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Krimml Waterfalls
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Krimml Waterfalls in Austria: explore a 380-metre alpine cascade, Hohe Tauern trails, mountain scenery, village hospitality and glacier-fed landscapes.

The Waterfall and Its Setting

Krimml Waterfalls descend in three immense stages from the upper Krimmler Ache valley, dropping a total of 380 metres on the northern edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park in Salzburg province. The torrent begins in the high glacial landscape around the Krimmlerkees and gathers force before plunging through forested slopes towards the village of Krimml. Spray, changing light and the constant thunder of falling water give the lower valley a powerful atmosphere, while viewing paths climb through woodland to a succession of platforms above the valley floor.
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Alpine Landscapes and Local Character

The waterfalls are the defining attraction, but their setting reveals a broader landscape of steep mountains, pasture, conifer woodland and high valleys. Krimml is a small settlement and an important access point for the western Hohe Tauern, with the Gerlos Alpine Road linking it eastwards towards the Zillertal in Tyrol. Beyond the waterfall, the wider area supports hiking and mountain activities, although access in the high Alps is shaped by weather, snow and seasonal conditions. The national park context also encourages visitors to observe wildlife and vegetation without disturbing sensitive habitats.

Visiting Krimml

Most visits focus on the established Wasserfallweg, which follows the falls from the base towards higher viewpoints; the ascent is uneven and can be wet from spray, particularly after rain or during periods of strong meltwater. The village and surrounding valley provide accommodation, restaurants and practical visitor services, while nearby mountain settlements offer further bases for exploring the Hohe Tauern. Krimml is best understood not as an urban attraction but as a concentrated natural landmark within a much larger alpine region where water, glacial terrain and traditional mountain landscapes remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Krimml Waterfalls?

Best: June–August · 17–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January045
February141
March343
April758
May1379
June (best)17100
July (best)18110
August (best)17105
September1586
October1167
November548
December244

Getting to and around Krimml Waterfalls

How to get there

Krimml Waterfalls are reached through the village of Krimml in Salzburg province, at the western end of the Pinzgau region. By road, the main approaches come through the Salzach valley from the east and via the Gerlos Alpine Road from the Zillertal in Tyrol; the latter is a mountain route subject to seasonal conditions and restrictions. The nearest significant rail and bus hub is Zell am See, from where regional public transport connects with the Pinzgau valley and Krimml area, although services should be checked for the date of travel. Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich are the principal larger airports used by international visitors, all requiring onward ground transport.

Transportation

The waterfall is close to Krimml village, but the wider Hohe Tauern region is geographically extensive, so a car offers the greatest flexibility for combining valleys, mountain roads and neighbouring settlements. Regional buses serve parts of the Pinzgau area, while the narrow-gauge Pinzgauer Lokalbahn reaches the wider valley as far as its current western operating point, with onward connections requiring local transport. Walking is practical around Krimml and along the waterfall route, but not between all regional attractions. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding and weather-affected; cyclists should plan carefully for gradients, traffic and seasonal Alpine-road conditions.

Best attractions in Krimml Waterfalls

The principal attraction is the Krimml Waterfalls, where the Krimmler Ache descends through three stages and can be viewed from a series of established paths and platforms rising above the valley. The lower falls provide the strongest sense of scale, while higher viewpoints reveal the relationship between the cascade, forested slopes and the upper alpine basin. Krimml village forms the natural starting point, with the surrounding Hohe Tauern landscape extending into mountain pastures, glacial valleys and high peaks. The Krimmler Ache valley is particularly significant for understanding the waterfall’s seasonal character, as flow responds to snowmelt, rainfall and glacier conditions. Visitors interested in the broader region can use Krimml as a gateway to the Hohe Tauern National Park and to routes associated with the Krimmler Tauern, although many attractions lie beyond the immediate waterfall area and require separate transport or longer mountain excursions.

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Best landmarks in Krimml Waterfalls

The 380-metre Krimml Waterfalls are the defining natural landmark, distinguished by their three-stage descent from the upper Krimmler Ache valley towards Krimml. Their significance lies in the meeting of glacial water, steep Alpine relief and a publicly accessible sequence of viewpoints. The Krimmler Ache itself is an important geographical feature, linking the high mountain catchment with the lower Salzach region. Around the village, the enclosing Hohe Tauern peaks, forested slopes and traditional pasture landscapes provide the wider setting rather than a collection of urban monuments. The Krimmler Tauern is also a significant historical landscape feature, representing an old high-level crossing of the main Alps towards South Tyrol. Together, these landmarks express the area’s identity as a place shaped by water, glaciation, mountain travel and long-established rural use.

