This is Important to Us
Sustainable for a Better Future
"Our future with the Elldus Resort Oberwiesenthal is based on stable and sustainable development, grounded in long-term goals and values. We aim to motivate and involve our employees to provide our guests with a wonderful family vacation. Our focus is on creating a harmonious balance between ecological responsibility and top-notch service."
CEO – Melanie Ellinger
Die 4 Säulen unseres Nachhaltigkeits-Konzeptes:
Bee Conservancy
Trees & Species Conservation
Elldus goes Electric
Talent Development
Our Concept regarding Sustainability:
For the Sake of our Environment
Nature is a feast for the eyes, a place of retreat, a source of energy, a warm embrace, and a provider of raw materials for our daily life. It gives us so much, and that's why we give something back by thinking and acting sustainably. For years, we have been thinking with sustainability in mind and continually developing our sustainability concept.
Becoming a Hero Isn't That Hard!
Ultimate Fips Tip for a Clean Nature!
"Anyone can help preserve our nature. How? It's simple: First and foremost, by not leaving your waste behind after a picnic but taking it with you. And now, I’ve got my brand-new 'Nature Saver Bag' for you! It's basically just a small bag made of recycled paper. But if you see something on our nature outings that doesn't belong (like plastic or candy wrappers), you can simply pick it up, put it in the bag, and throw it in a trash can at the next opportunity. Small efforts, big impact—super powerful, right? Your Fips!"
Our Green Bonus as a THANK YOU!
For the sake of the environment, we reward all arrivals with…
... an Electric Car:
- 1 free charging session at our Eco-Energy stations
… Public Transport:
- Free shuttle from/to Oberwiesenthal station
€50 credit to your guest account (for stays of 2 nights or more)
A sustainable experience: Tickets for the Ski & City Museum
1. Bee Protection and Apitherapy Beekeeping at Elldus Resort
Bee protection is a matter close to the heart of Resort Manager Jens Elinger. As an apitherapy beekeeper, he lovingly cares for the hives behind the spa. The bees thrive in this environment, buzzing happily on the surrounding mountain meadows. We also ensure that the entire resort grounds have plenty of flowering meadows and bee-friendly plants. This means we are contributing sustainably to bee preservation. The bees pollinate our trees, and you can enjoy fresh honey at breakfast during the summer months or benefit from the healing power of bee air. Isn't that amazing?
The use of therapy bee colonies for the apitherapy center at Elldus Resort requires the highest level of natural preservation and adds another dimension to our sustainability concept, offering yet another experience for you.
JENS ELLINGER
- Apitherapy Beekeeper -
"There are currently 12 apitherapy beekeepers in Germany – I am one of them. For years, I have sworn by the extensive benefits of bee products. We now have 20 bee colonies in our mountain apiary at the Elldus Resort, of which 6 are therapeutic colonies."
2. Trees
It all started in 2008 when we partnered with Sachsenobst, planting several apple trees at the resort – at the time, with no specific sustainability concept in mind. Thus, the highest apple orchard in Saxony was born. We have 19 different apple varieties on the Elldus grounds, including table apples and varieties for baking, apple sauce, and juice. From “tart-faced” to very sweet, from small to large, we have it all. But it’s not just apple trees that adorn our resort; cherry trees and birches below the spa area also provide tasty fruits and habitats for insects and birds, contributing sustainably to species protection.
Become Part of Our Sustainability Concept…
… and Become a Tree Sponsor!
A young plant requires much care and attention, especially in the sometimes harsh climate of our highest town in Germany. The sponsorship lasts for 10 years and includes the following benefits:
- A nameplate for your sponsored tree
- A photo of your “child” during the bloom or harvest season
- Once a year, a special visit to your tree at a discounted "sponsorship price"
For €50 in the first year and €10 for each subsequent year, your sponsored tree will receive full care, including watering, trimming, fertilizing, and everything else it needs. If you decide to become a sponsor for a cherry or apple tree, simply send the completed contact form to Mrs. Wetzel at wetzel(at)elldus.de.
MR. LEBE
- Expert in Fruit Trees -
“In September 2018, I first conducted a variety identification of the apple trees planted at the Elldus Resort as part of the Sachsenobst partnership. Since then, I have regularly been on-site for proper pruning. Oberwiesenthal, as a border town and due to its climate, is very interesting for fruit trees, which is why only early varieties or those from northern regions can ripen here. Fruit trees are sustainable because they provide food for many insects and birds, but they do require a certain level of care, as in winter, mice and rabbits can nibble on the young trees.”
3. Elldus Goes Electric
We are very proud of our own energy sources!
We have two Block Heat and Power Plants (BHKWs), with the first one starting in 2016. A heating boiler only kicks in when necessary for heat supply, and electricity is generated as a welcomed byproduct for our own use. Additionally, the heating system is supported by a geothermal heat pump powered by spa wastewater, generating around 5000 watts of thermal energy per month! Our heating system is also being expanded with 4 additional heat pumps and updated for the apartments by September 2024.
We also harness the power of the sun. A photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the riding hall, and another is currently being built on our main building. This is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it produces minimal CO2.
Speaking of Electricity:
Since 2019, Elldus Resort has been the proud owner of an electric car (Renault Zoe), which is used by different departments for both business and private trips each month as part of our sustainability concept. Do you also rely on e-mobility? You’ll be happy to know that with our Green Bonus, you get a free eco-charging session (3 hours) per stay, just bring your own cable. Our ponies benefit from e-mobility too: the electric loader used at the pony farm is extremely quiet, minimizing stress from noise.
4. Talente fördern
We have supported young athletes for many years, and we especially thank all our guests who contribute by adding €1 to their bill. This contribution is donated annually to sports clubs or to the targeted promotion of young talents in Oberwiesenthal.
Another contribution to youth development in winter sports is the launch of the Rocket Rookies in 2023, young biathlon talents with immense potential and power! Follow them on Instagram for the latest insights into their training and competition life...
Young Talent at Elldus
Since 2011, young people have been completing their training and studies at Elldus Resort. Training and education are a priority for us, and Melanie Ellinger personally oversees the quality assurance of this initiative, with strong support from a motivated, young trainer team!
Jens Ellinger, who previously shaped the tourism management of the spa town as the director of the tourism association, now actively advocates for hotel interests as vice president of DEHOGA Saxony. In the Oberwiesenthal city council, he represents the demands of tourism stakeholders and hotels in the opposition.