Elmau

Those looking for hotels in Elmau can consider cultural history and landscape as distinct factors in their travel decision. Schloss Elmau was built as a cultural retreat and is located in a protected high valley at the foot of the Alps. Krün has nature and cultural attractions. Schloss Elmau and the attractions in Krün offer different thematic highlights.

Schloss Elmau: History and cultural program

Schloss Elmau was built between 1914 and 1916 as a cultural retreat. After the major fire in 2005, it was rebuilt in 2007; the Retreat opened in 2015. These dates mark distinct stages: its construction as a cultural retreat, the rebuilding, and the opening of the Retreat. Schloss Elmau also hosted the G7 summits in 2015 and 2022. Thus, 2015 was both the year the Retreat opened and the year of one summit; the other summit took place in 2022.

The long-running program includes concerts and festivals featuring internationally renowned artists. Up to 150 concerts, several festivals, and recordings take place each year; the scale of the annual program may vary. If a particular concert or festival is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the dates in advance. For specific planning, what matters is the program during your chosen dates, not just the annual maximum.

Nature and cultural attractions in Krün

Krün has nature and cultural attractions. Two hiking options can be compared by length, stated difficulty, and route type. The Isar Nature Adventure Trail is an easy, 7.4-kilometer loop starting and ending in the center of Krün. Themed areas and interactive stations offer a playful introduction to the habitat and nature along and around the Isar. The operator notes that route information may not always be up to date, so check the details before setting out.

In Krün, the hike to Maria Rast Chapel is shorter at 3.2 kilometers and is classified as very easy. It leads from the center of Krün to the chapel and through the hummock meadows near Krün. This offers a contrast between the longer loop with nature stations and a shorter hike with a named destination. The stated difficulty also distinguishes the two routes: the Isar Nature Adventure Trail is easy, while the hike to the chapel is very easy.

Barmsee is a bathing lake in Krün; swimming is listed as a summer activity. There is a sunbathing lawn on the northwest shore with views of the mountains of the Karwendel Alpine World. This seasonal swimming option and the mountain views complement the hiking opportunities in Krün.

Cultural attractions in Krün include St. Sebastian’s Church and the Krün Farmers’ Theater. The church in the town center is worth a visit; its interior features understated Rococo ornamentation. The farmers’ theater brings young and old alike to laughter with comedies in the Bavarian dialect. The two attractions offer different highlights: the church stands out for its interior, while the theater focuses on dialect and comedy.

Discover more destinations: Klais

View the overarching travel overview: Krün.