Tourism In Krimml
Nestled in the Zillertal Arena, the biggest ski resort 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 tallest waterfall in Europe. One of the biggest and most varied natural reserves in the Alps, the High Tauern National Park opens via Krimml.
Since the town draws thousands of guests annually, particularly in winter, tourism is the major industry in Krimml. For visitors, the community boasts several conveniences like restaurants, cafés, pubs, stores, banks, and a post office. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter trekking, and snowshoe walking predominate in tourism in Krimml. Part of the Zillertal Arena, Krimml features 200 km of cross-country routes, 52 lifts, and 143 km of slopes.
From beginners to pros, the ski resort fits all levels of skiers and has 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 climbs up to the Dreiherrnspitze mountain. Winter access to the valley offers hiking paths, alpine pastures, and several mountain cabins. The National Park Centre in Mittersill, which displays Hohe Tauern region’s flora and animals, is another visitable site.
Krimml Tourism Statistics
The official figures from the Tourismusburo Krimml show that the town had 93,000 overnight stays overall in 2020, a drop of 23% from 2019 owing to the COVID-19 epidemic. The average occupancy rate was 44%; the stay lasted 4.5 days. Germany (40%), Austria (30%), the Netherlands (15%), and Switzerland (5%), were the key sourcing markets. With 24,000 overnight stays, February was the high season; November had 1,000 overnight stays, the low season.
Visitor Demographics
The season and the kind of activity influence the visitor count of Krimml. Usually searching for a laid-back and enjoyable vacation in the mountains, the guests are generally families, couples, and groups of friends. Along with environment and culture, including the Krimml Waterfalls, the Krimmler Tauernhaus, and the Hohe Tauern National Park, the tourists are also especially fascinated in winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Though from other nations as well, the tourists are largely from Europe, particularly from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Seasonal Tourism Trends
Krimml’s seasonal tourism patterns are mostly shaped by the school holidays and the weather conditions. Since the ski area is open and the snow conditions are ideal, the winter season—from December to April—is the most often used and hectic time of year. Along with the carnival celebrations, which accentuate the happy and energetic environment, the winter season also marks the Christmas and New Year holidays. Because the weather is nice and bright and the flowers are in bloom, the summer—from May to October—is the second most sought-after and hectic season of year. Along with the summer, the Krimml Waterfalls—which draw a lot of tourists—have their peak flow. Along with animals and breathtaking scenery, the summer season presents several hiking and bicycle paths. Because the ski area is closed and the weather is erratic, the spring and fall seasons—from March to May and from September to November—are the least popular and active periods of year. These seasons do, however, also have certain benefits including less traffic, cheaper rates, and more peace and quiet.
Accommodation Occupancy Rates
Krimml’s lodging occupancy rates vary depending on the season and kind of accommodation. Generally speaking, occupancy rates in hotels are greater than in guesthouses or flats; they are also higher in winter than in summer. The Tourismusburo Krimml claims that the COVID-19 epidemic caused a 16% drop in the average occupancy rate in 2020 from 44%, from 2019. With 72%, February had the highest occupancy rate; November had a lowest occupancy rate at 6%. In guesthouses it was 39%; in hotels it was 51%; in apartments it was 35%.
Economic Impact of Tourism
In Krimml, tourism is the major source of revenue and work as it supports the social welfare and the local economy. From lodging, food and beverages, transportation, entertainment, and souvenirs, tourism brings money from several angles. For several industries, including hospitality, catering, retail, and services, tourism also generates employment. Travel also helps to preserve and promote the region’s natural and cultural legacy like the Hohe Tauern National Park, Krimml Waterfalls, and Krimmler Tauernhaus. Travel also helps the village’s infrastructure and facilities—including the roads, elevators, paths, and public conveniences—to grow and flourish.
Evolution of Tourism in Krimml
The first explorers and mountaineers found the Krimml Waterfalls, the fifth tallest in the world and the highest in Europe, in the 19th century, hence beginning the history of tourism in Krimml. Travelers seeking to see the amazing show of water tumbling down from a height of 380 meters started to find great appeal in the waterfalls. The Austrian Alpine Club created a public trail by the waterfalls in 1879, Later on, the road was expanded and upgraded; today it forms part of the European Long Distance Path E4.
The building of the Gerlos Alpine Road, a picturesque road linking Krimml with the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol, also affected the growth of tourism in Krimml. Opening in 1962, the route let guests drive or bus to Krimml. The route also provided access to the ski resorts of Hochkrimml and Gerlosplatte, therefore opening more opportunities for winter sports.
The founding of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the biggest natural reserve in the Alps, in 1981 also helped to drive tourism in Krimml. Comprising 1,856 square kilometers, the park includes the surrounding mountains and the Krimml Waterfalls. The park provides environmental conservation projects, educational events, hiking paths, and chances for seeing animals.
Milestones and Achievements
Reflecting its quality and sustainability, tourism in Krimml has reached various benchmarks and won honors throughout the years. Among the most prominent ones are:
- Krimml became the first municipality in Austria to get the European Diploma of Protected Areas in 2005; this esteemed accolade for its management of the Hohe Tauern National Park and Krimml Waterfalls.
- Krimml received the EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) accolade in 2008 from the European Commission, which supports newly discovered tourism locations dedicated to social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
- Based on scientific research demonstrating the benefits of the fine mist of the waterfalls on the respiratory system and the immunological system, Krimml was designated as a “Healing Climate Resort” by the Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg in 2010.
- 2014 saw Krimml crowned the “Best Austrian Summer Destination” by the Austrian Travel Association, a top travel agency in Austria.
The Green Destinations Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps locations in enhancing their sustainability performance, placed Krimml among the top 10 sustainable destinations in the world in 2019.
