Ellmau: Hiking, Views and History

If you would like to make hikes and specific viewpoints the focus of your stay, Ellmau offers a range of options to choose from. One leg of a multi-day hike leads to Zwölferhorn, while other hikes take you to Mozartblick and Ellmaustein. There is also the Ellmau cross-country ski trail, considered suitable for beginners, and historical sites in the surrounding area. The route descriptions mention different landmarks and destinations—useful points of reference when planning your tours around what you would like to experience along the way.

Hikes to the Stage and Viewpoints

The first leg of the “4 Mountains – 3 Lakes” multi-day hiking trail passes through Unterellmau on its way to Oberellmau. From there, it follows Trail 28a towards Sulzberg and via Elferstein to the summit of Zwölferhorn. The sequence of places mentioned and the summit destination give you an idea of how the stage is described. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The hiking route to Mozartblick passes through an underpass and climbs briefly alongside Ellmaustraße, then continues straight through the Ellmausiedlung housing development. The hike is around 7 km long. From Mozartblick, you can enjoy views of Lake Wolfgang and Schafberg behind it. This tour combines an approximate distance with a clearly named viewpoint.

To reach Ellmaustein, follow a road for 300 metres through the long Ellmautal valley to a small settlement. Just before the houses, the trail branches sharply to the left towards Ellmaustein. From the viewpoint, you can see Fuschl and Lake Fuschl. The two viewpoint hikes have different specific landmarks: for Mozartblick, the approximate total distance and panorama are given, while for Ellmaustein, the road section and prominent turn-off are described. This lets you compare the tours using different route features.

Return Journey and Current Route Planning

A hike from Lake Fuschl to Lake Wolfgang leads as far as St. Gilgen; you can take the bus back to Fuschl. For this plan, the hiking destination and return journey are separate: the tour goes as far as St. Gilgen, while the bus offers an option for the return to Fuschl. Check the current service before you travel. It is also advisable to check trail conditions before setting out on the hiking routes described.

A Seasonal Option: the Ellmau Cross-Country Ski Trail

The Ellmau cross-country ski trail is considered suitable for beginners because it has only gentle climbs. This description makes the small changes in elevation the trail’s defining feature. Its seasonal operation may vary; if you would like to plan your stay around this option, check its current operating status in advance.

Historical Sites Around Ellmau

The Ruming Mill, built in 1872, is located near Ellmau. It is a watermill belonging to the Ruminggut estate. Its year of construction, classification as a watermill, and connection to the Ruminggut give it a distinct historical character. The history of the estates is another topic: the first estates in Ellmau are mentioned in historical documents, and estates at higher elevations in Ellmau and Brunn are documented. Together, these local references complement the hiking themes with insights into the history of Ellmau and Brunn.

Discover more destinations: Habach, Bergheim, Viehhausen, Mattsee, Michaelbeuern, Ebenau, Siezenheim, Strobl

For the overview of the wider region: Salzburg-Flachgau.