Schloss Elmau
Schloss Elmau is a luxury hotel at the foot of the Wetterstein mountains, in a nature reserve near the village of Klais lying between Garmisch and Mittenwald in Bavaria.
Schloss Elmau was built in 1916 by Johannes Müller with the assistance of Elsa Gräfin Waldersee and the architect Carlo Sattler. It was originally intended to be an artistic community where 'Helpers' (not employees) cared for visiting guests and artists. The 'Helper' scheme enabled thousands of young people from around the world to gain independence and work experience in a fabulous natural environment, while being inspired by interaction with world-famous artists of all genres. Gradually, however, it seems that this side of the Schloss has declined and its working practices are now not far removed from any other exclusive hotel. Nonetheless, the tradition of inviting world-renowned artists, particularly musicians, to perform at Elmau has continued. Cellist Sol Gabette, clarinettist Sabine Meyer, and conductor Gidon Kremer appear regularly, and over the years such legendary musicians as violinist Yehudi Menuhin, soprano Barbara Hendricks, and pianist Mitsuko Uchida have headlined evening concerts.
In the early hours of 7 August 2005 a fire broke out in the Schloss, caused by a faulty electric blanket belonging to the former manager, Ducci Mesirca. The fire destroyed nearly the entire top floor of the main building, although there were no serious casualties. The hotel has now been rebuilt.
[edit] External links
- schloss-elmau.de - Official website
- The Ex-Helfer(in) Network - Network of former Elmau Helpers
- Elmau Discussion Group Yahoo Group of former Elmau Helpers
Coordinates: 47°27′43″N 11°11′10″E / 47.46194°N 11.18611°E
