materials with contemporary design and mountain views
Tips
- Restaurant reservations, particularly for the Luce d'Oro, should be secured at the time of hotel booking — tables at the two-Michelin-starred venue are limited and demand is consistently high
- Winter visits allow access to cross-country ski trails directly from the resort; downhill skiing at the Zugspitze and Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski areas is reachable by car in approximately 20 minutes
- The resort maintains a mobile-phone-free culture in certain common areas as part of its founding philosophy; guests who value digital disconnection will find this a feature, not a restriction
- The private shuttle from Munich Airport simplifies transfers for international guests and avoids mountain road navigation challenges in winter conditions
- Children's spa facilities and dedicated family programming during school holidays make the resort workable for multi-generational groups
FAQ
How do guests travel to Schloss Elmau from Munich?
The resort is approximately 80 km south of Munich by car via the A95 motorway toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, typically around one hour. A private shuttle service from Munich Airport and Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station is bookable through the resort.
What is the cultural programme at the resort?
The on-site concert hall hosts classical concerts, jazz performances, author readings, and philosophical lectures throughout the year. The programme is published in advance on the resort's website; bookings for specific events should be made ahead of arrival.
Is Schloss Elmau suitable for families with young children?
Yes. The resort includes a dedicated family spa area, a children's pool, age-appropriate programming during school holidays, and staff experienced with multi-generational groups. The Retreat wing is well suited to family configurations.
What spa and wellness facilities are available?
Five spa zones cover over 6,000 sq m and include a family spa, couples spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a thermal suite, yoga pavilions, a movement studio, and guided meditation and breathing programmes. Treatment bookings should be made in advance.
Is the resort open in winter?
Yes. The resort operates year-round. Vehicles require winter tyres or chains on mountain roads; the resort shuttle is winter-equipped. Cross-country skiing trails are accessible directly from the property, and downhill skiing at nearby resorts runs from approximately November to April.
Accessibility
Schloss Elmau is a mountain property with terrain challenges, but the main Castle and Retreat buildings are served by lifts and step-free routes between principal public areas. Adapted rooms with accessible bathroom configurations are available on request. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the resort's reservations team directly to arrange suitable room allocation and access.
When to visit
Schloss Elmau is compelling in all seasons. Winter (December to March) suits guests combining spa stays with cross-country skiing and Alpine scenery. Summer (June to September) offers hiking, outdoor pool access, and the full concert programme. Avoid the G7 summit period if it coincides with a future booking.