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Best restaurants in Krimml Waterfalls

Dining around Krimml centres on village restaurants, traditional inns, cafés and accommodation businesses rather than a large independent restaurant scene. Menus in the Salzburg and Pinzgau region commonly draw on Alpine cooking, with dishes such as dumplings, soups, cheese-based specialities, pastries and meat prepared in styles associated with Austrian rural cuisine. Local dairy products, bread, mountain herbs and seasonal produce reflect the surrounding farming landscape, while Salzburg traditions may appear alongside broader Austrian favourites. Visitors walking in the mountains should not assume that food is available along every route, so provisions may be useful for longer excursions. Krimml provides the most convenient dining base beside the waterfalls; additional choice is available in larger Pinzgau settlements, but restaurants and cafés outside the village are dispersed and their opening patterns vary by season.

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Best bars in Krimml Waterfalls

Krimml is a quiet mountain village rather than a nightlife destination, and evening entertainment is centred on traditional inns, hotel restaurants and relaxed local hospitality. Visitors are more likely to find a drink after a day outdoors, conversation and views of the valley than a dedicated club scene or late-night entertainment district. Seasonal events and village celebrations may add a social dimension, but programmes vary and should not be assumed to be running. Larger Pinzgau towns offer a broader selection of pubs and evening venues, although they remain some distance from the waterfall and are best treated as separate excursions rather than part of Krimml’s immediate night-time offer. Mountain accommodation may provide the most convenient evening base, particularly for walkers planning an early start.

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Best shops in Krimml Waterfalls

Shopping in Krimml is limited and practical, with visitor-oriented purchases, everyday supplies and regional products concentrated around the village and accommodation businesses. Travellers may find Austrian food specialities, mountain-themed goods, local craft items and outdoor essentials, while farm shops and small producers in the wider Pinzgau region can offer dairy products, preserves, bread, spirits or other items linked to local agriculture when open to visitors. The area is not known for an extensive shopping district, and specialist equipment or a wider range of shops is more likely to be found in larger valley towns such as Zell am See or Mittersill. Buying locally produced food and crafts can support rural businesses, but product availability varies with season and individual opening arrangements.

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Krimml Waterfalls essentials

Currency and Payment
Austria uses the euro, written as EUR or €. Cards and contactless payments are common in established accommodation, restaurants, transport services and visitor businesses, but smaller rural establishments and occasional mountain facilities may prefer or require cash. Carrying some euros is sensible when travelling beyond the main village, particularly for minor purchases or services in remote areas. Cash machines and banking services are more likely to be found in larger settlements than beside the waterfall itself. Visitors should confirm payment arrangements before relying exclusively on a card, especially when travelling in the high season or into less populated mountain areas.
Safety
Waterfall spray, wet rock and steep or uneven sections make sturdy footwear and careful pacing important on the Wasserfallweg. Conditions can change rapidly in the Alps, and rain, snow, ice, fog or strong meltwater may affect paths and visibility. Stay behind barriers and on marked routes, and never approach the torrent or attempt to climb beside the falls. Beyond the waterfall, hikes enter mountain terrain where navigation, clothing, water and weather planning become more important; do not assume that low-valley conditions continue higher up. Mobile coverage may be inconsistent in remote valleys, so leave a route plan with someone when undertaking longer walks.
Emergency Situations
In Austria, call 112 for the general European emergency service, 144 for an ambulance, 122 for the fire service and 133 for the police. Give the operator the exact location, route, nearest marked viewpoint or landmark, number of people affected and the nature of the emergency. In mountain terrain, weather and access can delay assistance, so avoid moving an injured person unnecessarily unless remaining in place is dangerous. Downloading maps in advance and carrying a charged mobile phone are sensible precautions, but reception cannot be assumed throughout the Hohe Tauern. For a non-urgent medical issue, seek advice locally through accommodation staff or the nearest available healthcare service.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths, respect barriers and follow instructions in the waterfall and national-park areas. Take litter away, leave plants and rocks undisturbed, and observe wildlife from a distance without feeding or pursuing it. In the wider countryside, close gates, keep dogs under control where required and avoid entering farmyards, private land or marked hazards. Respect residents and mountain livelihoods by parking only where permitted and keeping noise low in the village. Do not confuse an attractive viewpoint with a safe place to approach the water: the torrent, spray and slippery ground can be hazardous even in apparently calm weather.
Local Tips
Krimml village is the most convenient base for visiting the falls, while Zell am See and other Pinzgau settlements provide broader transport and accommodation choices. Plan a separate day for the waterfall if also exploring the wider Hohe Tauern, since roads between valleys are slow and mountain conditions can alter itineraries. Early or later visits may provide a quieter atmosphere, but light and water volume vary with weather and season. For longer walks, obtain current local information before departure and distinguish the maintained waterfall route from higher alpine paths, which may have different conditions and levels of difficulty.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloServus[Ser-voos]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Vee-der-zayn]
YesJa[Ya]
NoNein[Nine]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bit-te]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-ke]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-gung]
How are you?Wie geht es dir?[Vee gate ess deer?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Goot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Sprekh-en Zee Eng-leesh?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ikh fer-shtay-eh nikt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte[Ikh hat-eh gern-eh dee Spay-ze-kart-eh, bit-te]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ikh ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen[Ikh merkh-te bit-te bez-ahl-en]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hill-fuh]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vehg]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roo-fen Zee dee Po-lee-tsy]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roo-fen Zee i-nen Ahrts]
I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen[Ikh ha-buh mikh fer-lou-fen]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ikh bin krunk]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[Ikh merkh-te kow-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ikh shou-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?[Vee feel kost-et dass]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Dass ist tso toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[Kern-en Zee den price zank-en]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpayt ist ess]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Ess ist iyn oor]
Half past (10)Halb elf[Halb elf]
MorningMorgen[Morg-en]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nah-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[Ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[Ges-tern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-tuh]
TomorrowMorgen[Morg-en]
1Eins[Ey-ns]
2Zwei[Tzvey]
3Drei[Drey]
4Vier[Feer]
5Fünf[Fuhnf]
6Sechs[Zeks]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Akht]
9Neun[Noy-n]
10Zehn[Tzayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?[Vo ist iyn/dehr...]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[Vas ist dee Ah-dress-eh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?[Kern-en Zee meer dass tsee-gen (ouf dehr kart-eh)]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn kommt dehr nek-steh (Boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)[I-nuh Fahr-kart-eh (nahkh ...)]

