Ellmau
Ellmau is a municipality in the Sölllandl region of Austria, in the district of Kufstein. Offering a range of events and attractions, it is a well-liked tourist destination in both the winter and the summer.
Ellmau is a charming Tyrolean Alps settlement encircled by the magnificent peaks of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The village’s history begins in the records in the twelfth century. Currently including more than 280 km of slopes and 90 lifts, Ellmau is a part of the Ski Welt skiing area, one of the biggest and most contemporary in the world. Summer visitors love Ellmau as well because of the breathtaking environment and the opportunity to go hiking, bicycling, golfing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Famously, Ellmau served as the filming location for a number of TV programs and films, most notably the German series “Der Bergdoktor” (“The Mountain Doctor”) which debuted in 2008. The program chronicles the exploits of Ellmau-based medical practitioner and his family and friends, Dr. Martin Gruber. Millions of viewers have come to Ellmau in order to witness the places where the episodes are shot, including the doctor’s office, the church, the school, and the inn. Annually, Ellmau also throws a fan event where the cast and crew greet and sign autographs for the attendees.
Ellmau is a bustling, amiable town with a wealth of activities and sights to suit all interests and age groups. Among the high points are:
- Ellmi’s Magic World: A mountain adventure park on the Hartkaiser where kids may play games and rides while exploring a fantasy world of elves, wizards, and animals.
- KaiserBad: A climbing hall, sauna, spa, and indoor and outdoor pools are features of this recreational complex.
- Golf course: Architect Donald Harradine created this 27-hole course with expansive views of the Wilder Kaiser.
- Summer night: A weekly summertime event, summer night transforms the village center into a pedestrian zone complete with street performers, live music, and regional cuisine.
- Kaiserschmarrn Festival: May sees the Kaiserschmarrn Festival, a culinary competition between cooks from various areas to create the greatest Kaiserschmarrn, a classic Austrian dessert of fluffy pancakes topped with jam, raisins and almonds.
- Llama trekking: Llama trekking is a special kind of hiking in which a guide who imparts local history and culture leads the way.
- Hiking and biking: Ellmau has a large selection of routes suitable for all skill levels of hikers and cyclists, from gentle strolls to strenuous peaks. Among the most well-liked paths are the Rübezahlalm, a cosy cabin with a stunning view of the valley, and the Ellmauer Tor, a pass between the eastern and western Kaiser mountains.
Visitors to Ellmau may take in the culture and friendliness of the people as well as the splendor and variety of the Tyrolean Alps.
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Geography Of Ellmau
Ellmau is a municipality in the Sölllandl region of Austria, in the district of Kufstein. Perched 820 meters above sea level, Ellmau is a lively and charming community in the Wilder Kaiser area. Both summer and winter, it provides a large selection of events and activities.
Ellmau is situated between the eastern and western Kaiser mountains in the eastern Tyrolean plains. The district administrative headquarters and closest big city, Kufstein, is around 12 kilometers distant. Within 100 kilometers of Ellmau, there are other significant cities including Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck. Several municipalities border Ellmau: Going am Wilden Kaiser, Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser, Söll, Kirchberg in Tirol, Brixen im Thale, Westendorf, and Kufstein.
Ellmau is a hilly region with the settlement situated at the base of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. Renowned for its craggy peaks, cliffs, and rock formations, the Ellmauer Halt stands 2,344 meters above sea level as the highest point.
In the Sölllandl valley, which runs from the Inn river to the Kitzbüheler Ache river, is Ellmau. At an average elevation of around 800 metres above sea level, the valley is home to woods, meadows, and undulating hills. The Brixentaler Sonnberg plateau, south of Ellmau, provides expansive vistas of the neighboring mountains and valleys.
Weather & Climate In Ellmau
Ellmau has an average temperature of 5.2 °C; July has the highest average temperature of 20 °C and January has the lowest average temperature of -4 °C. The city gets a lot of rain—1849 mm in average year. With 175 mm on average of rainfall, August is the wettest month; February is the driest.
