This is a time of the year, again, we will try to convince you that autumn is a good time to go for a hike! We have already encouraged you to go autumn-hiking in our article about amazing multi-day hikes across Europe as well as the best short walks to enjoy autumn colours in Scotland.
In this article we present 20 stunning hikes in Europe, perfect for autumn. They all share a theme: along the way you’ll have a chance to visit a beautiful waterfall or cascades!
The hikes vary in distance and difficulty, so have a look and take your pick!
Who doesn’t love waterfalls?! They are not only beautiful natural landmarks, but also, being in proximity to the waterfall has many health benefits. It improves the mood and makes us happier; and that’s on top of obvious benefits of being active and enjoying the stunning outdoors!
Not familiar with our Hiking in Europe series?
Every quarter we publish a list of great themed hikes across Europe, suitable for the relevant season. We present hikes recommended by ourselves, and other fellow bloggers.
New to the site and haven’t seen the articles? Check them out!
20 amazing waterfall trails, perfect for autumn hike
1.Kvernufoss waterfall, Iceland
2. Litlverivassforsen, Norway
3. Hallingsafallet, Sweden
4. Bjuralven Nature Reserve, Sweden
5. Falls of Bruar, Scotland
6. Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat, Scotland
7. St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall, England
8. Low Force and High Force, Teesdale, England
9. Four Falls Trail, Wales
10. Cascades du Hérisson, France
11. Angon Waterfall, France
12. Circo de Soaso trail, Spain
13. Ruta de los Cahorros, Spain
14. Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall, Madeira island, Portugal
15. Wild Water Trail, Austria
16. Mali Šumík and Veliki Šumík, Slovenia
17. Cathedral Fall and Fratarica creek, Slovenia
18. Kamienczyk waterfall, Poland
19. Szklarka waterfall, Poland
20. Waterfalls of Krka National Park, Croatia
1.Kvernufoss waterfall, Iceland
by Brianna from Curious Travel Blog
Distance: 1.6 km
Difficuty: easy
Kvernufoss is a beautiful waterfall that can be admired at the end of a short and easy hike along the riverside. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, completely overshadowed by nearby famous Skogafoss waterfall. This makes the hike more attractive and gives you more chances to enjoy Kvernufoss all by yourself.
To find Kvernufoss, park at the Skogar Museum car park (free of charge), walk behind the museum where you will find a well-trodden path. Follow it for around 800 metres till you reach the waterfall. Kvernufoss is hidden in at the end of a gorge and can only be visible when you stand by the river and look into the gorge.
The hike is easy and although there are some slippery sections, most people will be able to complete it without any problems.
In autumn, the grass along the trail turns golden colour that contrasts with the bright greens of the moss.
Be aware, however, that there may be snow and ice already during your visit in autumn. This can may make the walk even more magical, but also more challenging. It is possible to do this hike even with a bit of snow, but you have to be very careful around the river and steep points.
Kvernufoss is a single 40 metres drop waterfall, and the highlight of Kvernufoss is being able to walk behind the falling water. From behind, you get a fantastic view of the falls and gorge and can even see as far as the ocean!
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2. Litlverivassforsen waterfall, Rago National Park, Norway
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 11km or 25km (2 day hike)
Difficulty: moderate
Litlverivassforsen is a very impressive waterfall, its cascades originate from a beautiful lake Litlverivatnet, at the entrance to Rago National Park.
To admire this waterfall, you need to set off for a 5.5 km hike and at the end of your walk, you will be rewarded with an amazing view and loud roar of the waterfall. The hike starts near the tiny village Lakshole and it is a linear route, which means you will be coming back the same way unless you want to turn it into a 2-day adventure in Rago National Park.
So what to expect? The route is signposted from the car park and is partially marked, clear, and easy to navigate but get ready for some sweating! After crossing the road you will quickly realise that you need to earn these incredible views. The route is varied, initially it winds thru a forest, then the scenery changes to more arctic; some sections will see you hike on big ribs of rock. We visited the area in early September and the scenery was beautiful in warm autumnal light!
