Krimmler Ache

The Krimmler Ache is a glacial river in Salzburg’s Pinzgau region. It rises near the Krimml glacier at about 2,500 metres and flows down through a steep valley. The valley, called Achental, lies between the Zillertal Alps on the west and the Venediger Group on the east. These are both parts of the High Tauern range. The river ends where it joins the Salzach at Vorderkrimml. Its most famous feature is the Krimml Waterfalls, one of Austria’s top visitor sites. The waterfalls drop over 380 metres in three stages, fed by the glacier above. The valley begins right above the village of Krimml and climbs up to the Krimmlerkees glacier at Dreiherrenspitze. Along the way are two alpine huts: Warnsdorfer Hütte in the upper east and Krimmler Tauernhaus in the central section. The Tauernhaus has sheltered travellers since 1389, making it one of the oldest in the Alps. Visitors walk beside the river and up to the waterfalls through well-marked paths. The falls themselves are reached by a route that starts in Krimml village. The valley sides are steep and rocky, with high peaks on both sides. The huts offer simple meals and rest for walkers. The river’s cold, clear water rushes down between meadows and cliffs. The whole area shows the raw power of high alpine water in summer.