Being in the Alps, Ellmau experiences a continental climate with chilly winters and mild summers. Particularly at the higher elevations, the city also gets snow and sleet. From November to April is often when there is snow cover, with January averaging 30 cm deep. Ellmau is thus a highly-liked winter sports resort for skiing and snowboarding as well as a summertime hiking and bicycling destination.
Ellmau is in the humid continental climate (Dfb) category of the Köppen-Geiger classification. With warm summers and chilly winters and a lot of precipitation all year round, the city thus has four different seasons. Large temperature differences between the lowlands and the mountains, together with changes in sunlight and precipitation, define Ellmau’s climate.
Ellmau has an average yearly temperature of 5.2 °C; July has the highest temperature and January has the lowest. There are 1,800 hours of sunlight on average for the city each year; June and July have the most sunny days while December and January have the fewest.
Demographics Of Ellmau
The population of Ellmau as of the most recent census is 2,896. Between 1975 and 2015, the population increased by 14.8%, and between 2000 and 2015, by 6.2%. At 43.8 years old, the population median age is little higher than the national average. With 99.8 men to every 100 women, the male population is little smaller than the female population. The population density is less than the national average at 74.7 persons per square kilometre.
Ninety-four percent of Ellmau’s residents are citizens of Austria. Germans (2.6%), Turks (0.6%) and Romanians (0.4%) are the biggest minority groups. At 87.9% of the population, Roman Catholicism is the most widespread religious affiliation. At 3.4% of the population, Protestantism is the second most popular religion. The remaining people either practices other faiths or self-identifies as nonreligious.
At nearly 70% of the local income, tourism is Ellmau’s primary economic activity. Almost a thousand individuals work in the tourist industry, mostly in hotels, restaurants, ski lifts, and other associated businesses. Higher than the national average, Ellmau’s average per capita income is 24,600 euros. Ellmau has a lower than national average unemployment rate of 3.2%.
Ellmau has a sophisticated infrastructure that includes a system of utilities, public transportation, and roadways. About 75 kilometers distant is Salzburg Airport, while Kufstein, some 12 kilometers distant, is the closest railway station. The municipality operates a primary school, a secondary school, a secondary school, and a music school. Ellmau also boasts a public library, a health center, a fire station, and a police station.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Ellmau
Every neighborhood and region in the hamlet has its own special appeal. Heilig Kreuz parish church is situated in Kirchbichl, the oldest section of Ellmau. Old farmhouses and a cemetery are highlights of this peaceful, rural neighborhood. The church itself is from the fourteenth century and has a Gothic tower and a Baroque interior.
The more contemporary section of Ellmau is called Steinerner Tisch. Here are the major retail strip, the cable car station, and the tourist office. With its hotels, restaurants, and stores, this energetic neighborhood provides a dynamic environment for both residents and visitors.
A peaceful and picturesque experience is what the Au district offers. Au is a mountain biking and hiking path destination on the southern slope of Ellmau. Views of the valley and the Wilder Kaiser mountains are available from the well-known alpine chalet Ellmauer Alm, which also offers delectable regional fare.
On Ellmau’s eastern side, in a little hamlet called Wimm, is a tranquil haven. In the winter, Wimm makes a great base for skiing and snowshoeing thanks to its few guest rooms and farms. Also situated here is the Astberg chair lift, which offers simple access to the slopes.
Economy Of Ellmau
This little town is well-known for its booming tourist sector, which provides the majority of the locals’ income and jobs. Ellmau draws tourists from all over the world with its magnificent mountain scenery and historic buildings, especially those who enjoy hiking and winter sports.