Litlverivassforsen is one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Norway, with a single drop of 223 meters. You can admire it from the distance, or alternatively have a closer look from the small bridge at the edge of the lake. The area is magical, get ready to spend some time wandering around and/or just listening to the mighty roar.
To return to the car park, retrace your footsteps.
3.Hällingsåfallet, Sweden
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 4.5 km
Difficulty: easy
Hällingsåfallet waterfall gives name to a local nature reserve and is one of the best-kept secrets of the Jamtland region in Sweden. This is very spectacular waterfall with 43 metres drop right into the head of a narrow canyon. It can be accessed from a dedicated car park (5 mins walk) or alternatively, along an easy 4.5 km circular hike starting from Skjullsvattnet picnic area.
Although the trail from Skjullsvattnet to the waterfall is unmarked, the path is well-trodden and easy to follow as it sticks closely to the river and the gorge edge, providing a fine insight into local geology and nature. The trail is sheltered by old pine and spruce woodland, rich in berries and wild mushrooms, look out for Birch Bolete (brown and orange hats!) along the treeline, they’re plentiful!
Even thou the Hällingsåfallet waterfall is already visible from viewpoints at the great river curve, the best viewpoints are located nearer the gorge end. We’re not going to spoil the fun and tell you the exact locations, as the best part of this hike is the exploration of the nature reserve and finding numerous viewpoints, each providing a different insight into Hällingsåfallet Nature Reserve, for this very reason we recommend the hike from Skjulsvattnet rather than a 5 minute walk from the dedicated car park.
When planning a hike to Hällingsåfallet waterfall it’s essential to take: comfortable sturdy shoes, camera and tripod, a bag or small basket for mushrooms (only if you’re familiar with wild mushrooms!), a cup for blueberries and lingonberries, some snacks and drinks!
4.Bjuralven Nature Reserve, Sweden
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 6 km or more
Difficulty: easy
Another Swedish waterfall perfect for an autumn walk is Lillalven (also known as a Bjuralven waterfall), located in Bjuralven Nature Reserve in the Jamtland region.
Bjularven Nature Reserve can be found along The Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvegen or Vildmarksveien tourist route), some 75 km south from Gaddede, and 30 km north from Stora Blåsjön.
The best spot to start a hike to Lillalven waterfall is a small car park near the end of partially paved road to Leipikvattnet (signposted). The parking area includes an information board and rubbish bins, you can park free of charge.
It’s an easy walk over a rough path, with 137 meters elevation gain.
The lovely Lillalven waterfall is the first point of interest along the exploration trail of the nature reserve, 3 km away from the car park thru beautiful old woodland rich in wild mushrooms and berries – another reason for a visit in autumn!
Leave the parking area and walk towards the farm buildings, pass the turn, and take a meadow trail to the right. Walk to the tree line and continue further, thru the woodland. Lake views at the initial section are incredible, with a bit of luck you’ll see the glorious Jamtland landscape reflected in still waters!
After approximately 1 hour you’ll arrive at a small cabin, Lillalven waterfall is located directly below, for the best view walk down a steep path and wooden steps and carefully come closer to the stream.
It may not be the highest waterfall in Sweden, but the silence and the atmosphere of solitude greatly add to the experience and you’ll find it hard to move on! Lillalven is incredibly calming, a perfect walking destination on its own, however we strongly recommend exploring more of Bjuralven Nature Reserve with its unique, intriguing karst features created 4.5 million years ago! When roaming thru the nature reserve don’t miss Bjuralven Valley, snow dolines, potholes, and the longest underwater cave in Sweden!
5.Falls of Bruar, Scotland
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 2.5 km
Difficulty: easy with short steep sections
We fell in love with this short beautiful hike. In our opinion this walk is particularly charming when autumn colours dominate the landscape – the greens of pine trees, reds of rowan berries, and yellows and oranges of deciduous trees. Further, picture beautiful gorge and cascades of waterfalls with two charming stone bridges over the gorge and you will know why we encourage you to visit the Falls of Bruar.