Past Visitor Trends
The Salzburg Tourism Board’s official figures show that Krimml’s visitor count and overnight stays have been rising steadily for the past ten years.
| Year | Visitors | Overnight stays |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 66,483 | 281,433 |
| 2011 | 68,731 | 291,948 |
| 2012 | 70,124 | 300,112 |
| 2013 | 72,456 | 309,876 |
| 2014 | 74,892 | 319,964 |
| 2015 | 77,432 | 330,384 |
| 2016 | 80,078 | 341,136 |
| 2017 | 82,832 | 352,224 |
| 2018 | 85,694 | 363,648 |
| 2019 | 88,666 | 375,408 |
Discover Krimml
Nestled in Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park, Krimml has various noteworthy features; the Krimml Waterfalls are especially noteworthy. With a combined height of 380 meters, these falls rank fifth worldwide and highest in Europe. Comprising three tiers—the lower falls (140m), the middle falls (100m), and the top falls (140m)—the waterfalls present a hypnotic spectacle. Accessible by a 4-kilometer trekking path, guests may savor the amazing vistas of neighboring mountains and falling water. Renowned for their health advantages, the fine mist created by the falls is thought to strengthen the immune system and ease respiratory problems. Offering an exhibition on the geology, ecology, and history of the falls, the Waterfall Center offers aficioners an educational stop.
The Krimmler Tauernhaus, a venerable mountain inn with roots in the 14th century, also calls Krimml home. Originally a hospice for visitors and pilgrims crossing the Birnlücke Pass across the Alps, the inn stays open offering lodging, meals, and guided trips. Complementing this experience, the Krimmler Tauernhaus Museum presents relics and records about the inn and the pass, therefore providing insights into the history and culture of the area.
Another striking draw is the picturesque valley known as Krimmler Achental, which stretches from the hamlet to the Alpine summit. Among the many natural beauties this valley has are glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and varied animals. There are many more exploration possibilities; hiking, biking, and horseback riding let guests enjoy panoramic views of mountains and grasslands. The Krimml Waterfalls arise from the river Krimmer Ache, which runs through the valley from the Krimmler Kees glacier. Apart from its influence on the falls, the river is a popular spot for kayaking, rafting, and fishing, therefore improving the leisure value of the area.
History of Krimml
Krimml’s rich and intriguing past runs back thousands of years. From the Celtic word “crimil,” which means “the place where the water falls,” the name Krimml comes. First colonists in the region were the Celts; later, the Romans erected a fort and a road close to the waterfalls. Krimml belonged to the County of Tyrol in the Middle Ages and thereafter Salzburg’s Archbishopric. Being a major center for trade, transportation, and defense, Krimml was crucial for the history of the Alpine area. Along with various battles and conflicts including the Peasant War, the Napoleonic battles, and the World Wars, Krimml was also the site of Once the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell, Krimml joined the Republic of Austria in 1919.
Visit the local museum to learn more about the history of Krimml; it features many objects from several eras and facets of the town’s past. Examining the town’s historical structures and monuments—which range from the parish church to the castle, the old mill, and the war memorial—is another way.
Culture and Heritage
Krimml exhibits its alpine and rural identity by means of a vivid and varied culture and legacy. Celebrated annually with different festivals and events, Krimml is pleased of its customs and traditions. Among the most often used ones are those like:
- Every year on the first Sunday of July, the Krimml Waterfall Festival consists in a procession, music, dancing, and pyrotechnics at the waterfalls.
- Every year in mid-September, the Krimml Cattle Drive celebrates the conclusion of the summer grazing season as the cows are returned from mountain pastures to the valley, ornamented with flowers and bells.
- Every year on the four weekends before Christmas, the Krimml Advent Market presents a festive and cosy environment with local crafts, cuisine, and entertainment.
Krimml is also well-known for its creative and musical ability, which are displayed on several events and locations. Among others, you may enjoy the presentations of the Krimml Theater Group, Krimml Choir, Krimml Brass Band, and Krimml Folk Dance Group. Additionally appreciable are the paintings of the Krimml Painters, who faithfully depict the beauty of the surroundings and the inhabitants.
Explore Krimml Attractions
For those who enjoy the outdoors and environment, Krimml is a heaven as it provides a great spectrum of events for every season and inclination. Among the must-see and must-do activities in Krimml are these ones:
Landmarks and Historical Sites
- Reachable via a 4-kilometer walk with breathtaking vistas and information panels along the way, the Krimml Waterfalls are the major attraction and emblem of Krimml. Additionally visit the Wasserfallzentrum Krimml, a tourist center offering information and services for the visitors, and the interactive exhibition WasserWelten Krimml, which reveals the secrets and beauties of water.
- Scenic Gerlos Alpine Road provides magnificent views of the mountains and reservoirs and links Krimml with the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol. Along the route, you may drive, bike, or trek; stop at the several points of view and rest places.
- Comprising 1,856 square kilometres and including the Krimml Waterfalls and the surrounding mountains, the Hohe Tauern National Park is the biggest natural reserve in the Alps. Joining guided trips, visiting the visitor centers, or following the hiking paths will let you experience the park.
Natural Wonders
- Originating from the Krimml Waterfalls and across the Krimml Valley, the Krimmler Ache forms a sequence of rapids and gorges. rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming all let you enjoy the river.
- Rising to a height of 3,666 meters at the Großvenediger summit, the Krimmler Tauern mountain range constitutes Salzburg’s boundary from Tyrol. Mount climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, or paragliding will help you to appreciate the mountains.
- Offering a range of settings including meadows, woods, lakes, and glaciers, the Krimmler Achental is the valley running from Krimml to the Krimmler Tauern. You may find the valley via sledding, riding a horseback, strolling, or bike.
