Walking in Ellmau

Walking Trails:
700km

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from rolling hills to dramatic peaks

Ellmau at a glance

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  • Euro (EUR)
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Travel included to Ellmau

Depart on: Saturday or Wednesday

Fly into: Salzburg or Innsbruck

Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 30 - 45 minutes by coach

Included in your walking holiday to Ellmau

  • Wilder Kaiser Guest Card

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Austria
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Ellmau

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
700km
Terrain:
Diverse terrain from rolling hills to dramatic peaks

Ellmau is one of the prettiest areas of the Tyrol with an expansive network of over 700 kilometres of marked paths. Discover short village circuits via river, forest and meadow footpaths, easy day walks exploring nearby Hintersteinersee (a glistening blue lake with mountain backdrop), or longer hikes complete in the dramatic limestone mountains of the Wilder Kaiser. Fancy taking things up a notch (and up 1,000 metres)? Hop in the cable car from Ellmau the Hartkaiser. At the top is a restaurant where you can pull up a chair and marvel at the mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. Once you've refuelled with Tyrolean delicacies like schlutzkrapfen (half-moon stuffed pasta) and kaiserschmarr'n (sweet pancakes), head back to the cable car station – or out onto the panoramic mountain trails. The four villages of Ellmau, Söll, Going and Scheffau are well connected and there are also walks over into Brixen and Westendorf.

You’ll have access to plenty of family-friendly walking paths ranging from wide, pram-friendly options to more narrow-intertwined forest routes – great for all little explorer abilities. The area is perfect for families, with exciting adventure playgrounds throughout the mountains and perfectly placed mountain huts for regular refuelling stops.

Ellmau Tourist Office offers regular guided walks and good maps of the local area. These walks may need to be booked in advance, directly with the tourist office.

Subject to change.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Ellmau

Ellmau Hintersteinersee
  • Grade: Easy walk
  • Distance: 5.2km
  • Walking time: 2 hours
  • Terrain: Tarmac road, gravel path, single track forest path

Just north of the village lies this hidden lake, with stunning blue waters, tree-lined banks and shallow shores – ideal for dipping your toes in to quickly cool off on route. Along different banks you will find multiple refreshment stops including the the Café Restaurant Seestüberl, Maier and Goingstätt.

Ellmau With Hartkaiser Behind
  • Grade: Easy 
  • Distance: 5.9km 
  • Walking time: 1 hour 45 minutes 
  • Terrain: Tarmac road, meadow, forest, and gravel paths 

A gentle loop through Ellmau’s picturesque surroundings, perfect for an easy introduction to the area. The route meanders past farms, a golf course, and along the Weissache river, offering a mix of open landscapes and shaded woodland paths. Several restaurants along the way provide great spots for a break, and you can even stop for a swim at the KaiserBad waterpark before returning via the Kapellenpark to the starting point. 

Ellmau Astbergbahn Summer Going Copyright Von Felbert Reiter Danielreiterpetervonfelbert
  • Grade: Moderate 
  • Distance: 20km 
  • Walking time: 6 hours 45 minutes 
  • Terrain: Forest roads, meadows, and mountain trails 

This stunning long-distance trail showcases breath-taking views of the Wilder Kaiser and the Kitzbüheler Alps. With starting points in all four of the villages of the Kaiser region - Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll - and cable car access too, the route can be tackled in sections if you're looking for a shorter route. Gentle ascents and descents take you across alpine meadows and through peaceful forests, with plenty of mountain huts along the way serving local specialities. A fantastic choice for those wanting a full day in the mountains. 

Image: (copyright Peter Von Felbert Reiter Danielreiter)

  • Grade: Challenging 
  • Distance: 14.2km 
  • Walking time: 5 hours 45 minutes 
  • Terrain: Forest paths, meadows, short tarmac sections, scree field and secured passages with a ladder (helmet recommended) 

A rewarding hike for experienced walkers, this varied route climbs towards the highest mountain hut in the Wilder Kaiser. Passing through shaded forests, rushing streams, and open pastures, the walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the surrounding peaks. The Klammlweg section requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, but the views from the Gruttenhütte make the effort worthwhile. A hiking bus from the Wochenbrunneralm allows for an easier return if needed. 

  • Grade: Challenging 
  • Distance: 8km 
  • Walking time: 5 hours 
  • Terrain: Forest roads, steep paths, rocky passages 

This hike brings you into the heart of the Wilder Kaiser, where rugged terrain meets breath-taking views. The trail begins at the Wochenbrunner Alm and climbs through meadows and forest before tackling rocky scree to reach the Ellmauer Tor. With towering rock faces and expansive views, the route offers a real sense of adventure. Good fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. 