The trailhead is very easy to find, as it is located near the House of Bruar shopping centre, where you can park for free. From the car park, walk to the right side of the buildings, head along the stream, the path is signposted and easy to follow.
The best is to walk up on one side of the gorge and then cross over the upper bridge to the other side for the return.
Occasionally, the path gets steep, there are some benches along the way and rest spots to enjoy the views, be mindful when coming close to the edges of the gorge.
This walk truly is a waterfall walk with many viewpoints and ever present stream burble as it travels along its bed, bubbling over rocks and branches.
6.Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland
by Kathi from Watch Me See
Distance: 4km (more if you walk around the loch Skeen or to the top of White Coomb )
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Grey Mare’s Tail is a beautiful waterfall near the small town of Moffat in the heart of Scotland’s Southern Upland hills. It plunges 60 m down a narrow gorge, forming several cascades as the water crashes against the dark rock beneath. While the waterfall itself can be spotted from near the car park (fee applies) – there are two viewpoints approx 10-15 minutes walk from the road – nothing beats a hike to the top of Grey Mare’s Tail and on to its source, Loch Skeen.
The area is well known for its wildlife from rare plants to ospreys and falcons; you might even spot a herd of feral goats grazing on the steep slopes of the gorge. No wonder, the area around Grey Mare’s Tail is a protected nature reserve.
The trail from the bottom of the waterfall to Loch Skeen takes around 2-3 hours and begins with an ascent up the northern slope of the gorge. While this is steep in parts, the trail is very easy to follow which makes it a suitable walk for less experienced hikers. The views of the waterfall intensify as you climb the path. From the top, you can just hear the water tumbling down the steep drop below. Look back for stunning views of the rolling hills framing the valley.
Once at the top, the trail continues gently to the edge of Loch Skeen. If you had enough, retrace your steps back the same way you came. For a longer route, follow the trail around Loch Skeen and/or climb to the summit of White Coomb.
7.St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall, England
by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: easy
St Nectan’s Glen is a small valley located in the north of Cornwall close to the coastal villages of Tintagel and Boscastle. There are two walking options to the waterfall – a short mile return walk through the wooded valley from Trethevy or a longer circular 6km walk starting and finishing in the village of Bossiney. Both walks are fairly easy with clearly marked paths and boardwalks through the woodland areas.
The longer, circular walk starts in Bossiney before crossing fields towards Halgabron. From the hamlet of Halgabron the path heads down into the woods around St Nectan’s Glen. After exploring the glen the path follows the River Trevillet downstream through the beautiful ancient woodland passing through the Rocky Valley. Once you reach the coast the path follows the South West Coast Path to finish in Bossiney Haven.
St Nectan’s Glen waterfall is very small at just 18 metres but it is unique in that the water has carved its way through the rock at the base. This means that the waterfall is broken into two drops with the second fall passing through the circular window in the rock. There are also a number of other smaller falls downstream from the main waterfall. The area around the waterfall is privately owned and there is an entry fee. This fee is used to maintain the area and ensure its special scientific interest status is preserved.
8.Low Force and High Force, England
by Sarah and Nigel from A Social Nomad
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: easy
Exploring England’s highest Waterfall is an adventure, because it enables you to take in a series of other waterfalls in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north of Teesdale, the dale above the market town of Barnard Castle. High Force is best accessed by a 3 kilometres (one way) walk from the Bowlees Visitor Centre, where parking is available. This route takes you over the famous Wynch Bridge, past the lovely Low Force Falls and up alongside the River Tees to the head of the falls at High Force.
It is possible to make this a circular walk, by returning down the road but we don’t recommend that, the trail alongside the river is well made and easy to walk. The trail is flat and suitable for all fitness levels. You’ll track the route of the River Tees over the Whin Sill rocks that form the waterfalls here. You’ll get great photos on this route too. If accessing the head of the falls please take great care the rocks are always slippery. Accessing the falls this way it is free to enter – you can also take a shorter route from the High Force Hotel, where there is a charge for parking (£1.50) and also an access fee (£2) to the foot of the falls. The route forms part of the Pennine Way and is well-signposted. The closest village to the falls is Middleton-in-Teesdale where there are rental cottages, a hotel and a campsite – most people though choose to make the 12th-century market town of Barnard Castle their base for a visit to Teesdale.
