Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml, Salzburg, Austria
The Krimml Waterfalls are Europe's highest waterfalls, plunging 380 meters over three distinct tiers in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The sheer scale of the cascade…
What it's like here
The Krimml Waterfalls are Europe's highest waterfalls, plunging 380 meters over three distinct tiers in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The sheer scale of the cascade is impossible to ignore: the thundering roar greets you long before you arrive, and the mist that rises from the base creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere even on warm days. Rainbows often form in the spray where sunlight catches the water.
The experience here centres on the well-maintained hiking trail that winds through a dramatic gorge to the top of the falls. The path is moderately steep but accessible with good footwear, and several viewing platforms along the route offer different angles on the three-tier cascade. Most visitors spend between one and two hours on the trail, though you can extend that with wider exploration of the national park. The hike suits solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends—the trail is popular but the scale of the falls themselves means there's rarely a sense of crowding.
Water flow is most dramatic from June to September when snowmelt swells the falls, so timing your visit within that window makes a real difference to what you'll see. Outside those months, the cascade is thinner. The power and mist you experience at peak flow are what draw people here; in quieter seasons, the spectacle diminishes.
Practical facilities include parking, toilets and a café near the base. A toll road and parking fee apply to access the area. Photography is permitted throughout, and the combination of raw natural power, dramatic gorge setting and multiple vantage points makes this a notably photogenic location. The falls are positioned as a starting point for wider hikes in the national park, so you can build a longer day around them if you wish.
This is a straightforward natural attraction: powerful water, a scenic hiking trail, and the kind of landscape that justifies the modest effort to reach it. No hidden depths, no surprises—just one of Europe's most striking waterfalls in a national park setting.
Highlights
- Europe's highest waterfalls at 380 meters total drop over three distinct tiers
- Well-maintained hiking trail with multiple viewing platforms winding through a dramatic gorge
- Constant mist and spray creating rainbows in sunlight and a refreshing atmosphere
- Peak water flow from June to September due to snowmelt
- Located within Hohe Tauern National Park, a starting point for wider alpine hikes
Good to know
Visit between June and September for the most powerful water flow. The trail is moderately steep but accessible with proper footwear; plan for 1–2 hours on the main route. A toll road and parking fee apply. Facilities include parking, toilets and a café at the base. The area works well for a morning or afternoon outing.
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Questions people ask
How high are the Krimml Waterfalls?
The Krimml Waterfalls are Europe's highest waterfalls, plunging a total of 380 meters over three distinct tiers.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September is best, when snowmelt ensures the strongest water flow and most dramatic cascade.
Is there a trail to the top of the falls?
Yes, a well-maintained hiking trail leads to the top with several viewing platforms along the way. The route is moderately steep but accessible with good footwear.
Attributes & facilities
Experience
Last verified: August 28, 2026