Nestled 820 meters above sea level, Ellmau enjoys the advantage of being close to the Wilder Kaiser mountains and is a part of the Ski Welt skiing region, one of the biggest and most contemporary ski resorts in the world. Travelers from Austria, Germany, and other European nations flock to Ellmau during the December to April ski season. With so many lifts and gondolas linking it to the other villages and slopes, the municipality is an easy and accessible skiing destination. Ellmau also stages a number of festivals and events connected to skiing, such as Ski Night, Ski Show, and Ski World Cup.
Beyond skiing, Ellmau provides visitors with a wealth of year-round events and attractions. Popular choices are hiking, mountain biking, climbing, golfing, swimming, and wellness pursuits. The township has the biggest 27-hole golf course in the Tyrol area, together with a leisure park, a spa, and a public swimming pool. A major attraction of Ellmau is also its cultural legacy, which is shown in its parish church, museum, and library. Ellmau is even more appealing as a tourist destination since it has become well-known for being the setting of several TV series and films.
Tourism In Ellmau
With so many events and attractions, Ellmau, a well-liked holiday destination, draws tourists all year round. Skiing and snowboarding fans travel great distances to see it in the winter. Ellmau is a part of Ski Welt, one of the biggest and most contemporary ski areas in the world. A great winter sports experience is provided by its more than 280 kilometers of slopes, 90 lifts, and 77 chalets and restaurants.
Summertime finds Ellmau to be a refuge for outdoor lovers. Hikers, climbers and environment enthusiasts will find nirvana in the Wilder Kaiser mountains. The breathtaking alpine landscape may be explored innumerable ways thanks to the more than 400 kilometers of hiking paths, 70 climbing routes, and 13 via ferrata. Among the varied species living in the area are chamois, marmots, eagles, and ibexes.
At around 400,000 visitors annually on average, Ellmau’s tourism industry has been booming. Over the last ten years, arrivals have climbed gradually, peaking in 2022 at 467,000. After the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Belgium, Germany is the source of most tourists. Ellmau welcomes guests from other European nations as well as from other countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Hotels, resorts, flats, and guesthouses are just a few of the places Ellmau offers lodging. The most often chosen option is hotels and resorts, of which there are 25 total with 2,000 beds and a 75% occupancy rate. Comfortable choices for lodging are also offered by apartments, guesthouses, and other lodging options.
History Of Ellmau
The Bishop of Regensburg certifies in a document from 1155 that the church of Ellmau was donated to the monastery of Herrenchiemsee, making the earliest recorded reference of Ellmau. Ellmau was a part of the County of Tyrol from the 13th century until 1918, during which time its people and economy were affected by a number of wars, invasions, and epidemics.
Ellmau’s history is notable in part because of its mining operations. The Wilder Kaiser mountains were a hotbed of lead, copper, iron, and silver mining beginning in the fifteenth century. But when mineral supplies ran out, rivalry from other areas, and political and social upheaval increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, the business suffered.
Ellmau was included into the Republic of Austria in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell apart. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the hamlet had to deal with two world wars, Nazi Germany’s annexation, Allied troops’ occupation, rebuilding, growth, and membership into the European Union.
Ellmau likewise welcomed the prospects and advantages of the late 19th-century and second-half of the 20th-century tourist boom. Enhancements to the communication and transportation infrastructure, the building of gondolas and ski lifts, and the marketing of Ellmau’s natural and cultural treasures all helped to boost tourism.
Best Time To Visit Ellmau
It’s a lovely, sunny time of year for outdoor pursuits like hiking, riding, and golfing as the snow melts and the flowers blossom. Seasonal cultural and musical activities include the Ellmau Blasmusik Festival and the Ellmau Mountain Festival. Nevertheless, spring skiing is not the ideal season because certain lifts and slopes could be closed.
Ellmau’s tourist season peaks in the summer, when the warm, sunny weather is ideal for taking in the breathtaking landscape and natural beauty of the Kitzbühel Alps and the Wilder Kaiser mountains. There are many of chances for outdoor activities with more than 700 km of trails and 400 km of bike routes. Additionally popular with families are the Ellmi’s Zauberwelt adventure park and the KaiserBad Ellmau water park. But because of the great demand for lodging and services, summer is also the most costly and crowded period to travel.
