This watery world in the Salzburg region is one of the best getaway destinations you can enjoy in the Alps
The Krimml Waterfalls may not be as famous or breathtaking as Niagara or Iguazu, but they’re sure to be one of the great memories you’ll take away from Austria. One of the reasons is that there are few waterfalls in the world that are so easy to enjoy with the whole family, even though they are located in the high mountain environment of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
This park is one of the many protected areas and valleys worth discovering in Austria. And the Krimml waterfalls are one of the main attractions of this Alpine landscape. The waterfalls form a dizzying fall in three levels, with a twist like a meandering river, a silhouette reminiscent of those snowy slopes for skiing, another favourite pastime in Austria.
Reasons to discover Krimml
- A spectacle of nature: at a total of 380 metres tall, the Krimml Falls are the highest waterfalls in Austria. They originate in the Krimmler Ache river, which is largely sourced by water from glaciers in the Alps. That’s why, as the melting progresses, more water flows into the cliff. The best time to see them is until the end of October. Afterwards, the recreational area including the waterfall, which is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, is closed.
- A gentle hike: the village of Krimml, which can be reached by road, is only one kilometre from the waterfalls. The path to the waterfall starts in the village itself, dotted with little shops in high season, and winds its way up to the highest point. Along the way, there are several viewpoints where you can see the waterfall from different angles. Some of them offer stunning views of the Krimmler Achental valley. If you’re feeling a bit lazy, you can go directly to the car park at the waterfalls, where there is an entrance fee.
- The surroundings: the Krimml waterfalls are ideal for a family day out and a picnic in nature. The Hohe Tauern is a high mountain area with several peaks over 3,000 metres high and snow guaranteed all year round. The village of Krimml has a visitor centre and museum called the House of Water, with exhibitions and multimedia displays that explain this bucolic ecosystem of glaciers and rivers, adding an educational dimension to a getaway with children.
- Rolling smoothy: The Krimml Waterfalls are one of the must-see destinations in Austria, a perfect country to visit by private car or while caravaning. It’s about 100 kilometres from Innsbruck and about 150 kilometres from Salzburg, one of Austria’s most beautiful cities.
