Krimml

Nestled in Salzburger Land, Austria, Krimml is a little community in the Oberpinzgau area within the Hohe Tauern national park. Strategically located around 26 kilometers from Mittersill and 54 kilometers from Zell am See, Krimml boasts an 842 resident population as of January 1, 2022. Surrounded by the Zillertal Arena ski area and the Hohe Tauern National Park, this picturesque location offers year-round outdoor pursuits.

Outdoor enthusiasts can discover in Krimml wide-ranging hiking paths, alpine pastues, waterfalls, ski slopes, and snow parks. The village offers a portal to amazing scenery, beckoning guests to cross-country ski, climb mountain paths, or engage in exciting abseiling exploits. With a captivating drop of 1,247 feet (380 meters), the Krimml Waterfalls—the highest in Austria and among the tallest in Europe—are among the main draws. Starting in the village, a climb brings to view these amazing falls. Underneath the falls, the aquatic theme park The Wonderful Worlds of Water presents an exciting outdoor adventure environment. The Spruce Tree Castle’s climbing tower, adventure playground, water and sand play areas appeal to families with young children.

More than 37 miles (60 kilometers) of well defined walking paths at varying altitudes helps one explore the surrounding terrain. Adventurers can take advantage of picturesque mountain bike routes, water sports at the Durlaßboden Reservoir, and thrilling events including rafting, zip-lining and abseiling down waterfalls.

To those who enjoy the winter, Krimml becomes a snowy paradise. Thrilling experiences abound from skiing and snowboarding on the Zillertal Arena’s slopes, matched with the Snow Park in Gerlos and the Action Park in Zell. While advanced skiers can tackle the demanding HöhenFresser Tour ski run, starting at an amazing height of 8,202 feet (2,500 meters), the Hainzenberg toboggan run offers an exciting 4-mile (7-kilometer descent.

Krimml provides a handy rail link to Zell am See and gains from first-rate road access in the Zillertal Valley. Easy access via international airports in Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Germany guarantees a flawless journey.

Krimml offers a wide spectrum of outdoor activities, so perfect for any kind of vacation—relaxation or adventure. This makes it a year-round destination.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

Austria

Country

06564

Area code

847

Population

169.23 km2

Area

German

Official language

1,067 m (3,501 ft)

Elevation

UTC+1 (CET)

Time zone

Geography Of Krimml_Austria Travel Guide
Krimml Travel Guide

Geography Of Krimml

Krimml is a lovely town close to the Tyrolean border on the Salzach river in the upper Pinzgau area. Rising 1,067 m above sea level, it presents a lovely perspective of the Krimmler Ache Valley and the Gerlos Pass road. Reaching 3,499 m, the Krimmler Ache Valley runs from the Dreiherrnspitze peak. The Birnlücke Pass bridle road lets one cross the Alpine crest into Tauferer Ahrntal in South Tyrol.

With a total drop of almost 380 m, Krimml is a popular tourist destination ranking among the highest in Europe. From north of Krimml at 2,300 m above sea level, the Salzach river originates. Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Wald im Pinzgau, Königsleiten, South Tyrol, and Gerlos are a few of the several neighboring areas around the settlement.

One can reach Krimml by car, train, bus, bike, or hiking paths among other ways. The Gerlos Pass road provides car access; the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn trains; the Postbus line 670 buses; and riding is via the Tauern Cycle Path. A popular tourist destination in the town is also the famous Krimml Waterfalls.

Weather & Climate In Krimml
Krimml Travel Guide

Weather & Climate In Krimml

Krimml’s location in the Alps, roughly 1,100 meters above sea level, shapes its temperature and weather. With a continental climate, Krimml experiences four separate seasons: mild and rainy springs and autumns, cold and snowy winters, and warm and sunny summers. The Foehn wind, a warm and dry wind from the south that can produce quick temperature and weather change, influences Krimml’s climate as well.

Found in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the biggest nature reserve in the Alps, Krimml is Comprising some 1,800 square kilometers, the park boasts several mountains, glaciers, valleys, and lakes. Surrounded by high mountains, Krimml is in the Krimmler Achental valley, which runs east to west. With a total drop of 380 meters, the Krimmler Ache river forms the highest waterfall in Europe as it runs across the valley.