Discover Ellmau

  • Walk in the dramatic Wilder Kaiser mountains
  • Take the lift up to Hartkaiser for spectacular views and panoramic walking trails
  • Enjoy live brass-band music and atmospheric village evenings

Ellmau lies in the wide valley that separates the dramatic peaks of Wilder Kaiser mountains to the north and the gently rolling hills to the south. The views around here are straight out of a film set. Well, TV set, technically; this little Tyrolean village is the filming location of the popular German-Austrian TV show Der Bergdoktor (which translates to the mountain doctor). However, don’t be fooled by its bucolic setting, Ellmau is for those who want to get stuck into the action, with footpaths, cable cars, a golf course and mountain-view outdoor swimming pools. There’s also an excellent bus network that connects Ellmau with the other villages dotting the valley of the Wilder Kaiser, like nearby Söll.

Learn all about the folk history of Ellmau at Heimatmuseum, a grand 19th-century house built by a master carpenter. There's a lively weekly market and music evenings in July and August. Restaurants include one of the best pizzerias in the Wilder Kaiser, as well as alpine inns with roasted pork, dumplings, lake trout and sauerkraut on the specials boards. Walk to the Visitation Chapel for one of the most impressive views in town – a panorama with the Kaiser Mountains as a backdrop.

Ellmau hosts a variety of events each week including the weekly ‘Summer Nights’ Festival with arts & crafts, food stalls and live music. The brass band concerts at the music pavilion create an unmatched Tyrolean atmosphere – a must-do during your stay to really indulge in the local culture.

The Kaiserbad offers swimming pools and saunas with mountain views. There are flow channels, turbo slides, a playground, an indoor climbing wall, and a reed-lined pond made for almost-wild swimming. Adults can enjoy the pine sauna and wellness area with herbal steam baths. In nearby Going, the Badesee swimming lake offers outdoor swimming and water slides, and Hintersteinersee is great for a refreshing dip or a bit of paddle-boarding. Families with smaller children should keep the mountains in their sights too. The cable car in Ellmau leads to the enchanted forests of Ellmi’s Magic World.

Take the kids on a bike ride to nearby villages and towns, such as Söll or Going, where more adventures await. The Wilder Kaiser is perfect for recreational cycling, mountain biking, cycle trails and more, with plenty of snack stations on route for refuelling.

The grand old post office is a reminder of Ellmau’s once-vital spot on the trade route between Innsbruck and Salzburg. These days, the road sees more tourists than parcels, with buses transporting walkers between the villages of the Wilder Kaiser valleys. Söll is just a 15-minute journey west – the gateway to the footpath-packed Hohe Salve mountain – and the baroque town of St. Johann in Tirol lies to the east. Or you could trundle to the medieval riverside town of Kufstein, where the Kaiserlift - a single-person chairlift - offers a different view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range and Inn Valley - a real hidden gem.

We also have a varied excursion program with trips to Berchtesgaden, Grossglockner or Salzburg available to pre-book. The Taste of Tyrol excursion is bookable locally and takes you to some of the areas hidden treasures.

Ellmau has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

The lift system in this region is fantastic. You will have countless hiking paths to access, ranging from circular walks at the top of the lifts, to panoramic walks between peaks.

Some of the closest lifts include:

  • Hartkaiserbahn in Ellmau (normally open from 10 May)
  • Astbergbahn in Going (normally open from 7 Jun)
  • Brandstadlbahn in Scheffau (normally open from 24 May)
  • Hochsöll in Söll (normally open from 10 May)
  • Hohe Salve and Keat in Söll (normally open from 24 May)
  • Hochbrixen and Zinsbergbahn in Brixen (normally open from 24 May)
  • Salvenbahn 1 and 2 in Hopfgarten (normally open from 24 May)
  • Alpenrosenbahn 1 and 2 in Westendorf (normally open from 24 May)
  • Kaiserlift in Kufstein (normally open from beginning May)
  • Salvistabahn in Itter (normally open on weekends from 29 May - 2nd Nov and daily from 5th Jul - 5th Oct)

Buses

The Kaiserjet bus (free with your Wilder Kaiser Guest Card) transports walkers between the villages of Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going making it easy to explore other areas as well. The post bus is also free between these villages.

From mid-June to mid-September, the Kaiserjet Nightliner runs between Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going from Tuesday to Friday night, enabling you to visit the weekly village evenings in neighbouring towns.

Public buses also operate to surrounding destinations including Kitzbühel and St. Johann, which are home to a variety of walking challenges and family-friendly strolls.

You can also use your included Wilder Kaiser Guest Card to reach walking hotspots such as Hintersteinersee lake and popular local mountain huts.

Timetables are available locally.

Subject to change.

The Wilder Kaiser Guest Card is available free of charge from your hotel upon arrival and is valid for a period of your stay.