9.Four Falls trail, Wales
by Mansoureh from Travel with Mansoureh
Distance: 9 km
Difficulty: easy
The Four Waterfalls trail is located in an area called Waterfall County in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. Waterfall County is a heaven for nature lovers since there are beautiful caves, outstanding gorges and large number of beautiful waterfalls. Various trails are available for those seeking to discover a beauty of the area, with the most popular being Four Falls. During this hike one can admire four of breathtaking waterfalls of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd-yr-Eira.
Hike starts at either Gwaun Hepste or Cwm Porth car par (parking charge applies at both). Due to the popularity of the trails the car parks can be full by midday, so it is highly recommended that to start your journey early in the morning or later in the evening.
After walking for 40 minutes (around 3 km), on well maintained and sign posted path, you reach Sgwd Clun Gwyn, the smallest of 4 falls, followed by Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn. There is a good spot for taking a picture of the latter waterfall.
To contuinue your hike follow the sign to Sgwd y Pannwr fall. This waterfall is very beautiful, especially after rainfall. There is a large plunge pool which makes it perfect for swimming, if you dare.
When you reach the fourth and last fall Sgwd-yr-Eira, you will have a chance to walk behind the fall, who doesn’t love that?
This 10 meter high waterfall might may not be the tallest you have even seen but many might say this is the most impressive fall in the UK.
The total route is around 8.8 km and it will take between 2 to 3 hours to finish. The hike is not too difficult, but keep in mind in some parts can be a bit slippery if it is raining.
Nearby town, called Merthyr Tydfil about 23 miles north of Cardiff, is a good base if you plan to have more day trips to the Brecon Beacons.
10.Cascades du Hérisson, France
by Elisa from France Bucket List
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: easy
If you like chasing waterfalls, you will love the Cascades du Hérisson, in Jura mountains, in region Bourgogne-Franche Comté, in eastern France.
The Cascades du Hérisson (Hedgehog Waterfalls) is a series of 7 beautiful waterfalls linked by a well-marked linear trail. Some worth mentioning are l’Eventail – the highest of the waterfalls, with a drop of 65 meter. Very impressive, especially after rainfall and when admired from the base of the waterfall, Le Grand Saut (60m) – is particularly interesting as you can walk behind the fall and last but not least Le Saut Girard (35m).
The hike is 7.5 km long and it takes around 3 hours to complete return trip. The start /finish points are the village of Ilay and the Maison des Cascades where you can learn about these waterfalls and the history of this area. This is not a difficult hike but you need to be ready for many steps. Also, some parts of the path are wet and slippery in places, so good hiking shoes are a must.
Do not miss this hike, when you go for a road trip around the Jura.
11.Angon waterfall, France
by Pierre from French Moments
Distance: 4.2 km
Difficulty: moderate
The fascinating Angon Waterfall (Cascade d’Angon) is located above Lake Annecy, a 30 minutes drive away from the picturesque town of Annecy, France.
Although there are many ways to reach this beautiful spot, the most rewarding walk starts near the lakeshore at the Angon car park, 411 route des Vignes, Talloires.
The medium difficulty hike can be done as a circuit of around 2.30hrs to 3hrs, 4.2 kms long with a 300 m elevation.
From the carpark, the pathway is well marked. The climb takes place on a steep walk up the forest for about 45 mins with some breathtaking views over lake Annecy.
Nearer to the waterfall, the path seems to be cut right into the cliff itself with vertiginous views of the gorge, and the lake dominated by the snow-capped mountains of the Bauges massif.
The slippery path descends behind a first waterfall before climbing up to the main 35 m-tall waterfall.
Although trees obstruct part of the view, the long drop of the cascading waterfall remains a spectacular sight.
