Krimml waterfalls: Europe's highest falls in the Hohe Tauern

Europe’s highest waterfall — and why that matters

Numbers matter in waterfalls more than in most natural features, because scale is literally what you come to see. At 380m total vertical drop across three stages, Krimml is not merely a pretty cascade — it is a geological event. The volume of water descending from the Krimmler Achental valley above, fed by glacier melt and seasonal snowpack, creates a sustained roar that is audible from the village below long before the falls come into sight.

For context, Niagara Falls drops 57m. The Angel Falls in Venezuela, often cited as the world’s highest single drop, falls 979m — but Krimml, at 380m across its three stages, is the highest waterfall in Europe and one of the most powerful in terms of accessible volume. On a peak flow day in late May or June, the spray cloud from the lower falls is visible from the car park.

The Krimml falls sit within Hohe Tauern National Park — Austria’s largest protected area — in the western end of the park near the village of Krimml in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg Province. The surrounding landscape of glacially carved valleys, alpine meadows, and high peaks gives the falls their context and provides additional hiking beyond the waterfall trail itself.

Getting there from Salzburg

By car (recommended)

From Salzburg, drive south on the A10 motorway to Bruck an der Glocknerstraße, then head west on the B311 along the Salzach valley. Pass through Zell am See and continue west on the valley floor through the Pinzgauer Langtal toward Krimml. Total driving time from Salzburg center: approximately 1h45 under normal conditions.

The B311 west of Zell am See is a pleasant valley road through traditional Salzburg Province villages, with the Alps rising on both sides. The final approach to Krimml village gives a first glimpse of the falls visible on the mountain wall above.

Car park: The main waterfall car park is at Krimml village. Fee approximately 5€ per day. The car park fills quickly in peak July-August season — arriving before 10h is strongly recommended.

By train (Pinzgauer Lokalbahn)

The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is a narrow-gauge railway running from Zell am See westward through the Pinzgau valley to Krimml, with Krimml as the western terminus. The train takes approximately 1.5-2 hours from Zell am See to Krimml. From Salzburg, first take the mainline train south to Zell am See (about 1h15), then change to the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn.

The combined train journey from Salzburg to Krimml station takes approximately 3 hours each way — significantly longer than driving, but a pleasant narrow-gauge railway experience in its own right. From Krimml station, the waterfall entrance is a short walk through the village.

The Wasserfallweg: understanding the trail

The Wasserfallweg (Waterfall Path) is a dedicated hiking trail that ascends alongside the Krimml falls from the village level to above the third stage. The trail is one of the finest short alpine hikes in Austria — well-maintained, well-marked, with viewpoints at each of the three waterfall stages.

The three stages

Krimml falls in three distinct sections:

1. Lower stage: The most powerful and dramatic section, dropping approximately 140m in a single visible cascade. This is the closest viewpoint to the village and is reached within 20-30 minutes of starting the trail. The spray from this section reaches the path; a waterproof layer is necessary here.

2. Middle stage: A more divided, braided section where the water spreads across a wider rocky face. Approximately 100m drop. The viewpoints at the middle stage require more ascent but give a better sense of the falls’ overall length.

3. Upper stage: The longest section at approximately 140m, this is where the valley above the falls comes into view — the opening up of the glacially-carved Krimmler Achental above. The upper stage viewpoint reveals the entire waterfall chain from above and below simultaneously.

Trail details

• Total length: approximately 5km return
• Elevation gain: approximately 400m
• Time: 2.5-3 hours at comfortable pace
• Difficulty: moderate (steady ascent, some uneven terrain)
• Footwear: hiking boots strongly recommended — trail sections near the falls are wet and can be slippery; rubber-soled shoes are the minimum acceptable; sandals are not suitable

What to bring

• Waterproof jacket — mandatory for the lower trail sections
• Water and snacks (restaurants at the base and upper sections have limited hours)
• Sun protection for the upper valley sections
• Waterproof cover for camera and bag

Spray zones: getting wet is part of it

The Krimml falls generate substantial spray. The most intense spray zone is on the section of path closest to the lower waterfall, where the trail passes on the same level as the base of the lower cascade. In June at peak flow, this section can feel like standing in light rain even with no clouds in the sky.

