This short walk offers you wonderful views of the entire village and the Wilder Kaiser massif.
Starting point is the hiking info point in Ellmau village centre. The circular tail takes you via the Kapellenweg to the Kapellenpark. The park is a popular resort with playground, Kneipp facilities, relaxation areas and outdoor tennis courts. There’s a lot to see here such as the "Stammgästebaum" tree, the "Kaisersterne" stars and the two carved figures of Gerhard Salvenmoser, the Rübezahl landlord.
The Stammgästebaum was planted in the park some years ago by Ellmau’s most loyal visitors. It’s grown and thrived here, evidently enjoying the stunning mountain panorama.
The “Kaisersterne” (Imperial Stars) are attached to a large rock from the Wilder Kaiser and are awarded to prominent guests such as the Bergdoktor Hans Sigl, who’s half an Ellmauer by now.
You continue uphill through the Kapellenpark to Ellmau's landmark, the Marienkapelle (St Mary’s Chapel).
This chapel was built by Johann Kaisermann in 1719. It contains a Baroque altar with the “Visitation of Mary” altarpiece by the artist Alois Wagner. On the altar there’s a beautiful image of Mary, a copy of the Madonna and Child by L. Cranach (around 1720).
Here you can enjoy the picture postcard view of Ellmau and the Wilder Kaiser. And don’t forget to take a picture of the view for your holiday photo album.
You now go downhill on the other side of the Marienkapelle past the Hotel Kaiserblick to St. Michael’s Parish Church.
Ellmau Parish Church is a simple Baroque hall built between 1740 to 1746 under the direction of Jakob Singer to replace the old Gothic church which had become too small.
The ceiling frescoes are by Johann Georg Höttinger. The parish church is dedicated to St. Michael.
You then return to the starting point in the village centre
where numerous cafés and restaurants offer a pleasant rest and refreshments.