A restful and relaxing beach vacation is always nice, but it’s not for everyone. In addition to beautiful beaches and islands, there are also numerous exciting natural wonders in Europe and anyone who has ever climbed a peak knows the feeling: a wonderful sense of satisfaction spreads. Waterfalls are breathtaking natural wonders that have enchanted humanity for centuries. In some parts of the world they are even said to have mystical and healing abilities. It doesn’t always have to be the Niagara Falls, because the waterfalls in Europe are just as beautiful and there are many places that are worth getting our hiking boots out of the closet for. The next hiking tour is coming up, but the destination is still unclear? Whether waterfalls in Germany, Austria, Croatia or Iceland – in this article we will show you the most beautiful natural spectacles that you shouldn’t miss!
Waterfalls in Europe: The most beautiful places in Germany
We are all now aware that Germany is a beautiful travel destination and has a lot of sights and natural wonders to offer. Enjoy peace and nature and take a little break from stressful everyday life – you can experience all of this on a trip to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Germany! There are a total of around 500 waterfalls in the Federal Republic, with 350 of them in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg – pretty impressive, right?
Waterfalls Germany: Röthbach waterfall in Bavaria
One of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Bavaria can be found at Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land district in the middle of the national park. The Röthbachfall falls a whopping 470 meters deep and is even the highest in Germany. And the beauty? Due to its location, the waterfall is actually quite unknown, so you can enjoy the natural spectacle in peace. To reach it, you have to take a slightly longer route and first take a boat across the Königssee. The journey ends at the Saletalm and from there we continue on foot. The hike is around 3 kilometers long, but the fantastic views and the untouched nature of the Alps are definitely worth it!
Triberg waterfalls
Would you like to go on a Triberg waterfalls hike? In Baden-Württemberg in the Black Forest, the Triberg waterfalls rush down a whopping 163 meters. This also makes them the highest waterfall in Germany outside of the Alps. The water falls over a total of 7 steps over the mighty granite rocks into a wooded valley that ends directly in the center of Triberg. The well-developed hiking trails around the Triberg waterfalls allow you to enjoy the perfect views and always ensure an unforgettable experience. A footbridge with a platform allows you to experience the spray of the falls up close and take an exclusive look at the cascades. If you have enough time, you should definitely visit the waterfalls in the evening – from 10 p.m. they are illuminated and bathed in romantic light.
Tatzelwurm waterfalls
Hidden in the Mangfall Mountains in the Bavarian Prealps you will find one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. The Tatzelwurm waterfalls fascinate with their unusual appearance and incredible wildness and power. They owe their name to the fairy tale of the Tatzelwurm, a mixture of a lindworm and a dragon. According to legend, the monster threatened to devour people who ventured too close to the gorge. The rough masses of water fall many meters into the depths, where they form in large pools and continue to flow. You can hear the cascading water from afar, but you can only see the Tatzelwurm waterfalls up close. Fortunately, they are very easy to reach and you can almost drive there. Depending on where you park, it will then take around 10 minutes to walk to the waterfall.
All Saints Waterfalls
The All Saints Waterfalls are also among the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Germany! They are located near the town of Oppenau in Baden-Württemberg and are also called Büttenstein Waterfalls. The water plunges down a full 90 meters in several stages and the view is simply magical. To reach the secluded place, you have to walk through nature, climb stairs and overcome a few bridges – perfect for a short hiking tour! The waterfalls were part of the All Saints Monastery for centuries and the boards on the 3 kilometer long legend trail inform hikers about all the legends and legends that surround the monastery and the waterfalls.
Todtnauer Wasserfall
About an hour’s drive from the Triberg Waterfalls you will find the next beautiful waterfalls in Europe. In Baden-Württemberg between the holiday resorts of Aftersteg and Todrtnauberg you can admire the Todtnau Waterfalls. With a total height of 97 meters, they are also one of the highest natural waterfalls in Germany and have been a listed building since 1987. You also have the opportunity to take a short hike of around 6 kilometers around the waterfall. The circular hiking trail starts and ends in Todtnauberg and promises visitors an unforgettable day. Or how about taking a short detour to Lake Constance and exploring the beautiful city of Freiburg im Breisgau, which is located in close proximity to the waterfall?
