Hiking under The Johannes Waterfall: Hidden gem in Salzburg

Hiking under The Johannes Waterfall: Hidden gem in Salzburg

Exploring nature through hiking doesn’t always have to be an arduous task reserved for seasoned adventurers. There are countless trails around the world that offer breathtaking views and unique experiences without being overly challenging. These hikes provide an excellent way for families, casual hikers, and photography enthusiasts to enjoy the great outdoors without the strain of difficult terrain. One such gem is the Johannes Waterfall in Salzburg. We’ll tell you all about our experience hiking to this waterfall in this blogpost.

Why you should visit

The Johannes Waterfall is a beautiful watefall that plunges over 60 meters into the depths below. What makes this waterfall hike so special is that there is a path that leads behind the waterfall, allowing visitors to get up close to the watefall and walk behind it.

Practical information

Duration of the Hike: The Rundweg trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete. This timeframe includes opportunities to pause for photos and take in the stunning views. The duration makes it a perfect half-day adventure, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and surrounding nature at a relaxed pace.

Skill Level: The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. While there are some steeper sections, they are very manageable and not overly demanding. The trail is well-marked and offers a pleasant experience for both novice and experienced hikers.

Price: One of the great things about visiting Johannes Waterfall is that entrance is completely free. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly adventure for everyone.

Opening Times: The waterfall and the surrounding trails are open 24/7, allowing visitors to plan their hike at any time that suits them best. Whether you prefer an early morning stroll, a daytime adventure, or an evening walk, the waterfall is always accessible.

Our experience Hiking The Rundweg Trail

We set off on the Rundweg, a circular hiking trail that’s a favorite for its stunning views and fun experiences. It was a warm summer day, but luckily the trail winds through dense pine forests, giving us plenty of shade. The trail had a relaxing vibe, with few people around, which made it even better to soak in the nature. We saw some beautiful old trees on our way down!

The hike is really doable with an average condition. The paths are easy to follow, though they start off a bit steep. Some parts were slippery because of recent rain, so good walking shoes are recommended. If you’re not a fan of steep climbs, some hiking poles might come in handy too.

About three-quarters of the way through the hike, we came across a smaller waterfall. It was the perfect spot to take a break. We took our shoes off and dipped our feet in the cold water, while we snacked on an apple and drank some water.

Continuing the hike, we could already hear the sound of the waterfall getting louder. When we finally reached the main waterfall, it was a sight to behold. The sheer force and volume of water cascading down was impressive, we could feel a mist of raindrops as we walked behind the waterfall.

The final part of the hike involved climbing a series of stairs that wound their way up to the end of the trail. As we ascended, we paused frequently to take in the views and snap photos, capturing the waterfall from different angles. What a view!