Chasing Cascades: Visiting the Krimmler Waterfalls from Gasthof Untermetzger

If you're dreaming of a big-nature moment that fits easily into your Zillertal stay, the Krimmler Waterfalls deliver. The Krimmler Waterfalls are about 38 km from Gasthof Untermetzger and tower a full 380 meters across three dramatic tiers—widely celebrated as the highest waterfalls in Europe. In this guide, you'll learn how to get there, where to find the best viewpoints along the Gerlosstraße, exactly how long each section of the hike takes, and how the expansive Zillertal Arena that stretches from Zell am Ziller to Krimml-Hochkrimml makes this outing a natural addition to your itinerary.

Why the Krimmler Waterfalls belong on your Zillertal itinerary

Set within the Hohe Tauern National Park near the village of Krimml, the Krimmler Waterfalls are a rare combination of power, beauty, and accessibility. Water from the glacial Krimmler Ache plunges down three steps—140 m, 100 m, and 140 m—creating a cascade you can experience from up close via a well-marked path.

• The Krimmler Waterfalls descend in three stages over a total of 380 m.
• Multiple viewpoints line the Gerlosstraße, including the “Wasserfallblick” parking area for postcard-perfect angles.
• The Krimmler Ache is a glacier-fed river, so water volume varies significantly throughout the year. In June and July, around 20,000 m³/h thunder over the cliff, while February sees about 500 m³/h. A record of 600,000 m³/h was measured on 25 August 1987.

This is a nature experience you can dial up or down. Want a quick wow-factor stop? Walk 10 minutes to the foot of the falls. Ready for a little more? Continue 30 minutes to the middle stage or about one hour to the upper Krimmler Ache.

Fast facts at a glance

Getting there from Gasthof Untermetzger

Gasthof Untermetzger sits in the center of Zell am Ziller, just 1.4 km from the Rosenalmbahn and the Zillertal Arena. That same arena stretches from Zell im Zillertal over Gerlos to Wald-Königsleiten and Krimml-Hochkrimml, naturally orienting your day toward the Krimml region.

• By car: Follow the scenic Gerlosstraße toward Krimml. Several viewpoints—including the dedicated “Wasserfallblick” parking—let you break up the journey with sweeping views and photo stops.
• In winter context: The Zillertal Arena offers broad, snow-sure access across 150 km of pistes and 52 lifts up to 2,500 m, connecting Zell with Krimml-Hochkrimml as one continuous ski domain. With a valid (loaded) skipass, skibuses from surrounding towns offer free travel to and from the ski area. See our overview of the arena and transport context here: Ski & Winter.

Tip: If you’re planning a waterfall visit alongside a ski day, consider orienting your route toward Krimml-Hochkrimml within the same arena footprint, then add your Gerlosstraße viewing stops to round out the experience.

The waterfall hike: step-by-step

A dedicated, approximately 4 km path runs alongside the cascades, with frequent viewing platforms and railings. The route is designed so you can decide exactly how far to go based on time, weather, and energy.

Lower waterfall: 10 minutes to the foot

• Perfect for a quick, high-impact visit.
• You’ll feel the spray and hear the full power of the Krimmler Ache.
• There’s an information area at the base with engaging facts about the waterfalls.

Middle stage: about 30 minutes

• A manageable climb rewards you with a wider vantage over the valley and the middle cascade.
• Multiple lookouts help you appreciate the tiered structure: 140 m (lower) → 100 m (middle) → 140 m (upper).

Upper Ache: about 1 hour to the top

• Reaching the Obere Ache offers a sense of the river’s character before it plunges down the final drop.
• This section is ideal for photography and taking in the broader landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

General hiking pointers (common-sense and widely applicable):

• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; the path can be damp from spray.
• Dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket; spray and mountain weather can cool the air quickly.
• Stay on signed paths and respect barriers at viewpoints for your safety.

Beyond the viewpoints: rewarding route extensions

If you want to deepen the experience with longer walks that explore the valley beyond the main cascade, several options start from or continue past the Krimmler Tauernhaus:

• From Krimml to the Krimmler Tauernhaus (easy): ~3 hours, 555 m elevation gain.
• From the Krimmler Tauernhaus to the Warnsdorfer Hütte (easy): ~3.5 hours, 703 m elevation gain.
• From the Krimmler Tauernhaus to the Richterhütte (easy): ~2.5 hours, 736 m elevation gain.
• From the Zittauer Hütte over the Rosskarscharte to the Richterhütte: ~4 hours, 703 m elevation gain.
• To the Zittauer Hütte (start: Gasthof Finkau): ~2.5 hours.

These routes let you transition from the drama of the falls to the calm of high valleys, cirques, and alpine huts—excellent for hikers who want a full day in the mountains.

