Krimml Waterfalls: Europe's Largest Waterfalls in Hohe Tauern National Park

At the far end of Salzburg's Pinzgau region, the Krimmler Ache river drops 380 meters in three powerful cascades, more than Austria's highest waterfall, this is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Alps. The Krimml Waterfalls form the gateway to Hohe Tauern National Park and have drawn travelers from across Europe since the 19th century.

Three Cascades, 380 Meters of Fall

Fed by the Krimml glacier, one of the great ice fields of the Hohe Tauern, the Ache splits into three distinct stages. Even at the foot of the lowest cascade, fine spray fills the air, and on foehn days the roar of the falls can be heard for kilometers. The sheer height and volume of water make the Krimml Waterfalls the largest in Europe.

The Waterfall Trail Through the National Park

A well-built path winds in switchbacks past all three cascades up to the Krimmler Achenscharte, with viewpoints opening up again and again along the way. Walking the entire route to the highest point takes about three hours, though shorter sections also give families and less experienced hikers an impressive view of the spectacle.

History and Conservation

Emperor Franz Joseph himself once visited the falls, and they have been protected since 1967, later becoming part of the core zone of Hohe Tauern National Park in 1992. The nearby waterfall center shares knowledge about the geology, hydropower, and wildlife of the park and serves as the starting point for the waterfall trail.