Krimml’s weather and climate are much influenced by its position in the Alps. The mountains serve as a natural barrier blocking or altering the air masses originating from many directions. For instance, the mountains usually block the Atlantic air masses that carry mild and moist air from the west, so reducing precipitation and increasing sunlight in Krimml. Conversely, the continental air masses from the east can more readily reach Krimml and bring cold, dry air from the east, so lowering temperatures and reducing humidity.

Demographics Of Krimml
Krimml Travel Guide

Demographics Of Krimml

The 2015 census shows that Krimml had 826 residents overall, 407 of them men and 419 of them women. Comparatively to the national average of 105.1 people per km², the population density was 4.9 people per km², which is quite low By population, Krimml is the smallest municipality in the Zell am See district; by area, it comes second.

From 1975, when it peaked at 1,043, Krimml’s population has been falling. The population dropped by 20.9%, far higher than the 1.5% national drop in the same period between 1975 and 2015. The low birth rate, high death rate, and negative net migration account mostly for the population fall. With just 1.3 children per woman in 2015 against the national average of 1.5, Krimml boasts among the lowest fertility rates in Austria. In 2015, the death rate was 12.8 deaths per 1,000 persons—above the national average of 9.5. More people left Krimml than migrated in 2015; the net migration rate was -3.6 per 1,000 persons.

Among Austria, Krimml boasts among the lowest population density of 4.9 people per km². The altitude and land availability determine the population density of the municipality, which changes. The valley beside the Salzach river has the highest population density; the main settlement and the tourist amenities are found there. The mountainous regions have the lowest population density; few farms and alpine cottages are dispersed there.

History Of Krimml_Austria Travel Guide
Krimml Travel Guide

History Of Krimml

With evidence of towns from both the Early Bronze Age and the later Bronze Age, Krimml’s history starts there. In the 7th and 6th centuries BC the area underwent a cultural change towards Celtic influence. About 200 BC, the Celtic tribe Ambisonten lived in the region and interacted with the Romans. In 15 B.C., the Romans enslaved the Alpine Celts—including the Ambisontes—while Noricum joined the Roman Empire in 10 B.C. For 500 years, Roman influence persisted; Krimml acted as a link to the adjacent Ahrntal valley.

The language and culture of the Bavarians were much shaped during the Middle Ages. In 1228 Oberpinzgau joined the Archdiocese of Salzburg; Krimml’s parish church, noted in 1244, is among the oldest in Pinzgau. With the area acting as a rest stop and a border pass, trade links through Krimml clearly are important.

Krimml saw political changes in modern times as well, including membership in the Salzach District, Austrian Empire, Kingdom of Bavaria, and Electorate of Salzburg. Early travel and mountaineering arriving in the late 19th century changed the economy fundamentally. Growing numbers of people were drawn to the Pinzgau local railway when it opened in 1898 and to the paths and viewing platforms built at the waterfalls.

Tourism In Krimml_Austria Travel Guide
Krimml Travel Guide

Tourism In Krimml

Nestled in the Zillertal Arena, the biggest ski area in the Zillertal valley, Krimml is a small but lovely town. Krimml, in the federal state of Salzburg, Austria, is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly with reference to the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Europe. One of the biggest and most varied nature parks in the Alps, the High Tauern National Park is accessible via Krimml as well.

Since the village draws thousands of guests annually, particularly in winter, tourism is the main industry in Krimml. For visitors, the village boasts several conveniences including restaurants, cafes, bars, stores, banks, and a post office. Winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and snowshoe walking predominate in tourism in Krimml. Krimml is located on the 143 km of slopes, 52 lifts, and 200km of cross-country tracks of the Zillertal Arena.

From beginners to experts, the ski area fits all levels of skiers and boasts a snow guarantee from December through April. Other winter sports Krimml provides are ice skating, sledding, tobogganing, curling, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Part of the Venediger Group subrange in the High Tauern, the stunning Krimmler Ache valley leads up to the Dreiherrnspitze peak. Winter access to the valley offers hiking paths, alpine pastures, and numerous mountain huts. The National Park Centre in Mittersill also exhibits the Hohe Tauern region’s flora and fauna.

