Elmauer Alm: The Panorama Trail
The Most Beautiful Hikes Around Schloss Elmau: This weekly series features mountain hikes that showcase the diverse landscape between the Wetterstein and Karwendel ranges. Today, we’re heading to the Elmauer Alm.
There are places where you don’t have to look far to find beauty. Around Schloss Elmau, it begins almost casually. Nestled between the Wetterstein, Karwendel, and the quieter heights above the Elmau Valley are hiking trails that feel less like strenuous hikes and more like little journeys into different alpine atmospheres. If you set out from here, you can choose a different atmosphere every day. Today, the route takes you to the Elmauer Alm, and for the more motivated, on to the Eckbauer.
Source: Dietmar Mueller-Elmau
Bavarian Delicacies at the Elmauer Alm
Elmauer Alm: The Panorama Trail
The Elmauer Alm isn’t just a mountain hut—it’s more like a balcony overlooking the valley. From Schloss Elmau, you first hike up to the Alm; depending on the route you choose, the path can be direct and steeper or a bit more leisurely via the Kranzbach. At the top, the view opens up: the Karwendel, Wetterstein, Alpspitze, and Zugspitze form a picturesque panorama. Here, Andy Bönsch will treat you to the finest Bavarian delicacies. If you’d like, after a light snack, you can continue on toward Eckbauer.
From here, the hike truly becomes a high-altitude trek. The trail continues toward Wamberg and Eckbauer, passing through alpine pastures, wooded areas, and open stretches that repeatedly offer new views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and back toward the Elmau Valley. The hike’s appeal lies less in any single highlight than in its overall route: first the ascent out of the quiet valley, then the expansive views at the alpine pasture, and finally the transition to Eckbauer. Those seeking a more comfortable option can include the Eckbauerbahn in their plans; those who continue on can extend the hike with the descent toward Graseck or Garmisch.
Source: Kriner/Weiermann
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