Austria

Ellmau


Ellmau is an unspoilt Tirolean village located between the Kitbuhler Alps and the craggy "Wild Emperor" mountains which are almost "dolomite" in appearance. The village boasts Austria's longest mountain funicular railway, the "Hartkaiserbahn" which ascends the Hartkaiser mountain in only 8 minutes - making the vast hiking area of over 90km of paths very accessible and great if you don't want the uphill slog to high alpine paths. A 7 day walker's lift pass for the area is available and is great value. Walking medals can be earned - obtain a booklet from the Tourist Office to put you mountain hut stamps in; the greater the effort in reaching the hut the higher the points value (an incentive for those uphill struggles!).