When to go and what to expect

Because the Krimmler Ache is glacier-fed, water flow varies through the year:

• Peak flows in June and July reach about 20,000 m³/h, delivering thunderous sound, mist, and a visibly fuller cascade.
• February averages around 500 m³/h, revealing more rock contours and a different kind of beauty.
• A record flow of 600,000 m³/h was measured on 25 August 1987.

Common-sense planning tips:

• Start earlier in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and calmer conditions.
• Bring a microfiber cloth for your camera or phone; mist builds quickly near the viewpoints.
• Use the Gerlosstraße lookouts on the approach for big-picture photos, then capture close-ups from the path.

Family-friendly extra: WasserWunderWelt Krimml

Right at the waterfalls, the WasserWunderWelt Krimml adds an interactive layer to your visit—great for kids and curious adults.

• House of Water: The “Phänomen Wasser” exhibition traces water’s journey from Tauern peaks to the Krimmler Waterfalls with immersive 3D animations. “Krimml Cataracta” focuses specifically on the falls, and a Swarovski crystal telescope offers a special way to view the cascades.
• Multivision cinema: A multimedia show explores the power of water—from arid deserts to our blue planet—with the Krimmler Waterfalls and Hohe Tauern National Park in the spotlight.
• Aquapark: An additional outdoor element to round out your day.

A simple, satisfying day plan from Zell am Ziller

1. Depart Gasthof Untermetzger in Zell am Ziller and follow the Gerlosstraße toward Krimml.
2. Pause at the “Wasserfallblick” parking for a sweeping first look at the cascades.
3. Park near the trailhead and walk ~10 minutes to the foot of the falls.
4. Continue ~30 minutes to the middle stage; take photos at designated viewpoints.
5. If time and energy allow, ascend to the Obere Ache (~1 hour total from the start).
6. Visit the WasserWunderWelt Krimml for the House of Water and multivision experience.
7. Return to Zell am Ziller. If it’s Wednesday, cap the day with our all-you-can-eat Thai buffet from 18:00 for € 23 per person (chicken and pork dishes). Reserve via info@hoteluntermetzger.at or +43 664 4179520.

Practical takeaways and tips

• The Krimmler Waterfalls are about 38 km from Gasthof Untermetzger—perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion.
• Use the Gerlosstraße viewpoints, especially “Wasserfallblick,” for dramatic overviews before you hike.
• Plan your hike by milestones:
  • ~10 minutes to the foot of the falls
  • ~30 minutes to the middle stage
  • ~1 hour to the upper Obere Ache
• Expect higher flow and more spray in June/July; a lighter flow in February showcases different textures.
• Combine your visit with the region’s strengths:
  • Winter: The Zillertal Arena spans from Zell to Krimml-Hochkrimml, offering 150 km of pistes, 52 lifts, and near-100% snow reliability up to 2,500 m. With a valid skipass, skibuses from surrounding towns are free for travel to and from the ski area.
  • Summer: Explore more alpine highlights and activities from our base in Zell am Ziller: Aktiv & Sommer.
• Traveling with kids? Add a free, animal-focused stop at Murmelland Zillertal – Ein Highlight für Familien.
• Love panoramic drives? Pair your waterfall day with the Zillertaler Höhenstraße – Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.

FAQ: Krimmler Waterfalls in a nutshell

How high are the Krimmler Waterfalls?

They drop a total of 380 m over three stages (140 m, 100 m, 140 m).

How long is the trail and how far is each section?

The path along the falls is about 4 km. It’s ~10 minutes to the foot of the falls, ~30 minutes to the middle stage, and about 1 hour to the top (Obere Ache).

How far are the Krimmler Waterfalls from Gasthof Untermetzger?

About 38 km.

Which river feeds the waterfalls and where does it flow?

The glacier-fed Krimmler Ache powers the falls, then flows into the Salzach, on to the Inn, and ultimately to the Danube.

Are there roadside viewpoints without hiking?

Yes. Several viewpoints line the Gerlosstraße, including the “Wasserfallblick” parking area.

Conclusion: Make the Krimmler Waterfalls your standout day out

Few day trips offer as much variety, beauty, and flexibility as the Krimmler Waterfalls—from quick-access viewpoints to rewarding hikes and hands-on water science at the WasserWunderWelt. Base yourself at Gasthof Untermetzger in the heart of Zell am Ziller (1.4 km from the Rosenalmbahn and the Zillertal Arena), fuel up on a rich breakfast buffet, and end your Wednesday with our house-prepared Thai all-you-can-eat dinner at 18:00 for € 23 per person.

Ready to plan your stay and chase the cascades? Book your room at Gasthof Untermetzger, Unterdorf 5, 6280 Zell am Ziller, Austria. For reservations and the Thai buffet, email info@hoteluntermetzger.at or call +43 664 4179520.