A calm and romantic mood is created in Ellmau throughout autumn by the dropping temperatures and changing foliage. Now is a terrific time to take in the village’s beauty and escape the throng. A procession of masked individuals frightening away evil spirits and the Almabtrieb, a ceremonial moving of cattle from the mountain meadows to the valley, are two more unusual events offered by autumn. Still, skiing is not advised at this time of year because of the few operations and less than ideal snow conditions.
Since Ellmau has cold, snowy weather ideal for skiing, winter is the busiest time to come. Slopes, lifts, and huts abound at the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the biggest and most contemporary ski areas in Europe. When Christmas markets and decorations are in place, the village also radiates a joyous and comfortable mood. Winter is, nonetheless, also the priciest and busiest season to travel, with long lines and strong demand.
How To Get In Ellmau
In Tyrol’s east, Ellmau is halfway between Kufstein and Kitzbühel. It is conveniently reachable by plane from Munich Airport (MUC), Salzburg Airport (SZG), and Innsbruck Airport (INN). Ellmau is linked by bus service from VVT to other towns such Kufstein, Sankt Johann in Tirol, Wörgl, and Kitzbühel. Ellmau Dorf, the major bus station, is handyly situated next to the church and tourism bureau.
Ellmau is also well situated for quick and easy access to a number of local and foreign locations via the B178 road and the A12 highway. It does not, however, have a railway station. Access to ÖBB rail services, which offer quick and pleasant travel to many locations, is available at the nearby stations in Kufstein, Sankt Johann in Tirol, and Wörgl.
One of the biggest and most contemporary ski areas in the world, Ski Welt, includes Ellmau. About twenty minutes by car or bus away are the closest rail stations in Tirol: Wörgl, Kufstein, Kitzbühel, and St. Johann. Ellmau is reachable by public bus or shuttle service from the train terminals. Ellmau is regularly connected to the rail terminals by the Tyrolean Transport Association.
Ellmau is conveniently reachable by automobile from several directions. The A12 Inntal Autobahn is the closest highway that links Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck. Take exit 6 Kufstein Süd off of the A12 and go for Ellmau and St. Johann in Tirol. Take the A13 Brenner Autobahn, which links Austria and Italy, coming from the south. Take the Thurn Straße, B161, which links Kitzbühel and Zell am See, from the east.
How To Get Around In Ellmau
With so many ways to go around, Ellmau is a little town that makes touring the area easy for guests. Public transit to the hamlet is excellent and includes chair lifts, gondolas, and free ski buses that link it to the slopes. Timetables and itineraries may be found on the SkiWelt website. In addition, the community has bus service from VVT, which offers a wealth of information on their website.
One may rent a cab in Ellmau via phone, online, or at the tourist office. Costs of taxis vary according on distance, length, and number of passengers.
The properly signposted and maintained roads in Ellmau facilitate driving. There are rental options in the hamlet and the neighboring towns; prices change based on the kind, length, and season. Before traveling in the winter, check the traffic and weather since you could need winter tires or snow chains.
For bikers to explore, Ellmau offers over 400 kilometers of bike paths and trails. Many stores hire bicycles, both electric and regular. For those of all ages and skill levels, there are riding schools and guided bike trips.
Ellmau offers more than 700 kilometers of trails for hiking and trekking. There are many such treks around monuments and difficult mountain hikes in the village and surrounding area.
Attractions & Landmarks In Ellmau
Ellmau is well-known for both cultural interactions and recreational pursuits. It is a part of SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the biggest and most contemporary ski resorts in Europe with more than 280 kilometers of runs and ninety lifts. The village’s appeal as a filming location for the well-liked German television series “Der Bergdoktor” is heightened by its traditional wooden houses, shops, cafés and church.
