The Krimml Waterfalls (Krimmler Wasserfälle) are Austria's highest falls, dropping a total of 380 m as the Krimmler Ache river plunges through the Hohe Tauern National Park in Salzburg — among the largest cascades in Europe and often cited as the fifth-highest waterfall in the world. Their three tiers (140 m upper, 100 m middle, 140 m lower) can be viewed up close from a waterfall trail with staged platforms that draws around 400,000 visitors a year. In 2026 the site runs seasonally, roughly mid-April through late October, with the flow peaking on glacial meltwater in June and July. Famed also for the fine spray whose aerosol is shown to ease asthma and allergies, it works well as a visit that pairs raw alpine scenery with a health-giving walk.
A 380 m total drop in three tiers (140 + 100 + 140 m) seen stage by stage from viewing platforms — Europe's highest waterfall
A roughly 4 km waterfall trail (about 430 m of ascent) with several lookouts and photo stops; the lowest fall is a 10–15 minute walk from the car park
Ultra-fine spray aerosol (up to 70,000 negative-ion pairs per cm³) linked by Paracelsus Medical University research to relief from asthma and allergies
The Krimml Worlds of Water (WasserWelten) visitor centre at the foot of the falls — 25 interactive stations, family-friendly
Pristine Hohe Tauern National Park nature — glacial water, 62 bird species, and moss and fern communities nurtured by the mist
Good to know
SeasonThe waterfall trail opens only seasonally, roughly mid-April to late October, and closes in winter. The WasserWelten visitor centre is listed as open 1 May–27 Oct 2026, but always reconfirm prices, dates and hours on the official site. Water flow is strongest in June and July.
SafetyIt is a real mountain path — about 4 km round trip with 430 m of climbing — and the steps and platforms stay wet and slippery from the spray. Wear grippy hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket, and pack an extra layer since alpine weather changes fast.
RulesThis is a paid attraction. The trail fee (adult about €9) and the combination ticket with the visitor centre (adult about €15.90, parking included) are separate, so choose to match your plan and keep your ticket until you leave. A Nationalpark Sommercard or Krimmler Gästekarte from your accommodation may include free or discounted entry — check in advance.
MannersThis is a protected national park: stay on marked trails, carry your rubbish out, and do not disturb the plants or wildlife. Entering the watercourse or swimming is prohibited in many sections.
SafetyBy public transport, reach the area from Zell am See on the Pinzgau local railway, but in 2026 part of the line runs only to Mittersill with an onward rail-replacement bus (SEV). Krimml station sits about 3 km from the falls, so use the connecting Postbus shuttle — check the current timetable before you set out.
CautionBuy tickets only at the on-site office or the official website, and in busy car parks and on crowded platforms keep bags in front to guard against pickpockets. Austria is generally safe, but ordinary caution is wise at packed tourist spots.
Practical info
Located in Krimml, Salzburg, and reached by car or by the Pinzgau local railway from Zell am See plus a connecting Postbus (Krimml station is about 3 km from the falls). The trail runs seasonally, roughly mid-April to late October; the visitor centre is listed as open 1 May–27 Oct 2026, 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Confirm fares, operating dates and timetables on the official site before you go.
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