Schloss Elmau - Germany

Classical Music and Jazz Holidays in the Bavarian Alps

The Musical Highlight

A concert by Martha Argerich, an evening of jazz with Nils Landgren or chamber music with Daniel Hope.

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Schloss Elmau.

Music has been part of the hotel's history for more than 100 years. Today, around 150 concerts take place here every year.

International soloists, chamber music ensembles and jazz musicians are regular guests, including some of the most celebrated artists of our time.

The concert hall is located within the hotel itself.

Schloss Elmau sits at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, surrounded by forests and Alpine meadows. Visitors coming for a concert will find a luxury hotel with excellent restaurants, spacious spa facilities and beautiful surroundings that make staying a few extra days well worth considering.

The Music Programme

Schloss Elmau hosts concerts and multi-day festivals throughout the year. Some have long been established highlights of the international music calendar.

The year begins in January with the traditional Chamber Music Week (Kammermusikwoche), which has been held since the 1950s. Renowned soloists and chamber music ensembles come together for a week of concerts, often focusing on a particular composer or musical theme.

Two interesting festivals follow in spring. At the Nils Landgren Festival, the Swedish trombonist and singer invites international jazz musicians to Schloss Elmau. Shortly afterwards, British violinist Daniel Hope hosts his own festival week, performing alongside international artists.

In November, jazz takes centre stage at Schloss Elmau for several days. The European Jazztival features international stars alongside younger musicians exploring new directions in jazz. Well-known artists who have previously performed at Schloss Elmau include

Brad Mehldau, Till Brönner, Herbie Hancock, Jan Garbarek and Michael Wollny.

Another regular event in November is the Verbier Festival @ Schloss Elmau, which brings selected international classical musicians from the renowned Swiss festival to the hotel.

There are also numerous individual concerts throughout the year. Pianists such as Grigory Sokolov and Igor Levit,

cellists Gautier Capuçon and Mischa Maisky, and artists such as Ludovico Einaudi are among those who have performed at Schloss Elmau.

Staying at Schloss Elmau

Schloss Elmau comprises two five-star superior hotels, the Luxury Hideaway and the Ultra Luxury Retreat, located just 150 metres apart.

You can choose which of the two hotels you would prefer to stay in, with access to the facilities of both throughout your visit.

Luxury Hideaway

The Hideaway is the historic main building of Schloss Elmau.

Its 100 rooms and suites range from 25 to 110 m². Warm wooden floors and carefully selected furniture from Europe and Asia give the interiors their character. Depending on the room category, you can enjoy spacious living areas and a private balcony with lovely mountain views.

The Hideaway is home to the concert hall, a bookshop, libraries and the Al Camino Jazz Lounge with its open fireplace.

There is plenty of choice when it comes to dining. At the two-Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Ikigai’, head chef Christoph Rainer serves French-Japanese fine dining. Other options include the Thai restaurant ‘Fidelio’, restaurant ‘La Salle’ and the cosy Kaminstube, known for its fondue specialities.

The hotel also has several spacious spa areas. At the Badehaus, you can enjoy views of the mountains from the heated pools, saunas and relaxation areas. There is also an oriental hammam, yoga classes and further wellness and sports facilities.

Ultra Luxury Retreat

Set slightly above the Hideaway on a peaceful hillside, the Ultra Luxury Retreat opened in 2015.

With just 47 rooms and suites, the Retreat offers plenty of space and privacy. Accommodation ranges from 55 to 200 m², combining elegant Italian furniture with Asian design elements.

Large windows and balconies offer views of the Wetterstein Mountains and the Elmau Valley.

One of the highlights is the dedicated adults-only spa with a Japanese onsen. There is also a separate family spa, a yoga pavilion and a Library Lounge with open fireplaces.

Dining options at the Retreat include the Mediterranean restaurant ‘Summit’ and the ‘Summit Pavillon’, which serves sushi specialities.

Discover Schloss Elmau and the Surrounding Area

Schloss Elmau lies in a secluded Alpine valley between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald.

Walking and hiking trails begin directly at the hotel. One lovely destination is Ferchensee, a small mountain lake surrounded by forest. Those who enjoy longer walks will find plenty of hiking routes, while winter brings opportunities to explore the snow-covered mountain scenery.

Just a few kilometres away is Mittenwald, with its beautifully painted building façades, narrow streets and centuries-old tradition of violin making.

A visit to the Violin Making Museum offers an insight into the history of this craft. The exhibition features historical instruments and tells the stories of the craftspeople who helped establish Mittenwald as an internationally renowned centre of violin making.

Your Trip to Schloss Elmau

We organise tailor-made music trips to Schloss Elmau throughout the year.

Whether you are planning a long weekend with two concert evenings, several days during a festival week or a longer stay with time to explore the mountains, we can arrange a trip around your interests.

We can help you choose the concerts, find the right room or suite, and organise your travel arrangements, private transfers and excursions.

Enquire About Your Trip - No Obligation

Telephone: +49 30 21964804

Email: info@musictravelhideaways.com

Our Current Travel Offer

Jazz Trip to the Nils Landgren Festival with Kennedy and Viktoria Tolstoy

23 to 26 March 2027

Enjoy two evenings of jazz with Nils Landgren and his guests, together with three nights at Schloss Elmau Hideaway, including breakfast. Admission to both concerts is already included in the trip price.

Jazz Trip to the Nils Landgren Festival at Schloss Elmau 2027