Discover the awe-inspiring Krimml Waterfalls in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park, Europe's highest at over 380 meters. This family-favorite 4km hike made our first holiday day unforgettable, even after traveling on a surprisingly smooth Black Saturday.
Just an hour's drive from our base at Landal GreenParks Rehrenberg in Viehhofen (near Königsleiten, a winter favorite of ours), the route features scenic mountain roads—nothing too twisty.
The day started with thunder and rain, but forecasts promised improvement, and blue skies soon appeared. We parked at P3 for €5 (note: SalzburgerLand Card holders get free P4 parking—lesson learned!).
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High on our Austria itinerary, these waterfalls deliver stunning visuals. After years of beach holidays in France and Spain with luxury campsites and pools, we craved mountains and hikes. New walking shoes tested here proved their worth.
The full trail to the top is 4km, officially 1.5 hours—but plan for 3-4 hours with stops for photos, snacks, and views. Fit hikers without kids might hit 1.5 hours; we took from 13:30 to 17:30.
The falls span three stages. Most view the base's thunderous power and mist (you'll get soaked!). Stage 1 (about 2.5km) reaches a restaurant for lunch or drinks—refreshing après-hike.
By Stage 1's end, you've seen two stages closely. Stage 2 offers intimate views with rainbows and mist—perfect summer cool-down.
Read also: Enjoy scenic walks in France's Bay of the Somme.
Stage 3 (1.5km) has steep sections. Kids might tire, but ice cream motivated ours. I paused for breath (altitude or fitness?), but descent was easy.
Popular across ages: babies in carriers, prams pushed uphill (impressive effort!).
Opt for sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with grip—essential for steeps up and down. Poles help some; we managed without.
Pack water, snacks (sandwiches, fruit)—picnicking by the falls beats the restaurant bustle.
Entry: €3/adult, €1/child (up to 15). Bring your own food to keep it minimal. SalzburgerLand Card: free entry and P4 parking.
Expect crowds (400,000 visitors/year), thinning higher up. Open mid-April to late October.
Read also: Family hikes in Tenerife—Teide summit closed during our trip.
Tip: SalzburgerLand Card unlocks 190+ free/discounted activities—ideal for multi-stop Austria trips!
Kids' curiosity shines: "How many liters per minute?" "How high?" "Winter view?" "Anyone fallen in?"
No known falls reported.
Base play area shows seasonal water flow—kids love the rain simulation.
Aqua park nearby (€9.40/entry; combo with falls cheaper). Closes 17:00—we missed it. Worthwhile outdoor fun.
TIP: Stay at Landal GreenParks Rehrenberg in Viehhofen—central for day trips (max 1-hour drives), spacious apartments.
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