The Krimml Waterfalls are the highest cascades in Central Europe (380 m). It is a natural wonder located in the small village of Krimml (4 km from the falls), with a population of just 900, on the border with Tyrol.
The waterfall is more than just a plunging stream; it is a crystal of rainbow colours and splashes of sparkling diamonds on the clothes and faces of travellers.
The waterfalls are formed by the Krimmler Ache River, which flows from a glacier at an altitude of 3,000 metres. The cascade consists of three parts: the lower sill is 140 metres high, the middle sill is 100 metres high and the upper sill is 145 metres high. Near the lower level there are restaurants with good food and souvenir shops. The second level can be reached by taxi, but the rest way is only accessible on foot.
The stunning scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park is a worthy companion to the falls. Interesting exhibitions are held here every year, so there's more to the walk than just culture.
There's an entrance fee to the national park (and therefore to the falls), but that's not a deterrent, as all the money raised goes towards maintaining, developing and improving the infrastructure of the protected area.
This idyllic setting is very popular with tourists, so it makes sense to book nearby hotels well in advance. The best time to see the falls is in summer, when you can enjoy the coolness and the incredible noise, which sounds like real mountain music without any dissonance.
The Krimmle waterfalls are no less unique in winter. They are frozen into a giant ice sculpture and the surrounding scenery is reminiscent of the fairy tales of the Cold Heart. Only the lower rapids are accessible in winter. The upper viewing platforms are open until 29 October.
On the way to the Krimml Waterfalls you will see other beautiful places. In Zell am See, for example, you can admire a mountain lake surrounded by the Alps. Once you've reached the waterfalls, you can't miss the little farmhouse where you can stop for a snack, a glass of steaming milk surrounded by grazing cows, or a sparkling apple juice.
Over 350,000 tourists visit the Krimml Waterfalls in Austria every year. The walk is not difficult, but very comfortable. All the paths are well maintained (no off-roading!), there are benches to rest on and great viewing platforms. At one of these "staging posts", the famous sculptor Christian Hitsch has created some granite seats in the shade of trees that blend in with the surrounding landscape.
There are also alpine huts along the route where tourists (especially those with children) can rest and, if necessary, spend the night. There are car parks and even equipped toilets, and special paths have been designed for people with disabilities.
Climbing to the upper viewing platform is easy. It's just over an hour's walk from the foot of the hill, and the scenery is so beautiful you won't even want to look under your feet. Before you know it, you're almost at the top. Almost, but not quite. The more active hikers prefer to climb even higher to see the start of the Krimmler Kees glacier with their own eyes.
Don't worry if you don't have the energy to make it to the end. There are signs at each viewpoint indicating the length of the route. It's easy to gauge your strength.
Near the waterfall there is a car park and a museum called "The Wonderful World of Water". Here you can admire not only the beauty of nature, but also the beauty created by human hands. In fact, the Krimml Waterfalls are a favourite place for car and motorcycle clubs. Sports cars and old-timers impress with their variety and luxury.
Here, high in the Alps, many couples in love take an evening stroll — as night falls, the falls are illuminated, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. During the day, it's not just the sun that shines, but also the rare moss that can reflect the sun's rays.
A trip to the Krimml Waterfall is the best holiday for those who love mountains, forests, nature and active life. Come and see for yourself!
