Get Back into Shape
Amid rugged limestone cliffs, pristine forests, and rushing mountain streams, an unforgettable experience awaits you: world-class outdoor sports combined with the pure magic of nature.
There are places where sports are simply an activity. And there are places where physical activity becomes a way of experiencing the world. Schloss Elmau clearly belongs to the latter category. Nestled between the rugged peaks of the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges, in a high valley south of Munich, the resort’s setting feels less like a travel destination and more like a stage. Meadows stretch out beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, forests extend to the horizon, and every morning begins with an unusual question: Should today’s adventures be explored on foot, on skis, by bike, or perhaps from the water?
Recharge your batteries in the midst of unspoiled nature
Source: Kriner/Weiermann
Hiking in the Mountains
What makes Schloss Elmau so remarkable is not any single activity, but the sheer variety of ways in which guests can experience the landscape. Here, outdoor adventures, physical challenges, and moments of quiet contemplation exist side by side.
The simplest way to experience the region is often the most rewarding. Hiking trails begin right outside the hotel and lead into a vast network of alpine paths, mountain huts, and hidden lakes. Some routes wind gently through flower-filled meadows, while others climb into the dramatic high mountains below the mighty flank of the Zugspitze—Germany’s highest peak. The beauty of hiking lies not only in conquering peaks, but also in the opportunity to clear one’s mind at high altitudes.
Source: Leopold Fiala
Through Alpine valleys on two wheels: by mountain bike, bicycle, or road bike
Exploring by Bike
The terrain around Elmau seems tailor-made for two wheels. Mountain bike and e-mountain bike trails wind through forests, alpine pastures, and secluded valleys, combining panoramic views with traditional mountain inns. The advent of e-bikes has transformed the experience: Cyclists can cover greater distances while still enjoying the pleasure of exploring the countryside under their own power. It’s not uncommon to spend an entire day cycling in the mountains and encounter little more than grazing cattle and a handful of like-minded cyclists. But road bike enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy around Schloss Elmau, regardless of their skill level.
Source: Laura Schmatz
Mountain Climbing in the Karwendel and Wetterstein Mountains
Climbing and Mountaineering
For those who prefer vertical adventures to horizontal ones, the surrounding mountains offer some of the most impressive climbing areas in the Alps.
Beginners can explore via ferratas and introductory routes, while experienced climbers have access to challenging alpine ascents in the Wetterstein Mountains. As you gain altitude, the perspective changes: the valley floor recedes into the background, Schloss Elmau becomes a tiny landmark far below, and the vastness of the landscape reveals itself in all its glory.
Source: Schloss Elmau
Elmau Castle offers perfect conditions for runners
Mindful Running
Few running routes can compare to those around Schloss Elmau. Early morning brings fog rising from the mountain streams, deserted forest trails, and crisp Alpine air. The routes toward Ferchensee or through the Elmau Valley offer a rare combination of natural beauty and absolute tranquility. The rhythm of your own footsteps becomes part of the landscape itself.
Tennis Against a Mountain Backdrop
There’s something timeless about playing tennis outdoors in the Alps. The clay courts at Schloss Elmau are set against a backdrop of forests and mountain peaks—a reminder that tennis was always meant to be played outdoors. Between rallies, players look out from the baseline at a panorama that would seem unrealistic almost anywhere else.
Source: Schloss Elmau
Three first-class golf courses await you in the area around Schloss Elmau
Golfing Among the Peaks
Several golf courses are within easy reach of the hotel, each set against one of Bavaria’s most dramatic mountain backdrops. Here, the game unfolds against an ever-changing panorama of mountain ridges and distant peaks. Even a round that isn’t quite perfect feels worthwhile thanks to these surroundings.
Archery and the Discipline of Focus
Archery has experienced a quiet renaissance in recent years—perhaps because it offers something that is becoming increasingly rare: complete concentration. Standing in front of the target with the Alps in the background, the sport feels less like a leisure activity and more like meditation. Precision, patience, and calm become just as important as physical skill.
Source: Adobe iStock
The Eibsee and the Lautersee are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, while the Walchensee is a mecca for kitesurfers
Discover the Region from the Water
The Bavarian Alps aren't usually associated with water sports, but some of Germany's most beautiful lakes are located nearby. On windy days, the deep-blue Walchensee becomes a playground for windsurfers and kitesurfers, whose sails race across the water against the backdrop of the towering mountain slopes.
Nearby, the emerald-green waters of Lake Eibsee invite visitors to slow down and relax. Guests can explore the lake by stand-up paddleboard, rowboat, or kayak, gliding across water so clear that the lake bottom remains visible even at great depths. For those seeking more adrenaline, canyoning adventures reveal a completely different side of the Alps—marked by waterfalls, narrow gorges, and rushing torrents.
Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ferchensee: Some experiences stay with you longer than any view from a mountain peak. A swim in Lake Ferchensee on a warm summer afternoon is one of them. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the lake offers luxury in its purest form: cool water, fresh air, and complete immersion in nature.
Fly fishing in crystal-clear waters: While many outdoor activities are characterized by physical exertion, fly fishing invites you to find peace and quiet. The rivers and mountain streams around Elmau offer the opportunity to spend hours immersed in the subtle rhythms of nature. Water, light, and silence become your most important companions, and success is measured less by the catch than by the experience itself.
Source: Thomas Straub
Winter in the Elmau Valley: Crystal-clear trails, alpine adventures, and the majestic backdrop of the mountains
When Winter Sets In
With the first snowfall, the valley transforms into a winter wonderland. Cross-country ski trails begin right in front of the hotel, while nearby ski resorts offer opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The Zugspitze dominates the horizon, and its snow-covered slopes are visible from throughout the valley.
Winter also offers opportunities for ski touring—one of the most rewarding ways to explore the surrounding mountains. Working your way up the mountain under your own power before skiing down through untouched powder snow creates a deeper connection to the landscape than any ski lift ever could. Closer to the hotel, guests can lace up their skates and glide across the seasonal ice rink as evening falls over the mountains and the stars begin to twinkle above the peaks.
Enjoy being outdoors in one of Europe's most beautiful alpine settings and explore it in a whole new way.