Best Time To Visit Krimml
Krimml Travel Guide

Best Time To Visit Krimml

As the snow melts and the flowers blossom, spring in Krimml is a wonderful time to see nature waking. Hiking and biking would be good times since the temperature falls between -5°C and 7°C and the precipitation is low. In spring, when the melting snow feeds the waterfall, it is most breathtaking. Another great time to visit the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park, where the alpine meadows and wildlife abound, is spring.

With temperatures up to 21°C, summer in Krimml is the suniest and warmest season. Given sporadic thunderstorms and showers, it is also the wettest season. Because so many people come to enjoy the outdoor activities including hiking, biking, climbing, rafting, and paragliding, summer is the busiest travel season. Summer brings still breathtaking views of the waterfall, which you can cool off against. Visit the Krimml Worlds of Water, a theme park highlighting the beauties of water, in summer as well.

With the changing leaves and lower temperature, autumn in Krimml is a vibrant and comfortable season. There is a moderate precipitation and the temperature falls between 0°C and 15°C. For tourism, autumn is a slower season since the crowds thin out and the rates decline. Hiking and riding are excellent times since the paths are less congested and the surroundings are breathtaking. In autumn, the waterfall is still breathtaking; you can savor the golden light and pure air.

Krimml’s winter is a snowy and frigid one with lows of -15°C. Additionally a dry season with little precipitation is this one. Krimml is near several ski resorts, including Zillertal Arena and Wildkogel Arena, thus winter is a common season for skiing. Winter’s freezing of the waterfall produces a wonderful ice sculpture. Visiting the Krimml Waterfall Centre, where one may learn about the science and background of the waterfall, is also a great idea for winter.

Attractions & Landmarks In Krimml
Krimml Travel Guide

Attractions & Landmarks In Krimml

Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and captivating attractions, Krimml is in the Salzburg area of Austria. One of the highest waterfalls in Europe, the Krimml Falls calls attention with their striking height. Comprising three tiers, the falls reach an astounding height of 380 meters. From May to October, the 4-km Wasserfallweg trail presents adventurous souls with the chance to savor amazing panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Engaging exhibits, a movie, a playground, and a café at the WasserWelten visitor center accentuates this experience.

Near the Italian border, at an amazing height of 2,329 meters, Zittauer Hütte is a mountain refuge. Easily reachable from Krimml via the Richterhütte or Warnsdorferhütte paths, this location is a climbing and hiking paradise. Open from mid-June to late September, Zittauer Hütte offers guests breathtaking views of the glaciers of the Zillertal Alps.

Tucked at 1,640 meters, Gletscherblickalm Hochkrimml is a little alpine haven. Perfect for savoring real Austrian cuisine and enjoying amazing views of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the surrounding mountains, this spot is open all year. The guesthouse gives visitors a whole alpine experience with 12 rooms and a sauna.

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Krimml Info Card

CategoryValue
LocationKrimml is a municipality in Zell am See District, in the federal state of Salzburg, Austria, in the Pinzgau region
Elevation1,067 m (3,501 ft) above sea level
Population847 (as of 2018-01-01)
Tourism officeKrimml Tourismus, Oberkrimml 65, 5743 Krimml, Austria
Postal code5743
Phone prefix06564
Area169.23 km2 (65.34 sq mi)
EstablishedFirst mentioned in 1228
GDP/
LanguageGerman
License PlateZE
Districts & NeighborhoodsKrimml consists of the cadastral communities of Krimml and Oberkrimml
Weather & ClimateWarm summer continental climate with cold winters and mild summers
Best Time To VisitDepends on the activities you prefer, but generally summer (June to August) for hiking and winter (December to February) for skiing
Attractions & LandmarksThe highest waterfall in Austria and Europe; Krimml Waterfalls; Krimmler Ache Valley, a picturesque valley including mountain pastures and a bridle path to South Tyrol; Modern national park center with interactive displays Nationalparkzentrum; Zillertal Arena is a big ski resort with 52 lifts and 143 km of slopes.
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