The Art of Going With the Flow
A Day at Six Spas and Nine Pools at Schloss Elmau
There’s a very special magic when high-alpine air meets steaming, mineral-rich water. With six distinctive spas and nine heated pools, finding your personal state of bliss isn’t a task—it’s a gentle drift. We’ll take you on a journey through a perfect day of letting go.
Sunset Lap Pool Hideaway
Source: Timo Maier
In the Morning: Soaring Above It All
The day begins at the bathhouse, an oasis exclusively for adults. As the morning mist still lazily lifts from the peaks of the Wetterstein Mountains, you glide through the rooftop infinity pool. The water is perfectly tempered and envelops your body like a warm blanket, while the rugged mountain peaks are reflected on the surface. Those who prefer to spend the morning in quiet contemplation can stroll down to where the Sunset & Solepool glisten in the morning sun.
At lunchtime: Tradition Meets Modernity
As the sun climbs higher, it’s time to trade the mountain air for the depths of centuries-old wellness traditions. We head down to the Oriental Hamam, a breathtaking, nearly 500-square-meter tribute to Oriental bathing culture. Crafted from warm, 200-million-year-old Solnhofen limestone—the sacred stone of Bavaria—this place is tailor-made for losing all sense of time. After a gentle exfoliation and a rest on the heated navel stone, a dip into the cold, filtered water awakens the senses. This is followed by a meditative bath in the quietest corners of the Nature Spa —which nestles directly beside a rushing, crystal-clear mountain stream.
Six spas, nine different pools
In the afternoon: Fun for the whole family
At Schloss Elmau, wellness is by no means reserved solely for peace and solitude. Those traveling with their families will experience a masterclass in inclusive luxury at the two family spas. Here, children and parents can play together in the large indoor spa or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. Even the saunas are specially designed for families—the best proof that relaxation can be a shared family experience. It’s lively, it’s full of joie de vivre, and it’s completely separate from the adults-only areas. This ensures that everyone gets exactly the energy they’re looking for.
In the evening: The Golden Hour
As twilight bathes the Bavarian sky in shades of violet and gold, you’ll find yourself drawn once again to the Sunset Pool at the Hideaway or the Adult Retreat Pool. This is the grand finale of the Elmau experience. As you float on your back, the first stars begin to twinkle above the mountain ridges. In that moment, you’re no longer just swimming; you’re floating weightlessly between heaven and earth.
When you finally wrap yourself in a fluffy bathrobe and make your way to the lounge for a glass of wine by the fireplace, you realize the true secret of this place: the simultaneity of the non-simultaneous.
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- Source: Dietmar Mueller-Elmau
- Source: Leopold Fiala