It includes:

  • Kaiserjet Bus which runs between the villages of Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going
  • Hiker's bus to Hintersteinersee lake, Wochenbrunner Alm mountain hut and Hüttling
  • Public buses to Kufstein, Wörgl, Kitzbühel and St. Johann
  • Tourist Board activity programme
  • Discounts on summer cable car tickets, entry to attractions, pools and lakes, walking and biking maps in the tourist information and more

Subject to change.

Mountain Experience Card - buy locally | from €115 - 6 days | from €84.50 - 3 days | please present your guest card for the reduced rate. 

Consecutive days only. Other durations are available.

Includes up to 14 lifts in the Wilder Kaiser - Brixental region plus discounts on various bonus partners throughout the area.

  • Hartkaiserbahn in Ellmau
  • Astbergbahn in Going
  • Brandstadlbahn in Scheffau
  • Hochsöll in Söll
  • Hohe Salve and Keat in Söll
  • Hochbrixen and Zinsbergbahn in Brixen
  • Salvenbahn 1 and 2 in Hopfgarten
  • Alpenrosenbahn 1 and 2 in Westendorf
  • Kaiserlift in Kufstein
  • Salvistabahn in Itter

Kitzbüheler Alpen Summer Card - buy locally | from €120 - 6 days | please present your guest card for the reduced rate.

Consecutive days only. Other durations are available.

Includes up to 39 lifts in the Kitzbühel Alps region plus discounts on various bonus partners throughout the area, so is ideal for people staying longer durations or wanting to explore further afield.

The lifts included are the 14 listed above, plus operating lifts in Kitzbühel, St Johann, Wildschönau, Alpbachtal, Steinplatte Waidring, Pillersee and Lofer.

Lift pass prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Travel to Ellmau

Travel by air

Flights to Innsbruck and Salzburg depart on Saturdays or Wednesdays between 24 May - 13 Sep 25 and 23 May - 19 Sep 26

Fly to Salzburg from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only), Newcastle (Saturday only) or Glasgow (Saturday only)

Fly to Innsbruck from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only) or Edinburgh (Saturday only)

Transfer time:

  • Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by coach from Salzburg
  • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by coach from Innsbruck

Please be aware transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Ellmau

This spectacular journey takes you over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an incredible feat of engineering with stunning views. From the Franz-Josef's Höhe you'll see the Pasterze glacier and maybe catch a glimpse of 3,798-metre summit of the Grossglockner. Keep a look out for the wild marmots and Ibex too - they love the high alpine conditions. You can visit the free museums and exhibitions to learn about the National Park or enjoy a walk round the area and a tasty Austrian mountain meal.

Departs: Thursdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Salzburg is a city full of culture, history and music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, enjoy the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or wander the famous Getreidegasse shopping street. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the medieval Old Town, discover museums and Baroque churches or visit the Salzburg Residenz Palace - the DomQuartier. There is an optional guided walking tour which is a great way to see more of the city (payable locally, approx. €12 per person).

Departs: Wednesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Ellmau Kaiserbad Swimming Pool Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pond, or swim in the outdoor pool. If you're wanting a day to unwind, then the indoor wellness area features infrared cabins, a solarium, saunas and steam baths – pure relaxation (but bare in mind that spas in Austria are often nude zones). Or, keep strong and active in the large indoor climbing or tennis hall.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser)

Heimatmuseum Ellmau Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Von Felbert Reiter Danielreiter

Head to 'Beim Wegmacher', the local history museum built in 1555 as a miner's house. Something special about this museum is the torchlight hike “Fire and Flame” - held on Mondays in July and August. During this family friendly experience you can enjoy folk music, as well as make mini purchases from their own stalls too – perfect for souvenirs.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Von Felbert Reiter Danielreiter)

There's a few options for you to choose from on this interesting trip to Berchtesgaden. Spend the day discovering the pretty Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden itself, or choose one of the optional extras that you can add on to your day (difference payable locally).

The most famous is the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Explore the historic building and surrounding area, with spectacular views on a clear day over the King's Lake. The house is famous for being Nazi-constructed and was used for government and social meetings by Hitler and the Nazi Party. Alternatively, head underground to see the Salt Mines. A network of tunnels and slides take you on an underground adventure discovering this once very important industry (optional add-ons are payable locally - Eagle's Nest approx. €31.90 per person, Salt Mines approx. €25.50 per person).

Departs: Tuesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Enjoy a day of relaxation at the Ahornsee while the kids swim and play - the views from this lake are beautiful and it's easy to find a comfortable spot to settle down in for a few hours. There's a lido area and floating platform which you can swim out to. Plus, there's toilets and changing rooms, and a café with hot food, ice cream and drinks.

Lay back on a deckchair, jump off the diving tower, paddle in the shallow water or swim until your hearts content – all while enjoying the immaculate scenery around you.

