country guide
A hand-picked guide to 3 of the most stunning waterfalls in Austria. Each entry below has our personal notes, photos, driving directions and the practical detail you need to plan a visit — from parking and hike lengths to swimming rules and the best time of year to go.
#1 · 380 m drop
Krimml · Salzburg · Austria
Krimml Waterfall, Austria
A surprisingly underrated waterfall that far exceeded expectations. It’s about a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Innsbruck.
In June, the water volume is absolutely massive, and on any sunny day you’re almost guaranteed to see a rainbow.
#2 · 341 m drop
Bad Gastein · Salzburg · Austria
Bad Gastein in Austria and it was so beautiful, honestly such good value too. Wasn't even planned — a friend and I decided kind of last minute we needed a trip, so here's a rundown of how it went plus some tips.
Mainly did: hiking, walking around the mountains, hot springs, just soaking in the scenery.
Coming from Munich, there's no direct train, you have to change in Salzburg. Whole thing took a bit over 3 hours, tickets were around €60 round trip. Our hotel sent a car to pick us up from the station so that part was easy.
#3 · 76 m drop
Golling · Salzburg · Austria
Just outside Salzburg, the Gollinger Wasserfall (Golling Waterfall) in the town of Golling an der Salzach is one of Austria's most refreshing short hikes. Even on a scorching 33°C day, the air around the falls stays noticeably cool — it's like walking into natural air conditioning. The waterfall's mist and shaded surroundings do all the work, no effort required beyond showing up.
An Easy, Family-Friendly Hike Near Salzburg
What makes Gollinger Wasserfall stand out isn't just the scenery — it's how accessible the trail is. The path is gentle enough for:
Wet rocks, hidden currents and fast-changing weather catch out experienced hikers every year. Read our quick safety guide before you head out.