You don't need to travel to Iceland, or Canada, to find "those" huge and amazing waterfalls. You only need to go to Austria. Krimml waterfall (Krimmler Wasserfälle) is located at the edge of the Western part of Salzburg, Austria - humbly in the heart of Europe. You can find the Grossglockner and Zillertal within an hour or so. This giant fall is Europe's highest waterfall - and for many, it's also the most spectacular. Let's see why!
It's good to know that the hiking route to the waterfall is closed in winter, but if you are in the area for skiing, you can spot it from the road.
Quick Details
| Krimml Falls | Details |
| Address | 5743 Krimml, Austria |
| Parking | P4-P1 (Gerlos Str., 5743 Krimml, Austria) |
| Parking fee | ~ 2 euro / hour |
| Season | April - October (every day) |
| Opening hours | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Entrance fee | 5 - 10 euro |
| Trail's Difficulty | Easy (4 km - one direction) |
| Accessibility? | 100% accessible until the 1st waterfall |
| Min age | ~ 8 yrs old |
| Dog friendly? | Yes |
Photos and videos
Where is Krimml Falls located?
The 380 m high falls origin is in the Krimmler Ache valley, and after some big drops and turns - it ends next to the village Krimml.
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This small town is the starting point of the intermediate hiking route. After passing the city, the river joins the Salzach, Inn, and Danube rivers, ending its way and reaching the Black Sea at last.
| Krimml Falls | Distance |
| Address | 5743 Krimml, Austria |
| Distance from Wien | 450 km / 5 hours |
| Distance from Zillertal | 42 km / 1 hour |
| Distance from Innsbruck | 98 km / 1,5 hour |
| Distance from Grossglockner | 95 km / 1,5 hour |
Located in the main chain of the Central Eastern Alps, High Tauern is a mountain range in Austria. Along 100 kilometres of the main chain stretches the High Tauern National Park.
The range includes Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798 meters), and the highest waterfall in Europe - the Krimml waterfall.
Parking
You can find several parking lots nearby. The closest lot is P4, then P3, P2, and P1. The parking fee is diverse, but you can calculate it as 2 euros per hour in general. The closest parking lot (P4) is the most expensive. P3, P2, and P1 are 5 minutes far from each other.
- P4 Address: Gerlos Str., 5743 Krimml, Austria
More About the Waterfall
The unique glacier fall is one of the most visited attractions in the surroundings and Austria. The Krimml waterfalls are a natural spectacle you don't want to miss in Salzburg. Every year there are over 400,000 visitors.
The falls are the biggest waterfalls in Europe and the fifth-biggest in the world.
- Austria's largest waterfall
- Europe's largest waterfall
- 5th largest waterfall on Earth
Here, water never stops; it's always floating and shaping its way, such as the area itself. Even on colder days, Krimml causes high humidity, creating abundant greenery in the area. You can encounter rich flora like trees, bushes, ferns, mosses, and mushrooms.
It's not just because it's the highest,t but also because it's pretty easy to visit. The hiking trail (no. 40) is easy, and the access to the waterfall is quite simple. The route will take right next to the river's bed, above the highest waterfall.
You can take many photos at numerous observation points along the hiking trail. Krimml is not only the biggest fall in Europe but the most convenient for visitors.
Immerse yourself in the water's massive power amidst the fantastic scenery in the Hohe Tauern National Park!
Map - Hiking Route
The only way to get close to the falls is on foot. This hike is classified as being easy and not demanding. The river contains multiple falls on its way, and the three most distinct drops can be found near the small town of Krimml.
- First drop: 140 m (100% accessible)
- Second drop: 100 m
- Third drop: 140 m
Your journey to the top may take 90 minutes without stops. Visitors spend over 120 - 150 minutes on the trail ascending. You can rest on benches at the observation points and find several inns along the way where you can buy refreshments.
Important notes
- The suggested minimum year for children is 8 years old.
- I don't recommend using a baby buggy along the way, as it's pretty hard to push it on the gravel path. If you are coming with a small kid, consider carrying him/her instead.
- From the entrance door to the foot of the waterfalls, the pathway is accessible by wheelchair as well.
Shuttle Bus
Instead of hiking, you can take the National Park Taxi to the top falls. If you don't want to go on foot, you can ask about the bus's schedule when you buy your ticket at the ticket office.
Entrance fee, Tickets
You can purchase several tickets at the ticket office. Combined tickets are available (parking + entrance fee), and you can also pay for the shuttle bus.
- Tickets to Krimml are available from €5 - €10 per person.
- You can't buy tickets online.
- There is no need to book in advance, as there is no limitation.
- Your visit is free if your accommodation provides you with a Nationalpark Sommercard or Salzburger Land Card.
Opening hours
Krimml is open every day from April to October - between 9 am - 4:30 pm. Keep in mind that the ticket office closes its doors at 4:30 pm
Best time to visit
The river gains its water from melting glaciers and snow. Therefore the best time to visit Krimml is in spring or early summer when the river is the widest (due to snow melting).
In the main season (July, Aug), when the school is over, more visitors are coming to Krimml. If you prefer fewer companies, visit in May, Jun, or September.
What to wear for the hike?
When it comes to clothing, even on the warmest day, bring along an extra layer or a raincoat. As you walk next to the densely-dropping falls, expect nothing but to get wet. The gravel and dusty road can be slippery from the waterfall, so wear comfortable and proper hiking shoes.
Important links
- Krimml waterfall official website
- Phone: +43 6564 7212
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