Krimml Waterfalls | Visit the tallest waterfalls in Central Europe

You won't see a sight like this anywhere else in Central Europe! The Krimml Waterfalls (in German, Krimmler Wasserfälle) are the tallest waterfalls in Central Europe and one of the best attractions in all of Austria!

If you are visiting the Salzburg or Tyrol region, you must not miss these impressive waterfalls. In fact, the waterfalls are closer to the border with the Tyrol region than to the city of Salzburg. You can reach them within an hour’s drive from the town of Mayrhofen in the Ziller Valley.

In this article, we have gathered the most important information about the Krimml Waterfalls and the experiential visitor center located nearby. In the article, you can read general information about the waterfalls, details of the hiking trail, as well as comprehensive information about the activities at the visitor center.

Krimml Waterfalls – General Information

Near the village of Krimml in the Hohe Tauern National Park, there are very impressive waterfalls created by the strong flow of the Krimmler Ache river, which gets its water from the large glaciers found among the mountain peaks. Millions of gallons of water flow in the river every hour and pour down through the waterfalls.

The waterfalls are tiered and divided into three levels. The highest point of the waterfalls is at an altitude of 1,470 meters above sea level, from which they powerfully descend about 140 meters to the second level. From the second level, they descend another 100 meters to the lower level, and from there they continue with force towards the ground – a distance of another 140 meters. Thus, the total height of the waterfalls is 380 meters!

The water from the waterfalls continues along the valley to the Salzach River, which eventually connects to the great Inn River. This river connects to the Danube River, which ultimately reaches the Black Sea.

The hiking trail to the waterfalls is well-maintained and convenient, which is why about half a million visitors come to see them every year!

The Hiking Trail to the Waterfalls

The trail begins in the southern part of the village of Krimml. There is an organized parking lot, an information desk, and ticket booths. The first part of the trail is also accessible to people with disabilities and families with strollers and reaches the foot of the waterfalls. From the ticket booths at the entrance, you can reach the foot of the waterfalls in about 15 minutes. From this point, called Kürsingerplatz, the ascent to the upper levels of the waterfalls begins until you reach the Krimmler Achental valley.

Along the trail, which is about 4 kilometers long in total, there are 9 observation points as well as a hikers’ hut for a refreshing stop.

From the first observation point, located at an altitude of 1,070 meters above sea level, you have to climb up to an altitude of 1,460 meters. This is a strenuous climb, but definitely worth it. Halfway up, you can really feel the power of the waterfalls up close and stand right next to them. It is advisable to be equipped with a rain jacket because at this point the water spray will definitely get you wet.

Halfway, near the middle level of the waterfalls, there is a hikers’ hut called Schoenangerl Guesthouse where you can sit, eat, and refresh yourself for the second part of the trail. Towards the end of the trail, you will reach the observation point called Bergerblick, from which you can overlook the area and the waterfalls from above.

The full hike, from the entrance to the top of the waterfalls, takes about an hour and a half.

This is what the powerful waterfalls look like:

Other Essential Information for Your Visit

Operating Times:

Mid-April to the end of October. Every day, all day.

Costs:

Adult – €8.
Child (6-15) – €4. (There is an option to purchase a combined ticket for the waterfalls and the Water Worlds park – details later in the article).

Official Website of Krimml Waterfalls

Address: Krimmler Wasserfälle, 5743 Krimml 47, Warnsdorf-Krimml

Parking: It is recommended to park in parking lot P2 or P3.

The Krimml Visitor Center and Water Worlds (WasserWunderWelt)

Right next to the upper part of the Krimml Waterfalls, there is a large visitor center that offers educational and fun activities about the world of water. The visitor center is open during the summer months, and children can experience all sorts of water-related attractions. Inside the building, there are interactive and educational displays, and outside, children can climb, run, jump, and also get a little wet. There are short trails in the water and many interesting installations related to the power of water.

This is what it looks like:

Other Essential Information for Visiting the Water Worlds

Operating Times:

End of May to October 28. Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Opening times may vary. Please check the official website of the visitor center for updates.