If you’re planning a trip through Austria’s Alps and love a good dose of dramatic nature, then Krimml Waterfalls absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary. These aren’t just any waterfalls — at 380 meters high, they’re the tallest in all of Austria and among the most powerful in Europe. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to reach, beautifully maintained, and perfect for all kinds of travelers — whether you’re hiking to the top or just stopping for a scenic stroll.
We visited Krimml on our first day during our summer road trip through the Salzburgerland region, and it completely blew us away (in the best way). The thunder of the water, the cooling mist in the air, and the way the light hits the gorge as you climb higher. Plus, the panoramic waterfall trail is well-designed and family-friendly, with plenty of viewpoints, benches, and alpine charm along the way.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before visiting — from how to get there, when to go, what to wear, and whether it’s suitable with kids or a baby in tow.
📖 READ MORE – The Perfect Salzburg 1 Week Travel Guide
📖 READ MORE – The 10 Very Best Hikes In Salzburg In Austria – Including Map & Tips
Krimml Waterfalls Hiking Statistics
Distance – 8.2km out & back trail
Elevation – 461m
Duration – 3.5 hours
Starting Point – Park your car at either P2/P3. From there it’s a short walk towards the start of the trail.
End Point – P2/P3 car park
Parking Fee – €5 per vehicle (cash only)
Level – Easy to Moderate. The only thing that makes this trail a bit moderate is the elevation gain. Therefore ‘s zero technical difficulties and the entire trail is even suitable for strollers.
Entrance Fee – €9
Best time to visit – The trail is open all day long from Mid-April to the end of October
How to Get to Krimml Waterfalls
Getting to Krimml Waterfalls is surprisingly easy, whether you’re road tripping through Austria or using public transport.
🚗 By Car
If you’re driving, Krimml is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park in the Salzburg region, near the border with Tyrol. From Zell am See, it’s about a 1-hour drive (50 km) via the Gerlos Alpine Road — one of Austria’s most scenic routes (and yes, it’s worth the toll). Parking is well-organized and located right near the entrance to the falls. You’ll find several large parking lots in the village of Krimml, and from there it’s a short walk to the waterfall trail.
💡 TIP – Try to arrive early in peak summer months — the lots can fill up fast!
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
🚌 By Public Transport
You can also reach Krimml by train and bus. First, take a train to Zell am See or Jenbach, then hop on the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn (a scenic narrow-gauge railway) to Krimml Bahnhof. From there, you can either walk 30 minutes to the waterfall entrance or take a local shuttle or bus into the village.
The best time to visit the Krimml Waterfalls
| Season | Why Go |
|---|---|
| May – Early July | Highest water flow, lush scenery, mild hiking temperatures |
| Mid-July – August | Warm days, consistent trail access, refreshing mist spray |
| September – Early October | Quiet trails, autumn colors, still dramatic falls |
💡 TIP – Aim to visit early morning or late afternoon, even in summer—these times offer the best quality light for photography and fewer crowds on the trail.
💡 TIP – The trail officially opens from mid-April to the end of October. Outside these dates, only the lower falls platform (Kürsingerplatz) is accessible on a cleared winter path
Opening Times & Tickets for Krimml Waterfalls
The waterfall trail at Krimml is open daily from mid‑April until late October, with ticketed access required throughout this period. Outside these months, only the lower part of the trail is open and no admission fee applies.
Krimml WasserWelten (visitor centre): May 1 – October 29, 9am–5 pm, last entry at 4.30pm
Waterfall Trail Fee
- Adults: €9.00
- Children (6–15 years): €4.50
Tickets are available at the ticket booth near the waterfall entrance, just a short walk from the main parking lots. Your entrance fee helps support trail maintenance and environmental conservation.
💡 TIP – If you’re staying at a participating hotel in the Hohe Tauern National Park region, your Nationalpark Sommercard includes free entrance to Krimml Waterfalls — a great bonus for families or road trippers. You’ll need to present the card at the entrance booth to redeem your ticket. The Sommercard is valid from May 1 to October 31.
Where to stay
🏨 We based ourselves in Stuhlfelden, a very small town next to Mittersill and perfect to discover the hikes located in the Hohe Tauern National Park! We stayed at Hotel Flatscher, a cute little 3 star family run hotel that also offers dinner at a fair price.
The hotel is located right next to the main road which makes for shorter driving times.
