Gollinger Wasserfall

Gollinger Wasserfall is located near the small town of Golling an der Salzach, in the Tennengau district of Salzburg state. The waterfall lies on the wooded slopes of Mount Göll (Göll massif), above a quiet rural landscape close to the forest edge.

The setting feels distinctly alpine without being remote. You are surrounded by greenery, steep rock walls, and flowing water, yet access is straightforward and does not require mountain driving skills. This combination of dramatic scenery and simple logistics is one of the main reasons families choose this spot.

A peaceful alpine lake reflecting the forests and mountains near the Gollinger Waterfall trail.

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Arriving by car or rental car

Yes – with a car it is much more convenient. Driving to Gollinger Wasserfall allows flexible timing, easier travel with children, and simple combinations with nearby valleys and lakes. The road leads directly to the paid parking area near the trail entrance, so there is no long walk before the visit even starts.

Parking usually costs €5 per day. The parking area is basic and uncovered, but its proximity to the entrance is practical for families carrying water, jackets, or snacks.

Arriving by public transport

It is possible to reach Golling-Abtenau railway station and continue on foot or by local transport. However, this usually means extra walking and fixed schedules. With children, especially on warm or busy days, public transport tends to feel less comfortable than driving.

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Entrance fees

Access to Gollinger Wasserfall is paid, with clear and family-friendly pricing that is easy to plan around in advance.

Adult tickets cost €7, children aged 6-14 pay €5, and a family ticket (2 adults with children) costs €15. Children under 6 enter free.

In some cases, payment is accepted in cash only, so it is important to bring small bills to avoid delays at the entrance.

Opening times

The trail is open during the tourist season. Later in the evening, after the ticket office closes, access may sometimes be possible without payment, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the day and season.

Morning hours consistently offer the best experience: cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and fewer people on the trail.

The lower waterfall – first contact with the power

After a short 5-10 minute walk from the entrance, visitors reach the lower waterfall. The power of the water is immediately noticeable: loud sound, cold spray, and constant movement filling the narrow gorge. Children are often fascinated by how close the path comes to the falling water.

This section works well for a first stop, short breaks, and photos before continuing higher.

The climb to the upper waterfall

The trail continues upward via stairs, narrow paths, small bridges, and damp sections. The climb takes 20-30 minutes at a relaxed family pace and leads to additional viewpoints, including the dramatic spot where water emerges directly from the rock.

This part adds depth to the visit and gives older children a sense of adventure without requiring a long or demanding hike.

The old water mill

Along the trail stands a historic water mill, one of the most recognizable elements of Gollinger Wasserfall. Even when the wheel is not turning, it adds character and a strong alpine atmosphere to the walk.

Walking through dense mountain forest, I felt completely surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Austrian Alps.

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Children aged 5-10

The lower section of the trail is short, clear, and manageable for younger children when accompanied by adults. Even without completing the full route, the sound of the water, cool mist, and close contact with nature usually leave a strong impression at this age.

Parents should be prepared to hold hands in wet sections and move at a calm pace, especially near stairs and railings.

Children aged 10-18

Older children and teenagers usually enjoy continuing to the upper waterfall. Crossing bridges, climbing higher viewpoints, and seeing the water emerge from the rock creates a feeling of progress and small adventure without physical strain.

For this age group, the full route feels engaging rather than tiring.

Strollers and accessibility

The route is not suitable for strollers and is not accessible for wheelchairs. The trail includes stairs, uneven surfaces, and narrow passages throughout.

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A realistic time plan helps avoid rushing and keeps the visit enjoyable for families:

• Lower waterfall only: about 30-40 minutes
• Full route (upper and lower): 60-90 minutes
• With children, photo stops, and breaks: up to 2 hours

Although the trail is not long, the experience feels complete and immersive rather than rushed.

Crystal-clear water mirrors the towering cliffs and trees along the path to Gollinger Waterfall.

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Bluntautal Valley (Bluntautal)

A short drive from Gollinger Wasserfall leads to Bluntautal, a calm valley known for crystal-clear lakes, flat walking paths, fish, and shaded resting areas. The atmosphere here is noticeably quieter and more relaxed, making it an ideal contrast to the intensity of the waterfall.

The paths are easy and well suited to families, especially in the afternoon when children benefit from a slower pace.

Easy walks and rest areas

The surrounding area offers benches, shaded spots, and gentle trails. On warm days, these features make a noticeable difference and allow families to pause without pressure.

There are a few points worth knowing in advance in order to set realistic expectations. Visiting Gollinger Wasserfall involves double payment – an entrance fee plus paid parking – which not everyone appreciates at first. During peak season, especially midday and on weekends, the trail can feel crowded, particularly on narrow sections near the water.

The environment is very humid. Clothes, shoes, cameras, and phones can easily get wet, even in good weather. In addition, the route is not suitable for strollers and offers no full accessibility due to stairs and uneven surfaces.

That said, trail maintenance and safety measures are clearly visible throughout the route, and they contribute directly to a safer and more comfortable experience.

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Facilities near the entrance are simple but practical. Visitors will find restrooms, a small seasonal kiosk or café offering drinks and snacks, and benches placed along parts of the trail.

There are no full restaurants or organized picnic areas directly at the waterfall. For a proper meal, returning to Golling an der Salzach is the most convenient option, where several family-friendly restaurants are available.

• Arrive early in the morning for better light and fewer people
• Bring light waterproof clothing, even on sunny days
• Clean camera lenses frequently due to constant spray
• Walk slowly and enjoy the surroundings instead of rushing
• Combine the visit with Bluntautal rather than packing in too many stops

Standing before Gollinger Waterfall, I watched the powerful cascade plunge into an emerald pool below.

Gollinger Wasserfall may be less suitable for travelers who are looking for a full-day attraction in one location or prefer wide, dry walking paths. The trail includes wet stairs, narrow sections, and constant background noise from the water, which may feel uncomfortable for some visitors.

Those who require full accessibility or plan to use strollers will also find the route challenging, as the terrain is uneven throughout. The visit works best for families who are comfortable walking at a moderate pace and are prepared for damp conditions.

Once the trail ends, the experience concludes naturally, allowing visitors to continue easily to other nearby nature areas or return to Golling for food and rest.

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