Krimml Waterfalls

The Krimml Waterfalls hold the distinction of being the tallest waterfalls in Austria, with a total drop of 385 meters. Krimml is situated within the Hohe Tauern National Park.The waterfalls are created by the Krimmler Ache, which cascades down in three stages at the lower end of the Krimmler Achental.The water flows from the Pinzgau region into the Salzach River, which then continues towards Salzburg before eventually meeting the Inn River.

The impressive height of the Achenfall is due to the unique geological formation of the mountain region. Specifically, the upper, middle, and lower sections of the waterfall measure 145 m, 100 m, and 140 m in height, respectively. The upper Salzach valley remained when the central parts of the Alps were uplifted approximately 30 million years ago due to the collision between the African and Eurasian plates.The difference in elevation was made worse during the Ice Age due to a strong ice flow that deeply carved the main valleys.The reason why the waterfall steps have been preserved at this height is due to the presence of a zone of exceptionally hard rock (granite) known as the Tauern window. The waterfalls are situated at the edge of this geological formation.

Voluntary travel, especially driven by scientific curiosity, became more prevalent among the English in the 18th century.In approximately 1835, Ignaz von Kürsinger, the caretaker of Mittersill, took the initiative to construct a pathway leading to the upper end of the lower fall. Additionally, he built a small house specifically for tourists and painters (cameras were still in use at that time). This allowed travelers to enjoy a more extensive view of the Krimml Waterfalls without having to exert significant effort, which was not a common convenience at the time.The Krimmler Tauernweg was expanded into a panoramic trail in 1879 by the Pinzgau section of the German and Austrian Alpine Association.

The Krimml Waterfalls are a prominent tourist destination in Austria, drawing an average of 400,000 visitors. While this influx of tourists has positive impacts on the local economy, it also presents certain challenges.There are two factors to consider: the traffic load and the impact and erosion damage in the path area.

Lower Krimml Waterfal – 140 m drop height

The Krimmler Ache, a glacial stream, is coming down the lower waterfall consisting of two steps with a total height of more than 140 m. Natural seating available at Kürsingerplatz (climatic spa).

Walking distance from Krimml: 20 minutes.
Directions: Follow the sightseeing path to the Krimml Waterfalls until you get to Hanke´s Cafe Restaurant. From there 2 minutes walking distance to Kürsinger Platz – Lower Krimml Waterfall. The sightseeing path is in a very good condition.

Middle Krimml Waterfall – 100 m drop height

From Schönangerlboden the glacier stream is falling down the middle waterfall step from a height of 100 meters. If you feel like taking a break, the Schoenangerl restaurant is the perfect place to do so.

Walking distance from Krimml: 45 minutes
Directions: Follow the sightseeing path to the Krimml Waterfalls until you get to Hanke´s Cafe Restaurant. From there the waterfall path takes you to the Middle Krimml Waterfall (Schönangerlboden) and offers a spectacular view of the thundering water masses.
The sightseeing path is in a very good condition – steeply increasing.

Topmost Krimml Waterfall– 145 m drop height

Wonderful viewpoint to the Salzachtal Valley, to the Topmost Krimml Waterfall and to the village Krimml, entrance to the Krimml Achental Valley. The Topmost Waterfall is the largest step of the Krimml Waterfalls.

Walking distance from Krimml: 1 hour 15 minutes
Directions: Follow the sightseeing path to the Krimml Waterfalls until you get to Hanke´s Cafe Restaurant. From there the waterfall path takes you to the topmost waterfall and offers a spectacular view of the thundering water masses.

The sightseeing path is in a very good condition – steeply increasing.

Krimml, Austria