The Krimml Waterfalls are among the great natural spectacles of the Alps. The Krimml stream drops in three stages down a steep cliff in the Hohe Tauern National Park, falling around 380 metres in total, which makes this the highest waterfall system in Europe by common reckoning. The roar and spray can be felt from far along the path, and on sunny days rainbows hang in the mist. A well-made trail climbs beside the falls, with viewing platforms and benches along the way, so you can walk as far as you wish, from a short stroll to the lower falls to a longer climb to the top. The air around the falls is rich in fine water droplets, and the area has a tradition of being used for therapeutic air treatments. The setting is also beautiful beyond the water: dark forest, grey rock, alpine meadows above and the broad valley below. Visitors from Innsbruck usually go on a day tour, which handles the long drive and typically adds a stop in the stylish town of Kitzbühel.
How to visit
Krimml is in the Salzburg region, a long day trip from Innsbruck of around two hours or more each way, depending on the route and traffic. The easiest way is a guided day tour that includes the drive and a stop in Kitzbühel, a popular ski town with a pretty centre of painted houses.
A tour saves you the effort of navigating the mountain roads, and some routes involve tolls and winding sections. Going by public transport is possible but requires several changes and a long day. The falls themselves are in a protected area, and a small entrance fee is charged for the trail; check what your tour covers.
What to expect
The path along the falls is well-maintained but steep in places, and a walk to the upper falls takes around an hour or more one way, depending on pace. You do not need to climb to the top to enjoy the spectacle, since the lower sections and platforms give excellent views. Spray makes the path wet, so a rain jacket and shoes with grip are wise, and you should keep cameras and phones protected.
The waterfalls are at their most powerful in late spring and early summer, when meltwater swells the flow, but they are impressive at any time and can be partly frozen and magical in winter. Because they sit high in the mountains, the weather can change fast, so dress in layers.
Making the most of it
Start walking early to avoid the day-tour crowds and the midday heat, and stop at the lower viewing platforms for photographs before deciding how far to climb. A café and restaurants near the entrance serve Tyrolean and Salzburg dishes, and there is a visitor centre that explains the water, ecology and national park in more detail. Back in Kitzbühel, a short stroll through the town centre makes a pleasant end to the day.
If you are travelling with young children or anyone who finds long journeys tiring, consider whether the day is right for them, since much of it is spent in a vehicle. For a lighter option closer to Innsbruck, the Stubai Glacier is about 45 minutes away and offers mountain scenery without the long drive. Confirm the exact itinerary, departure point and inclusions when you book.
What to expect
The experience
A day tour by road with a stop in Kitzbühel, then a walk along the trail beside the three tiers of the falls.
Best time
Late spring and early summer for the most powerful flow, or any clear day for views and rainbows.
How long
A full day, with a long drive each way and one to two hours on the trail.
Tips
Wear a rain jacket and shoes with grip, start the walk early and confirm what the tour includes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers who want to see a genuine Alpine spectacle and don’t mind a long day.
- Families
- Children enjoy the spray and rainbows, but the drive is long, so bring snacks and games.
- Couples
- Walk to the middle viewing platforms for the best photographs, then wander Kitzbühel on the way back.
- Pair with
- A stop in Kitzbühel, which most tours include.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How high are the Krimml Waterfalls?+
The three tiers drop around 380 metres in total, which makes them the highest waterfalls in Europe by common reckoning.
How far is Krimml from Innsbruck?+
Around two hours or more each way by road, depending on the route and traffic. A day tour handles the driving.
Do I have to climb to the top?+
No, the lower platforms offer excellent views. The full climb to the upper falls takes an hour or more one way.
When are the falls at their best?+
Late spring and early summer, when meltwater increases the flow, though they are impressive all year.
Is a day tour necessary?+
Not strictly, but the journey is long and complicated by public transport, so most visitors from Innsbruck prefer a tour.