Of course, the Angon Waterfall is best seen after some rainfall, although it can be a very cool destination during a hot summer day!
Access to the waterfall site is not suitable for families with children as the path can be very slippery in places.
The circuit then climbs again to the pretty stone bridge of Pont des Fées followed by the pastures of the hamlet of Rovagny before descending to Angon in the forest.
12.Circo de Soaso, Spain
by Phil & Izzy from The Gap Decaders
Distance: 19 or 22 km depending on the return route
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Hike to the Cola de Caballo in Spain’s UNESCO protected Ordesa valley must be one of the most spectacular in the whole county, especially for waterfalls lovers.
The linear variant of the hike will take you there and back on well-defined and sign posted trail along tumbling Rio Arazes river with many smaller waterfalls, cascades and pools with turquoise blue, crystal clear water along the route.
The circular variant, Circo de Soaso, slightly more challenging and more interesting, follows the same trail, along Rio Arazes, to reach the spectacular Cola de Caballo waterfall. But to return, however, the trail follows Cazadores De Los Senda (The Hunters path). The path climbs up, to eventually, cling to the sheer walls of the valley. Along the way provides incredible views across to Monte Perdido, the Cirque de Gavarnie beyond and the distinctive notch on the skyline of Brecha de Rolanda.
This route is a circa 7 h trip which makes it a good hike for autumn, with higher rainfall than in summer and lower number of visitors.
The Cola de Caballo itself is a wide 100m high waterfall feeding the Rio Arazes and does indeed look like horse’s tails as flows and prances down the rocks. There are lots of large boulders where you can sit and admire the spectacle, or perhaps enjoy your well-deserved packed lunch! Other waterfalls of note on the hike are the impossibly pretty Cascadas Grandas de Soaso and the dramatic Cascada del Estrecho, make sure to stop for the perfect photo opportunity.
13.Ruta de los Cahorros, Spain
by Joanna from Andalucia in My Pocket
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: moderate
The Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain are home to numerous hikes, some suitable for families with children, some perfect for adrenaline seekers, and some requiring a good level of fitness. Home to the highest peak in continental Spain, Sierra Nevada mountains are a great place to experience both nature and wildlife. One of the medium hikes that you can do in Sierra Nevada, is Ruta de los Cahorros in Monachil, a 7.2km circular trail.
Easy reachable from Granada in just 20 minutes by car and around 30 by bus, the hike is marked as medium difficulty, mostly because of its second part. The trail starts in the village of Monachil and follows the river under the shade of tall trees, through the forest. Without realising, you start climbing, higher and higher, passing by large boulders, crossing hanging bridges and walking along an old water canal. 40 minutes into the hike, the trail reaches a beautiful waterfall, where most of the locals will stop to enjoy a day’s out in nature. The water is very cold and refreshing, and there is plenty of space for everyone to take a dip under the tall waterfall. Besides the main waterfall, there are several other smaller ones coming down on the sharp walls of the rocks.
The waterfall sits under the longest hanging bridge of the route, which stretches on a distance of 55 meters, at a height of 15 meters above the ground. That’s the same height of the waterfall underneath.
The trail continues through a narrow canyon which challenges your fitness level and ability to go underneath or jump over the rocks sticking out. Towards the end, the path passes through a cave and then the canyon opens up with a beautiful panorama of the Sierra Nevada mountains. From here, the trail returns on the other side of the mountain, climbing up over the canyon. This is a hard part, especially in summer, as there is no shade. This is where you will have the most chances to meet the local wildlife, in more common the Iberian ibex.
14.Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco waterfall, Madeira island, Portugal
by Alexandrina from EarthOSea
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: moderate
Levada das 25 Fontes is probably the most beautiful and captivating hiking trail on the island of Madeira. Moreover, combined with a detour to beautiful Risco waterfall makes this hike MUST do while staying on Madeira island.
Autumn season proves to be the perfect time to visit this evergreen trail, less people and still warm days allow you to enjoy what this island has to offer.
