Krimml, municipality in Zell am See District, Salzburg, Austria
Krimml is a small municipality nestled in a quiet mountain valley of the Zell am See district in Austria. The area is surrounded by high peaks and features green meadows, forests, and the Krimmler Ache, a clear mountain stream that flows through the landscape and is most known for the waterfalls bearing its name, which cascade down in three major drops totaling around 380 meters.
Krimml originated as a small farming settlement along the Krimmler Ache and remained an isolated mountain community for centuries, with its economy based on mining, forestry, and later tourism. The waterfalls only became a famous destination in the 1800s after improved roads and rail connections made the region accessible to visitors.
The name Krimml comes from an old word meaning stream or watercourse, reflecting the village's deep connection to flowing water. Daily life here has always been shaped by mountain springs and creeks, which have influenced how people use and view the landscape.
The easiest way to reach Krimml is by car, with the drive taking about two hours from larger cities like Salzburg or Innsbruck, and parking is available near the trail entrances. Trains and buses also connect from Zell am See, and taxis can take visitors partway up the route to avoid the steeper sections.
A special feature of the area is the WasserWunderWelt nature education center, which uses interactive exhibits and experiments to explain water's role in the ecosystem and shows how people can protect their surroundings. This educational facility unexpectedly blends entertainment with environmental awareness in a hands-on way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
