Krimml Waterfalls
Europe’s highest waterfall
The three fall stages have a total fall height of 380m, and on average 5.6 cubic metres of water cascades into the valley below every second.
With around 400,000 visitors every year, Krimml Waterfalls are among the Top 10 most visited sights in Austria.
The invigorating spray from Krimml Waterfalls, nestling in the dreamy backdrop of the Hohe Tauern National Park, inspires all ages. All the interesting facts about the waterfalls can be read at the information point located at the entrance to the waterfalls.
Origin of Krimml Waterfalls
Krimml Waterfalls originate from the Krimmler Ache. It starts at the end of Krimml’s Achen Valley, initially flowing gently through here for around 20 km on flat Alpine terrain, then reaching the end of the valley as a thundering glacier stream, cascading down the vast stages of the Krimml Waterfalls.
The drainage basin of the Krimmler Ache spans 110.7 km2, approx. 12 % of which is glaciated. The Krimmler Ache is a typical glacier stream, with a greatly varying water flow.
For instance in the months of June and July the flow is 30- to 40-times that of the February amount. Since it takes the melt water 9 - 12 hours to get from the glacier mouth to the waterfalls (=18 km), the maximum flow for the day occurs between 21.00 and 24.00.
The Waterfall Trail
The Waterfall Trail with its numerous viewing points and platforms was built in 1900 and since then has been providing nature-enthusiasts with an up-close experience of the Krimml Waterfalls. The trail is well paved and continuously tended to and maintained.
It is a 10 – 15 minute walk from the car park to the lowest waterfall. From there, the Waterfall Trail leads in twists and turns to the uppermost waterfall (walk time around 1 1/4 hours), continuing into Krimmler Achental Valley. Viewing platforms provide spectacular views to the thundering water masses of the Krimml Waterfalls. The information point provides lots of interesting facts and a large selection of literature, DVDs and much more is available at the ÖAV (Austrian Alpine Club) information point too. Access provisions for those with disabilities has been made available up to Kürsingerplatz.