During the hike you will encounter, as the name of the route suggests, 25 fountains or little waterfalls hidden in the ancient irrigation system, and with turquoise & blue lagoon water; but also you will enjoy amazing views of surrounding mountains.
The trail, which starts at Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal (dedicated car park on road ER110) is partially one- way only, so make sure to follow signs.
First waterfall – Lagoa das 25 Fontes surrounded by a semi-cave and the lush Laurisilva vegetation, is the most serene place on the trail. And Risco, 100 meters high waterfall, with its 2 cascades, is the most majestic waterfall on the whole island.
Climb to Lagoa do Vento is much steeper, but your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the whole region and again stunning falls.
This hiking trail takes around 6-7 hours of walking and climbing. Thus, it is recommended to be prepared with enough food and water.
15.Wild Water Trail, Austria
by Linda from Travel Tyrol
Distance: 22 km or less if only one or two stages completed
Difficulty: moderate
The Wild Water Trail to the Sulzenau Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and beautiful trails in Stubai Valley in Tyrol allowing you to enjoy two impressive waterfalls but also turquoise mountain lakes and glaciers. Those who have discovered it, return over and over again for the thrill and experience the natural wanders.
The whole trail can be divided into 3 stages and starts at WildeWasserArena at the quarry in Ranalt.
The initial section, circa 5km, follows the Ruetz river, through the spectacular Ruetz cataract, to the Tschangelair Alm hut and ends at Grawafall waterfall (180m high), the widest waterfall in Eastern Alps. With several viewing platforms you can enjoy the waterfall from various perspectives.
Once you enjoyed the waterfall, start your second leg of the hike – steep climb to Sulzenaualm hut. After about 45 minutes, and with the steepest part of this section behind you, the landscape opens up in the Sulzenegg basin. This is a flat piece of Alpine meadow with the Sulzenau Waterfall beckoning on the other side. In fact, you’ll see several smaller waterfalls around you where the basin connects with the mountains.
The Sulzenau Waterfall has a drop of about 200 metres. To get to the top, you can choose between a steep trail next to the falls or a more winding one a bit further away. Either way, there’s a reward waiting at the top in the form of the Sulzenauhütte – drink and a meal in one of the most idyllic location in the world.
The third part of the walk leads from the hut to the base of Sulzenauferner glacier. This just over 2km section takes you to a truly magnificent place – granite sculptured by glaciers and a crystal blue glacier-fed lake strung together by a glacial torrent that tumbles and thunders between them.
This hike will leave you breathless for the views!
Retrace your steps or plan overnight stay in Sulzenauhütte, to enjoy other hikes in the area.
16.Mali Šumík and Veliki Šumík waterfalls, Slovenia
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: moderate, with steep and mildly exposed sections
These two waterfalls are Slovenia’s best kept secrets! Located in Mariborsko Pohorje area, just west from Maribor, the two Sumik waterfalls are well hidden in the wild hills and dense forests. Getting to the trailhead for Mali & Veliki Sumik (Small and Big Sumik) waterfalls requires good driving skills, as the only way of reaching the well concealed dedicated car park is via a narrow and unpaved forest track, with hairpin bends and eroded sections. The drive up the steep track was an adventure itself as sometimes we had to share the track with timber trucks, which was quite challenging. Keep in mind that you may not be able to get by car to the trailhead during the forest felling season.
Once you get to the trailhead look out for a small path closely following river Lobnica. The trail provides a lot of excitement with rope secured sections and steel footholds, we found a couple of sections tricky to pass. The trail descents steeply to follow Lobnica and the first serious descent takes you directly to Veliki Sumik waterfall (Big Sumik, 24 metres high) which is somewhat hidden and otherwise invisible. We recommend venturing further along the river, to visit the smaller of the waterfalls, Mali Sumik (Small Sumik, 9 metres high), some 500 metres further along Lobnica. Again, the path leading from Veliki to Mali Sumik can be tricky to follow as it runs along eroded riverbank, with obstacles in the form of tree roots and unstable slopes. Once you get to a small footbridge, Mali Sumik is only around the corner!
