The German hotel owner took a bold step – and Israelis flocked in

The luxurious Schloss Elmau estate in Bavaria, Germany, has experienced a sharp increase in the number of Israeli visitors following an emotional gesture by its owner. No fewer than 438 overnight stays by Israeli guests were recorded at the estate in the first ten months of the year, a 136% increase compared to 185 stays during the same period last year.

The significant surge is partly attributed to the brave decision of the estate’s owner, Dietmar Müller-Elmau, to raise the Israeli flag above the entrance gate following the events of October 7. Müller-Elmau declared that the flag would remain raised “until the last hostage is released,” a gesture that received widespread praise in international media.

This week, the estate was awarded the title of Best Hotel in Germany as part of the “101 Best Hotels in Germany” awards ceremony. Schloss Elmau, located between Munich and Innsbruck, is known as a preferred destination for world leaders, diplomats, and celebrities, offering a unique combination of luxury, culture, and leisure.

The estate attracts visitors from Israel and around the world thanks to its rich cultural program, which includes classical music performances and leading Israeli artists. In March 2025, the estate will host a unique dance workshop led by Ohad Naharin, creator of the Gaga movement language. The complex offers seven hot and cold pools, a luxury spa, yoga treatments, and gourmet restaurants.

Amri Kalman, CEO of TerraNova, Schloss Elmau’s Israeli representative, stated: “We are proud to represent a place that combines world-class leisure with a warm embrace of solidarity. The recent award once again proves the winning connection between values, luxury, and joy.”