This is not a problem to avoid — it is part of the experience. The air temperature drops noticeably in the spray zone, making it a relief on hot summer days and a genuine chill on cool spring mornings. The spray creates microclimates along the trail: patches of unusually dense moss and fern, wildflowers that would not survive in drier conditions, and on sunny mornings, multiple rainbows visible in the mist.

A lightweight waterproof jacket (not a heavy winter coat — just something that sheds water) is all you need. Most visitors have it on for 15-20 minutes in the lower section and then put it away for the rest of the ascent.

When to visit: water volume and seasonal conditions

Late May and June: peak volume

Snowmelt from the high Tauern peaks above Krimml reaches maximum volume in late May and through June. The falls at this time are at their most impressive — full flow, consistent roar, maximum spray. The surrounding alpine meadows are also at their most vivid green. This is the best time to visit for the pure waterfall experience.

Caveat for early May: The upper trail sections may still have snow cover in early May, and access above the middle stage can require care. Check trail conditions before attempting the full ascent in the first weeks of the season.

July and August

Water volume is slightly reduced from peak but still very substantial. The weather is the most reliable for clear views into the valley above. The car park and trail are at their busiest — arriving before 09h30 makes a significant difference in crowd experience.

September and October

Lower visitor numbers, beautiful autumn light, pleasant temperatures for hiking. Water volume is at its seasonal low but the falls are still impressive. The trail is open and in good condition. This is an underrated window for Krimml.

Combining Krimml with other destinations

Krimml + Grossglockner road (one full day)

The classic combination. From Salzburg, drive south on the A10 to Bruck, take the Grossglockner High Alpine Road east to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and back to Bruck, then drive west on the B311 to Krimml for the afternoon. Allow 10-12 hours for the full combination.

Start early — the Grossglockner road benefits from morning timing for views, and arriving at Krimml before the peak afternoon heat makes the waterfall trail more comfortable.

Krimml + Zell am See (one full day)

A gentler combination suitable if you want more lake scenery and less driving. Drive west from Salzburg via the A10 and B311 to Krimml in the morning, then return east via Zell am See for an afternoon by the lake before driving back to Salzburg. Zell am See has good restaurants and the Zeller See lake swimming is excellent in summer.

Krimml village

The village of Krimml itself is a small Austrian alpine settlement at approximately 1075m. Beyond the waterfalls, it does not have major attractions, but has several restaurants, a small church, and the feel of a working Alpine village rather than a tourist resort. The Nationalparkbüro Krimml (national park office) near the waterfall entrance has information on the Hohe Tauern park and its hiking network beyond the waterfall trail.

The village also serves as a trailhead for routes into the higher Krimmler Achental valley above the falls — a proper multi-day hiking territory for those with experience and equipment.

The Hohe Tauern context

Krimml falls do not stand alone — they are one element of the Hohe Tauern National Park, and understanding the park helps plan a more complete alpine excursion.

The park’s western section (where Krimml sits) contains the waterfall and the high Tauern peaks above. The central section contains the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier. The eastern section contains Kaprun, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, and Zell am See.

A 4-day Salzburg lakes and mountains itinerary typically covers all three zones: Grossglockner road, Krimml falls, Zell am See, and Kitzsteinhorn glacier, connecting them into a logical Alpine circuit from Salzburg.

Practical summary

The Krimml waterfalls are one of those natural attractions that exceed what photographs suggest. The sound, the spray, the sheer sustained volume of water falling 380m through limestone gorge — this is not a gentle trickle prettified for Instagram. It is a major natural force in a remote Alpine valley, and it justifies a 1h45 drive from Salzburg by itself, let alone combined with the Grossglockner road or Zell am See on either side.

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