Indoor and outdoor pools, slides, a lazy river, sauna, steam bath, wellness area, climbing hall, tennis court, and mini-golf course are all features of KaiserBad Ellmau water park and spa complex. Summertime offers expansive vistas of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains from the sun terrace and outdoor pool.
Public guided tours of Bergdoktorhaus, the house and business of the main character in “Der Bergdoktor,” feature real film sets, antiques, and details about the show and its stars. Readings, concerts, and fan days are just a few of the special events that enhance travel.
A theme park and adventure playground atop Hartkaiser Mountain called Ellmi’s Zauberwelt tells the amazing tale of Ellmi, a little child who was turned into a frog by a sorcerer. The park has a petting zoo, a slide park, a maze, a fairy tale forest, and a magic show. It may be reached by cable car.
Entertaining nature lovers, Schleierwasserfall is a stunning 60-meter-high waterfall in the Kaiserbachtal valley that is a component of the Wilder Kaiser natural reserve. Accessing the waterfall and attracting rock climbers keen to test their skills on the several routes that lead to its base are made possible by a hiking trail that runs through lovely forests and meadows.
Things To Do In Ellmau
Lovely Austrian hamlet Ellmau invites visitors all year round with a range of events. There are enough of things to do whether you come in the summer or the winter.
Winter sportsmen and snowboarders love Ellmau. One of the biggest and most advanced ski areas in Europe is located in the hamlet, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental. Its wide slopes and well-kept walkways make it perfect for those who like winter sports. There are many of other things to explore if skiing or snowboarding aren’t your thing. Popular wintertime pursuits like snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing let you have a different perspective on the landscape. A water park and spa complex with indoor and outdoor pools, slides, saunas and health facilities can be found in KaiserBad Ellmau.
Ellmau changes into an other kind of paradise as summer draws near. Popular hobbies these days include hiking and bicycling, and the Wilder Kaiser mountain paths provide breathtaking sweeping views and a variety of terrain to discover. Golfers may indulge in their love at Golfclub Wilder Kaiser, which has stunning courses and events. Adventure playground and theme park Ellmi’s Zauberwelt is a great place for families looking for thrill.
Ski Resort Ellmau
Renowned ski resort Ellmau is located in the Tyrol area of Austria. Situated on the northern edge of the SkiWelt, one of the biggest linked ski areas in the nation, Ellmau offers a range of slopes suitable for skiers of all abilities. No matter how experienced you are, you’ll find the best runs for your ability.
Ellmau, nevertheless, is more than just skiing. The Wilder Kaiser Mountains are breathtakingly visible from this charming hamlet. The 12th-century hamlet has been preserved with its distinctive Tyrolean architecture and atmosphere, providing a really unique cultural experience. Explore the charming cafés, eateries, shops and bars along Main Street. The oldest building in Ellmau, the beautiful parish church, is not to be missed.
Families find Ellmau to be a great winter holiday spot. Among the family-friendly facilities and services offered by the resort are kids clubs, nurseries, and ski schools. The Ellmi’s Kids Club and Hartkaiser Adventure Eldorado offer children a fun and safe environment in which to study and play.
Apart from skiing, Ellmau and its environs offer a number of other activities. Discover the SkiWelt on winter hiking trails, snowshoes, or cross-country skis. Sled, ice skate or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Ellmau is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding region. Other SkiWelt ski resorts as well as neighboring towns and cities including St. Johann, Wörgl, Kitzbühel, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are all conveniently reachable. These places provide a wide variety of historical and cultural sites together with shopping and entertainment options.
Nightlife in Ellmau
Following winter sports are a number of leisure and entertainment options. Leading attractions in Ellmau include Moonlight Bar, Rübezahl – Alm, Memory Cafe Ristorante Bar, Kaiserdisco Ellmau, and Pub 66.
