Best attractions and places to see around Ellmau, a town nestled in the Tyrolean region of Austria, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The area provides diverse experiences, from hiking and skiing to cultural immersion. It features prominent natural landmarks and family-friendly attractions.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Summit
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From the terrace you can see the main ridge of the Alps. The hut is quite large and easily accessible from the Wochenbrunner Alm, making it a popular hiking destination from there.
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Great view from the terrace up to the Ellmauer Tor and down into the day with the Großvenediger in the background (and deckchairs to enjoy the view). The Kaiserschmarrn is really good - depending on the occupancy also with service. Easy to reach from the Wochenbrunner, so a mixed crowd of hikers, mountaineers and a few climbers - but significantly less hustle and bustle than below.
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Located on the Adlerweg with a gigantic view.
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Again and again beautiful views of the lake. On the side with the road there are also many barriers and prohibition signs.
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Very nice Alm with delicious food and a great view. The way to the Hartkaiser is lined with carved Rübezahl figures.
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Stop for a drink or a meal, enjoy the view and continue
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Great sun terrace, good drinks and very nice staff
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Ellmau is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the stunning Hintersteiner See, a crystal-clear bathing lake within the Wilder Kaiser nature reserve, perfect for a scenic walk. For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Hohe Salve Summit, considered one of Tyrol's best viewpoints, or the Wilder Kaiser Viewing Platform. The Hartkaiser and Astberg mountains, accessible by cable car, also offer spectacular vistas and serve as gateways to hiking areas.
Ellmau offers diverse hiking experiences. You can embark on trails around the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountain range, with routes catering to various fitness levels. Popular destinations include Gruttenhütte, a mountain hut at 1,620 meters offering wonderful views, and Gaudeamus Hut, known for its family-friendly trails. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Ellmau guide.
Yes, Ellmau is very family-friendly. Children will love Rübezahl Hut, which has a path of characters to follow. Other popular spots include KaiserWelt Ellmau, a mountain adventure playground, and Ellmi's Zauberwelt (Ellmi's Magic World), accessible via the Hartkaiserbahn cable car, featuring themed trails and play stations. The KaiserBad Ellmau leisure center also offers indoor and outdoor pools with slides, and a climbing wall.
Ellmau has several interesting cultural and historical sites. You can visit the centuries-old St. Michael's Church, a local landmark with elegant baroque design, or the beautiful St. Anna Church. Fans of the German TV series 'Der Bergdoktor' can see the protagonist's house, a popular filming location. The Ellmau Local History Museum 'Beim Wegmacher' offers insights into the village's past, housed in a 16th-century miner's cottage.
Ellmau is a year-round destination. For hiking and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers pleasant weather and accessible trails. The Gruttenhütte is staffed from Pentecost to mid-October, making it ideal for summer visits. In winter, Ellmau transforms into a ski paradise, connecting to the vast SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental.
Beyond hiking, Ellmau offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking and climbing in areas like KaiserWelt Ellmau. The Hintersteiner See is perfect for swimming and relaxing by the lido. For a thrilling experience, try the summer toboggan run in nearby Going. Golf enthusiasts can play at the renowned 27-hole Wilder Kaiser Golf Course. For cycling, check out the Gravel biking around Ellmau guide.
While many attractions are well-known, the Ellmau Stone Circle, high above the village, is considered a place of energy and offers a unique, tranquil hiking destination. The Rübezahl Hut, originally a cow barn from 1778, provides a charming eatery with traditional Tyrolean cuisine and excellent views, offering a more authentic experience away from the main crowds.
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from spots like the Hohe Salve Summit and Gruttenhütte. The crystal-clear waters of Hintersteiner See and its scenic circular path are also highly recommended. Many appreciate the friendly service and delicious food at mountain huts like Rübezahl Hut and Gaudeamus Hut, as well as the family-friendly amenities.
Yes, the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, particularly around the Ellmauer Halt, offers challenging terrain for mountaineers and climbers. Huts like Gruttenhütte serve as important bases for starting alpine tours and climbing routes. For advanced hikers, the Mountain Hikes around Ellmau guide provides routes with difficult grades, such as the Jubiläumssteig.
Many mountain huts and attractions offer dining. For example, Rübezahl Hut and Gruttenhütte are popular hiking destinations known for their traditional Tyrolean cuisine and sun terraces with great views. The Hohe Salve Summit also has a restaurant. Additionally, the area around Hintersteiner See features snack stations and restaurants.
Ellmau hosts various events throughout the year. Notable events include the Ellmau Summer Night, featuring live music and regional cuisine, and the folk music event 'Musikherbst am Wilden Kaiser' in autumn. These events offer a great opportunity to experience local culture and hospitality.


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