With a height of 380 m, the Krimml Waterfalls are the largest in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. They are located on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, in the federal state of Salzburg, Austria. The waterfalls consist of three cascades, with the highest single drop measuring 65 m. There is a viewing platform very close to the water at each section.
Krimml Waterfalls
A hiking trail about 4 km long runs along the waterfalls, starting in the village of Krimml, where we stayed for today’s trip. It is quite steep in places but well-maintained. The climb to the upper part of the falls takes approximately 2 hours, and you can rest at an inn about two-thirds of the way up. The return trip down takes about 40 minutes. High-quality hiking boots are a must for a trek to the Krimml Waterfalls.
Accommodation
Apartment Alpensonne – in the village of Krimml
- Highly rated accommodation at a great price
- Great location for a trip to the Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml Waterfalls – Apartment Alpensonne
Ferienwohnung Maierhofer
- Highly rated large apartment for 2-5 people at a great price
- Great location for a trip to the Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml Waterfalls – Ferienwohnung Maierhofer
Choose accommodation for your trip to the Krimml Waterfalls using the map:
Krimml Waterfalls – admission and parking
Admission (to the waterfall trail)
-
Adult: approx. €9
-
Child (6–15 years): approx. €4.50
This fee is for access to the Waterfall Trail and is used for trail maintenance, infrastructure, and nature conservation in the area. If you have a local Sommercard, admission is usually free (this can vary each year).
- Specifically, this is the NATIONALPARK SOMMERCARD
Combined ticket (waterfalls + “Worlds of Water” center)
-
Adult: approx. €15.90
-
Child: approx. €7.90
-
Family: approx. €33
This ticket also includes free parking at parking lots P4 or P5.
Parking – Krimml Waterfalls
The nearest parking lots are right at the entrance to the site:
-
P4 – main parking lot (cars and buses)
-
P5 – cars only
-
Trattenköpfl – more distant parking lot
Parking price (without a combined ticket):
-
up to 2 hours: approx. €5.70
-
every additional 30 min: €0.90
-
maximum per day: €24
At some nearby parking lots, the rate is roughly €2 per hour.
If you have a Sommercard from this region, parking is usually free (discounts may vary each year)
The best viewpoints of the Krimml Waterfalls
The first and very impressive view opens up right in the lower part of the Krimml trail, where you stand almost directly by the roaring water and can admire the highest lower cascade.
Other beautiful views can be found on several maintained platforms along the path, which bring you closer and closer to the falling water and offer views into the deep valley.
One of the most beautiful spots is the viewpoint approximately halfway along the route, from where you can see the Krimml Waterfalls in all their glory as well as the surrounding Alpine landscape. As you climb higher, wider panoramic views of the Krimml Valley and the surrounding peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park open up.
You might also be interested in:
- Olpererhütte: a tip for a trip to the iconic suspension bridge
- 21 tips for the most beautiful lakes in Austria
- Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse: information before your trip
- 8 tips for trips in Styria, Austria
What else to see in Krimml and the surrounding area?
The surroundings of Krimml are part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, so you will find several very interesting places even within a relatively short distance. If you are already heading to the Krimml Waterfalls, these trips within 10 km are among the most beautiful ones we love to recommend:
Krimml Valley
One of the most beautiful valleys in the national park starts right above Krimml. The Krimmler Achental is a wide glacial valley with mountain meadows, mountain huts, and views of three-thousand-meter peaks. It is ideal for a full-day hike, and you will come across mountain huts such as the Krimmler Tauernhaus along the way. At the end of the valley, you can reach the Krimmler Kees glacier.
Wasser Wunder Welt Krimml – Krimml Worlds of Water
This modern interactive center dedicated to water and nature is located right at the entrance to the waterfalls and we definitely recommend visiting it. The exhibition on the formation of the waterfalls and Alpine glaciers features interactive installations and water models. There is also a beautiful park with a view of the waterfalls. Ideal as a short stop before or after visiting the falls.
(c) Krimml Worlds of Water
Durlassboden Stausee
About 10 km from Krimml towards Gerlos, you will discover a beautiful reservoir. It features turquoise water and views of the Zillertal Alps. A hiking and cycling trail runs around the lake. In summer, it is also one of the best local spots to relax after a hike.
The water in the Durlassboden Stausee reservoir warms up to a pleasant 21°C in summer, making it a popular spot for summer swimming and water sports. You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boats, or simply relax on the grassy beach by the lake.
