This alpine village at 820 meters sits below the Wilder Kaiser mountains, with year-round skiing on 280km of slopes, a 17th-century filming location, and outdoor pools facing 2,344m peaks.
Ellmau sits at 820 meters above sea level at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountains in Austria. You can watch episodes of "Der Bergdoktor" being filmed at the 17th-century Hinterschnabl-Hof farmhouse, ski on 280 kilometers of slopes in the SkiWelt area, or swim in the Kaiserbad's outdoor pools while looking at the alpine peaks that reach up to 2,344 meters.
Der Bergdoktor Filming Locations
The 17th-century Hinterschnabl-Hof farmhouse, known to TV viewers as the "Bergdoktorhaus", stands in the Faistenbichl area of Ellmau. The German-speaking TV series "Der Bergdoktor" films here regularly, with actor Hans Sigl (Dr. Martin Gruber) living in Ellmau during filming seasons. You'll see fans walking through the village year-round, following the paths of their favorite characters.
Winter Sports at SkiWelt
You can access 280 kilometers of slopes and 90 modern lifts in the SkiWelt area. The Hartkaiser gondola takes you from Ellmau to the slopes in about 7 minutes. Beginners will find gentle slopes near the village, while intermediate skiers can enjoy the tree-lined runs. The north-facing position of Ellmau's slopes maintains snow longer than other parts of SkiWelt.
Mountain Lifts and Views
Two lifts operate year-round in Ellmau. You'll find the Hartkaiser heated gondola 2 kilometers west of the village, which replaced the old funicular railway. The Astberg chair lift, 1.5 kilometers east, takes you to a mountain café where you can see across the valley. Buy single ride tickets or season passes at tourist information offices.
Summer Activities
Cool off at the Kaiserbad swimming complex in outdoor pools and saunas. Play a round at the 27-hole golf course in the valley. Children can climb and splash at Ellmi's World of Magic on Hartkaiser mountain, which covers 4,000 square meters. During the weekly Summer Nights Festival, you'll find arts, crafts, food stalls, and live music throughout the village.
Getting Around
Ellmau lies on the B178 road between Kufstein and Sankt Johann in Tirol. Take trains from Sankt Johann or Kufstein stations to reach major cities in Austria, Germany, and Italy. Special buses connect Going, Stanglwirt, Scheffau, Blaiken, and Söll during tourist seasons. Drive 1.5 hours from either Salzburg or Innsbruck airports to reach Ellmau.
Local Food
You'll find Tyrolean specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) and Tiroler Gröstl (meat and potato fry-up) in restaurants throughout the village. Stop at the Panorama Restaurant at Hartkaiser's middle station or Restaurant Bergkaiser at the top of Hartkaiserbahn. Mountain huts along hiking trails serve drinks and hot meals, making convenient stops during summer walks.
