Schloss Elmau lies in a protected high valley at the foot of the Alps. At the same time, the property has a history as a cultural retreat dating back to its founding in the early 20th century. Those choosing Elmau as a destination can therefore give different weight to the landscape and the cultural history during their stay.
Schloss Elmau: History and Programme
Schloss Elmau was built as a cultural retreat between 1914 and 1916. Following the major fire in 2005, it was rebuilt in 2007; the Retreat opened in 2015. These dates tell three distinct chapters: the cultural origins, the reconstruction and the later opening of the Retreat. The G7 summits were held at the site in 2015 and 2022. The chronology thus extends from the property’s early focus to two clearly defined summit years.
The long-standing cultural programme includes internationally renowned artists, up to 150 concerts, several festivals and recordings each year. This recurring focus should be distinguished from the specific dates for any one travel year. If a concert or festival is important to your travel decision, check the dates for your chosen year before planning your stay. This allows you to see the cultural tradition as a lasting focus, while individual events may shape your choice for specific travel dates.
Krün as a broader destination
The broader destination of Krün offers additional landscape and cultural themes. Barmsee is a bathing lake in Krün; a sunbathing lawn on its north-west shore offers views of the mountains of the Karwendel Alpine World. Swimming here is a summer activity. Barmsee is therefore a seasonal point of interest for trip planning, while the history and cultural programme of Schloss Elmau offer a different focus.
Two hiking suggestions in Krün also differ in length and theme. The Isar Nature Adventure Trail is an easy, 7.4-kilometre loop that starts and ends in the centre of Krün. Themed areas and interactive stations offer a playful introduction to the habitat and nature in and around the Isar. As route information may not always be up to date, check it before setting out. The very easy, 3.2-kilometre hike leads from the centre of town to the Maria Rast Chapel and through the hummocky meadows near Krün. At 3.2 kilometres, it is the shorter route; the longer loop focuses on nature education along the Isar.
For another cultural perspective on Krün, visit St. Sebastian’s Church: it is in the centre of town, and its interior features understated Rococo ornamentation. Krüner Bauerntheater offers a different cultural note, with comedies in Bavarian dialect that make young and old laugh. Thus, alongside nature experiences, the broader destination of Krün offers sacred architecture and theatrical tradition as distinct themes to explore.
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