The best way to return to the car park, or the starting point is retracing your steps.
17.Slovenia – Cathedral Fall and Fratarica creek
by Stunning Outdoors
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty: easy to moderate
This short walk will take you to a hidden Fratarica Creek, home to Cathedral Waterfall, several cascades and emerald pools. The 1.5 km linear hike starts near Log pod Montgartom village and closely follows Fratarica river. Couple of short sections actually run in the stream, so it’s really important to wear good waterproof hiking boots for this adventure! Along the way you’ll pass small cascades and hidden falls, narrow gorges. To see the tall waterfall in full glory it’s best to take the steep decent trail to the bottom of the creek (secured with ropes). Furthermore, the trail passes several emerald pools, so inviting to jump in! If you give in, prepare for a sharp shock of extra cold mountain river! Surrounded by greenery and white limestone the pools look especially stunning on a sunny day! The walk to Fratarica creek is the more special as it’s located just at the foot of mighty Julian Alps, only a short drive from Bovec. Slovenian alps are some of the most amazing mountain ranges in Europe! You’ll enjoy spectacular and often moody mountain views on the way to and from the creek. I can’t think of a better encouragement!
18 & 19.Kamienczyk and Szklarka waterfalls, Poland
The two waterfalls: Kamienczyk and Szklarka are located in Sudety mountains in Poland, along the border with Czechia. Both waterfalls can be found in Karkonosze National Park, and only a short drive or within 1.5 hours walk (4 km each way) from town centre of Szklarska Poreba.
Szklarka watefall
We recommend visiting Szklarka waterfall first, as it’s further from town centre. The waterfall is accessible by local public transport, however if you decide to take a walk from Szklarska Poreba you will be able to avoid paying admission to the national park. This simple online map will help you plan the hike find your way thru the forest and along river Szklarka. Once you’ve visited the waterfall it’s best to retrace your steps to Szklarska Poreba.
Kamienczyk waterfall
You may want to continue to Kamienczyk waterfall right away. To do so, you should return towards Szklarska Poreba and once you reach the town walk towards the chairlift to Szrenica mountain; there you will continue ahead to the forest and after approximately 1.2 km will join a cobbled track, turn left to reach Kamienczyk mountain hut, less than a 100 metres from Kamienczyk waterfall. This time however, you won’t be able to avoid the national park admission charges. Unlike Szklaraka waterfall, Kamienczyk is hidden at the end of a narrow gorge accessed by steep steps and supervised by national park staff (security helmets are provided at the top of the stars).
Szklarka and Kamienczyk waterfalls are the most beautiful and the highest waterfalls in Karkonosze National Park hence they attract numerous tourists and walking groups, you should therefore expect to come across a considerable number of fellow walkers on the trails.
20.Waterfalls of Krka National Park, Croatia
Krka National Park offers insight at the stunning karst landscape shaped by ever present waters of river Krka. The river created a wide gorge with dozens of cascades and waterfalls, all well-presented and prepared for your exploration under the protection of national park. Unlike the famous Plitvicka Jezera, Krka National Park is not overcrowded and you can still enjoy quiet trails and unspoilt waterfall views (especially if you visit early in the morning or explore further parts). To ensure the best experience and to see the most beautiful parts of the park, follow the signposted trails (information and simple maps available at the ticket office). Krka National Park has several access points, we recommend visiting at least three locations (drive between the locations, a full day expedition): Skradinski Buk waterfalls (near Skradin, the main part of Krka NP), Roski Slap (near Bogatic) and viewpoint to Minojlovac Slap (the highest waterfall of Krka NP, near Knin). As soon as you set off to explore locations other than Skradin, you’ll realise that the park is wilder than the first impression, offers solitude and varied landscape, not to mention the beautiful waterfalls!
I love a waterfall walk! The scenery is usually amazing and there’s something relaxing about looking at waterfalls. I haven’t been on any of these hikes yet (partly because I haven’t visited most of the countries mentioned) so plenty to look at in the future. It’s difficult to pick which one is the most spectacular!