Buchenegger Waterfalls Allgäu
The breathtaking Buchenegger Waterfalls are located between the Illertal and Lake Constance, or more precisely in the popular Geopark Allgäu. The beautiful location also gives you the opportunity to explore many other natural treasures and experience an unforgettable vacation. The hiking trails around the Buchenegger waterfalls will immerse you in nature in a unique way and allow you to forget everyday life. The Buchenegger waterfalls are particularly famous for Gumpensprung – i.e. cliff diving. The highest jump point is around 30 meters high and since the water edge varies greatly, laypeople should avoid it.
Josefsthal waterfalls
Although they are somewhat hidden in the forest, the Josefsthal Waterfalls are one of the most popular excursion destinations around the beautiful Schliersee in Bavaria. Thanks to a variety of tables, they are usually very easy to find. Depending on how long the route is, you can start either in Josefsthal or directly at Schliersee. From Josefsthal you can reach the waterfalls in about 15 minutes. The water flows about 12 meters over the mountain nose in several streams into a small basin. No matter whether you want to swim in the water or treat yourself to a picnic on the huge meadow – the Josefsthal waterfalls are the ideal place for both adventurers and families with children.
Waterfalls in Europe: The most beautiful places in Austria
Are you planning to visit the neighboring country this year? Well, then of course you can’t miss a little trip to one of the beautiful waterfalls in Austria! Most of them are surrounded by beautiful nature and landscapes and can therefore be perfectly combined with a short hiking tour.
Krimml Waterfalls in Austria
And of course we start with the highest and most famous waterfall in Austria. Due to their height of 385 meters, the Krimml Waterfalls are not only one of the largest, but also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. The water rushes towards it over three stages and the enormous force creates a spray that makes the entire area seem truly magical. The approximately 4 kilometer long path takes you through the Hohe Tauern National Park – the largest national park in Austria. Would you like to experience the Krimml Waterfalls from above? The waterfall path was created in 1900 and has since taken all visitors from the lower cascade up to the top. And if you get tired, you can take a short break at the numerous pulpits.
Myra Falls in Austria are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe
Would you like to take a weekend trip to Vienna? Then you should definitely visit the beautiful Myra Falls, which are only 60 kilometers from the capital! The small river Myra rises from the Myralucke cave and from there makes its way through a gorge and the rock until the Myra Falls are formed. Explore the natural spectacle with a short hike and be enchanted by the 600 meter long circular hiking trail with 25 bridges.
Grawa waterfalls
180 meters high and 85 meters wide: the Grawa waterfall is not only one of the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Austria, but also the widest in the Eastern Alps. The so-called Wild Water Trail first takes you past a quarry and you can reach the waterfall after about 10 minutes on foot. There you will find a platform and wooden loungers where you can make yourself comfortable and enjoy the view. And the best part? Wheelchair users and families with strollers can also make the route without any problems.
Waterfalls Iceland
When we talk about the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, we can’t forget Iceland. Whether fast and roaring or multi-level and slow – there are thousands of breathtaking natural wonders spread across the small country, which attract many visitors every year.
Gullfoss Wasserfall
Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall, is located 120 kilometers from the capital Reykjavik and is guaranteed to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Together with the nearby Geysiren and Pingvellir, it is part of the so-called “Golden Circle”: a series of natural attractions guaranteed to amaze you. The 30 meter high waterfall can be reached via a narrow path, from which you have an unforgettable view.
Dettifoss Wasserfall
The Dettifoss waterfall is 100 meters wide and 44 meters high, making it the largest in northeast Iceland. The combination of volume flow and height of fall, just ahead of the Rhine Falls, also makes it the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The force of the water actually creates splashes at a distance of 1 kilometer.
Krka waterfalls in Croatia
When we think of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, Croatia would certainly not be the first country that would come to mind. In addition to beautiful beaches and islands, the country also has numerous other natural gems to offer. In fact, there are more waterfalls per square kilometer than any other country in the world – amazing, right? Embark on mysterious paths and be enchanted by the impressive Krka waterfalls. They are located in the Krka National Park in Croatia and magically wind their way through the dense green forests. There are a total of 7 beautiful waterfalls that fit into the landscape and can be admired from numerous viewing points.
Due to various natural processes, the appearance and number of Krka waterfalls are constantly changing. How is that possible? The ground is made of tuff, which constantly builds up over the years and the waterfalls change their size and height accordingly. At 800 meters, Skradinski Buk is the longest and most beautiful of the Krka waterfalls. The easy arrival and the developed network of wooden paths make Skradinski Buk one of the most visited attractions in the national park.