Going Badesee Lake Austria Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Martin Lifka Photography E.U

Spend a day in Going sunbathing on the lawn, jumping in the lake or simply feeling the sand between your toes on the little beachy shore. With excellent on-site facilities, you can plan for a full day of fresh mountain air, even while you enjoy lunch from the lake café. There's few fun activities for families too like the 100-metre-long waterslide and great views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Martin Lifka Photography E.U)

Golf Ellmau Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Stefan Leitner

If you're a keen golfer, then you're in for a treat. The stunning Wilder Kaiser backdrop makes this a unique experience – so grab your clubs and head to the green - home to a mighty 27 holes, spread across three 9-hole courses.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Stefan Leitner)

Soll Hintersteinersee Lake Bike Ride Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Mathäus Gartner

Biking is increasing in popularity all over Austria and this area is no exception. The Kitzbühel Alps and Wilder Kaiser mountains are part of the world's largest e-bike region, with 275 electrical bicycles and 75 rental or battery charge stations available.

An extensive cycle network of over 350 kilometres of marked cycle routes, away from the main traffic weaves throughout the region, stretching as far as Kufstein, the Wildschönau, the Hohe Salve, the Wilder Kaiser, the Brixen valley, Kitzbühel and St. Johann. With a mixture of tarmac cycling paths, gravel roads and mountain bike tracks in the area, any age or skill level rider will discover great fun, diversity and challenge.

There's also a new pump track near the Ahornsee bathing lake where you can practise your skills, plus rental shops offering adults and kids bikes.

Guided tours are available locally which are a great way to explore the area.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Mathäus Gartner)

Ellmau Hintersteinersee

This picturesque lake is worth a visit, whether you have kids or not. The bathing area has rentals of sunbeds, umbrellas and stand-up paddleboards, and it's very refreshing for a swim in the clear waters. You can walk all the way round the lake - the south side is quite hilly but shaded, and the north side is sunny and flatter, following a quiet road. Three restaurants offer refreshments along the way and a full lap of the lake will take around two to two and a half hours.

Ellmau Kaiserbad Swimming Pool Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser

The Kaiserbad swimming pool is a must-visit on a sunny day if you have energetic kids - the superb outdoor water play area will have children using cannons, getting drenched under the water mushroom fountain or whizzing down the slides or enjoying the big play area. It's also a great wet weather option, as it has a large indoor area with water slides, whirlpool, swimming area and loungers.

Within the complex, there's also an indoor climbing wall, tennis and squash courts separate to the swimming area.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser)

Soll Hexenwasser Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Mathäus Gartner

The Hexenwasser (Witches' Water) on the Hohe Salve mountain in Söll is a magical world of splashing fun - paradise for children. This sensory experience is excellent for everyone – even parents can get involved too. There are over 60 different water play features including water bridge challenges, adventure play areas and Austria's longest barefoot walk which is enjoyed by children and adults alike, so it's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summers' day. Maybe you'll even get to meet the Witches as you explore, too.

The fun continues up the second lift to the Hohe Salve, where you can grab lunch with a view on the revolving terrace.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Mathäus Gartner)

Soll Kaiserwelt Playground Scheffau Copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Daniel Reiter Peter Von Felbert

At the top of Scheffau's Brandstadl lift is the KaiserWelt, which means Emperor's World. Children can play in the playground and the various wooden tree huts while parents admire the view of the Wilder Kaiser mountains on the other side of the valley. Take a walk to the Jochstub'n Lake - a unique high mountain lake with little sailing boat.

Image: (copyright TVB Wilder Kaiser Daniel Reiter Peter Von Felbert)

Ellmau Ellmis Zauberwelt Childrens Playground Copyright Peter Von Felbert Danielreiterpetervonfelbert

Hartkaiser Mountain has a 4,000-square-metre magic mountain playground featuring a carving hut, climbing structures, a maze, tubing, marble runs, water features and a magical rain forest where kids can climb, explore, splash and play to their heart’s content. As well as the enchanted forest, there's a large adventure playground with zip line, trampoline and much more to delight younger children. Your little explorers are sure to have a blast in this mountainous, magical land of activities.

Nature walks, Botanical Gardens and the Alpine Trail will keep children entertained, with plenty of educational signs about local wildlife. There is Bergkaiser Panorama Restaurant terrace to admire the incredible views of the mountains and enjoy a bite to eat.

Image: (copyright Peter Von Felbert Danielreiter)

Rattenberg centre

Discover some of the area's best kept secrets on this trip which combines three unique destinations. Our first 'treasure' is Kufstein, located on the banks of the River Inn. You'll have time to explore and admire this border town with its dominating Fortress. Next, you're off to the beautiful Thiersee lake, surrounded by forests and steeped in folklore. Our final destination is Rattenberg, rich in history and famous for Kisslinger glass - watch a glass-blowing demonstration and explore the picturesque streets of this tiny city.

Departs: Fridays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: Rattenberg centre (copyright: Alpbachtal Tourismus Rattenberg)

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