History of Krimml Waterfalls

Glacial Origins of the Valley

The Krimml Waterfalls are products of the glacial shaping of the Hohe Tauern. During successive ice ages, moving ice excavated and deepened alpine valleys, leaving the upper Krimmler Ache in a steeply stepped relationship with the lower valley. The present waterfall is fed by meltwater and precipitation from the high mountain catchment, including the Krimmlerkees. Its form is therefore part of a continuing natural process in which seasonal discharge, frost and erosion influence the channels and surrounding rock, rather than a monument created at a single historical moment.

The Krimmler Tauern Route

Krimml lies near an old trans-Alpine passage towards South Tyrol, the Krimmler Tauern, which crosses the main Alpine chain at high elevation. For centuries, local communities used mountain routes for travel, trade and seasonal movement, although these paths were demanding and weather-dependent. The waterfalls formed part of the wider landscape known to travellers moving through the upper Salzach region rather than an isolated attraction. Farming, livestock grazing and the use of high pastures also shaped the cultural landscape around the village and its surrounding valleys.

The Rise of Waterfall Tourism

Interest in the falls grew as Alpine travel expanded during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Improved roads, mountain exploration and the development of viewing paths made the cascade more accessible to visitors who previously encountered it only as part of a difficult journey through the valley. The waterfall became associated with the emerging tourism of the Salzburg Alps, while Krimml developed services for travellers, walkers and mountaineers. The route’s viewpoints turned a powerful but remote natural phenomenon into a recognised destination without removing it from its mountain setting.

Research, Protection and the National Park

The falls have also attracted scientific and medical interest, particularly because of the fine aerosol produced by falling water; research has examined its potential relevance to respiratory health, though visitors should not treat the spray as medical therapy. In the modern era, conservation has become central to the area’s identity. Krimml lies beside the Hohe Tauern National Park, established in stages from the 1980s and now one of the Alpine region’s major protected landscapes. Management seeks to balance tourism, local livelihoods, access and the protection of mountain habitats and natural processes.

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  • History and travel essentials of Krimml Waterfalls
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Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel guide to Krimml Waterfalls, Austria! Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more, Evendo is here to make your trip unforgettable. With detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Krimml Waterfalls, one of Austria's most stunning natural landmarks, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With Evendo, you can easily navigate through the area, discovering famous spots like the breathtaking Hohe Tauern National Park, the fascinating WasserWelten Krimml, and the picturesque Krimmler Achental valley. For food enthusiasts, our app highlights top dining spots such as the traditional Gasthof Schönmoosalm and the cozy Waldhaus.

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