Visiting Krimml Waterfalls with a Baby
The lower section of the trail is stroller-accessible, well-maintained, and flat enough for an easy walk with little ones. So if you’re traveling as a family and want a nature experience that doesn’t require intense hiking — this is a great option.
We visited with a baby in a Thule back carrier, which made it easy to continue beyond the lower platform and hike the full waterfall trail. The path does become steeper and includes stairs as you climb to the upper falls, so if you’re planning to go all the way up, a sturdy baby carrier is a must.
A few practical tips:
- Start early in the day — it’s cooler, quieter, and your baby might nap to the soothing sound of rushing water.
- Dress in layers, especially for your baby — the mist can make things feel chilly even on a warm day.
- There are benches and rest stops along the way, ideal for feeding or taking a break.
- Toilets and changing facilities are available at the entrance near the visitor center and parking lots.
Even if you only walk to the first viewing platform (about 10–15 minutes from the entrance), you’ll still get amazing views and that powerful sense of being close to nature — without needing to commit to a full hike. So whether you’re traveling with a tiny baby or a curious toddler, Krimml is a waterfall adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Krimml Waterfall trail – A step by step guide
The Krimml Waterfall Trail is one of Austria’s most accessible and awe-inspiring hikes, offering dramatic viewpoints at every turn. You’ll be following a 4 km (2.5 mi) trail that climbs alongside the roaring waterfall in three stunning stages — with multiple platforms and photo stops along the way.
Whether you go all the way to the top or just walk to the lower fall, this trail is doable for most fitness levels and absolutely worth the time.
Step 1 – Start at the Entrance (Kürsingerplatz)
From the main parking lots, follow the signs to the ticket booth. After passing through, the trail begins at Kürsingerplatz, where you’ll already see and hear the thunder of the falls. This lower viewpoint is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible and offers a dramatic first impression.
🕒 Time: 10–15 minutes from the entrance
📍 Elevation: ~1,070 m
Step 2 – Climb to the Middle Waterfall (Rainerkehle)
From the lower falls, the trail begins to climb steadily through a forested slope with misty air and wooden guardrails. You’ll pass several panoramic viewpoints, each one with benches and info boards. Keep following the Wasserfallweg signs.
Eventually, you’ll reach Rainerkehle, the middle platform. This is arguably the most powerful section, where the water narrows and crashes down between steep rock walls. Expect spray — and don’t be surprised if you (and your camera) get a little soaked!
🕒 Time from entrance: 45–60 minutes
📍 Elevation: ~1,300 m
📷 Don’t miss: Jägersteig, a short detour with a sweeping view of the gorge.
Step 3 – Hike to the Upper Falls (Krimmler Ache Plateau)
The final section of the trail is the steepest but most rewarding. As you climb above the treeline, you’ll reach Tauernblick and then the Schettkanzel platform — two of the best panoramic spots on the trail. After about 1.5–2 hours of total hiking time, you’ll reach the top of the falls, where the Krimmler Ache river flows gently through a high alpine valley.
At the top, you’ll find a small mountain hut (Gasthof Schönangerl) — perfect for a drink, snack, or even a hot meal if you need to refuel before heading back down.
🕒 Time from entrance: 1.5–2 hours up
📍 Elevation: ~1,460 m
🥨 Optional: Extend your hike into the Krimmler Achental Valley if you want even more solitude and scenery.
Step 4 – Return the Same Way
You’ll descend along the same trail, taking in different perspectives of the waterfalls and valley below. Plan for 45–60 minutes to walk down, depending on how often you stop.
If you have any questions about how to visit Salzburg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on the Salzburg region in Austria
The Perfect Salzburg 1 Week Travel Guide
How To Visit The Grossglockner High Alpine Road In Austria – Tips & Epic Viewpoints
Visiting Sigmund Thun Klamm – A Complete Guide to Kaprun’s Most Scenic Gorge
The 10 Very Best Hikes In Salzburg In Austria – Including Map & Tips
Visiting Liechtensteinklamm – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Most Impressive Gorge
Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – A Scenic Alpine Trail in Filzmoos, Austria
Hiking to Tappenkarsee – A Stunning Alpine Lake Trail in Salzburg, Austria
Hiking to Hochkeil – A Scenic Summit Trail in Salzburg’s Mountains
Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike
Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig
8 Top Things To Do In Hohe Tauern National Park
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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