Modern club Kaiserdisco Ellmau has a huge dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system, and a colorful light show. Along with serving a variety of beverages, including beers, wines, and spirits, it has frequent events and theme nights. A family-run restaurant with a lovely variety of Italian and Austrian food is Memory Cafe Ristorante Bar. The beautiful patio of the bar offers views of the mountains and is available daily from 10 a.m. until midnight.
A traditional alpine lodge on the foothills of Hartkaiser mountain, Rübezahl – Alm offers hearty and authentic Tyrolean cuisine. The hut has a roomy sun deck for viewing and sunbathing and is available daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live entertainment and music include DJs, fire shows, and folk bands.
Traditional in design, Pub 66 features a dartboard, fireplace, and wood accents. It serves burgers and appetisers together with a selection of drinks including Guinness, cider, and whiskey. There is a large screen in the pub where one may watch sporting events.
Classy and elegant, Moonlight Bar features a piano, a crystal chandelier, and white and silver décor. Along with tapas and finger food, it offers champagne, martinis, gin and tonics, and live piano playing jazz and classical music. Moonlight Bar has a smart casual dress code and is open daily from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. The address of it is Dorf 1, 6352 Ellmau.
Accommodations & Hotels In Ellmau
There are many different places to stay in Ellmau, a little village in the Tyrolean Alps. Highly regarded Tirol Lodge provides contemporary, cozy lodging with spectacular views and ski-to-door access. Situated next to the Hartkaiser gondola, visitors may easily reach the hiking trails and ski slopes of the Wilder Kaiser region. The hotel offers 171 brightly colored, naturally inspired rooms and suites together with amenities like free Wi-Fi, Netflix, and Nespresso coffee. Along with an on-site ski depot and a fireplace-equipped lobby bar, the hotel provides complimentary subterranean parking.
A further well regarded hotel in Ellmau, Sporthotel Ellmau has four stars for comfort, convenience, and quality. In the center of Ellmau, next to the 27-hole Wilder Kaiser golf course and the Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski resort, sits the hotel. Double rooms, family suites and deluxe suites are among the many accommodation choices available at the hotel. The hotel features a kids club, restaurant, bar, spa, and exercise room open around-the-clock.
A nice and sophisticated stay in Ellmau may also be had at Das Kaiserblick 4 Sterne Superior. This family-run hotel offers a range of services and facilities together with stunning views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The hotel is conveniently close to hiking and ski trails in a serene and lovely setting. The seventy roomy and elegantly furnished suites and rooms have private bathrooms, minibars, and flat-screen TVs.
FAQs About Graz
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Ellmau is a municipality in the district of Kufstein in the Austrian region of Sölllandl |
| Elevation | 820 m above sea level |
| Population | 2,896 (January 1, 2023) |
| Tourism office | Ellmau Tourismus, Dorf 35, 6352 Ellmau |
| Postal code | 6352 |
| Phone prefix | 05358 |
| Area | 36.39 km2 |
| Established | First mentioned in records in 1155 |
| GDP | Not available |
| Language | German |
| License Plate | KU |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Ellmau consists of the following districts: Auwald, Biedring, Dorf, Ellmauer Alm, Faistenbichl, Kirchbichl, Mühlleiten, Oberau, Riesen, Schwendt, Sonnberg, Spatzenbühel, Steinerner Tisch, Wimm, Wimmwies |
| Weather & Climate | Ellmau has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is 7.9°C and the average annual precipitation is 1,181 mm |
| Best Time To Visit | Ellmau is a year-round destination, depending on your preferences. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and other winter sports in the Ski Welt area. In summer, you can hike, bike, golf, swim and explore the mountain experience world Ellmi’s Magic World |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Some of the attractions and landmarks in Ellmau are: the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, the Hartkaiser gondola, the Kaiserbad swimming pool, the golf course, the llama trekking, the film-set village and the locations of the TV series “Der Bergdoktor” and “Die Bergretter” |
