14 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Germany (2023)
Germany is full of natural wonders that are worth visiting, especially the most spectacular waterfalls in Germany. They tumbled down from a height of several hundred meters with a roar and offer a unique sight.
In order to experience spectacular waterfalls, Germany has a lot to offer. Visit one of the breathtaking waterfalls in Germany on a weekend trip.
There are around 500 waterfalls in Germany, 350 of which are in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg alone.
Saarburg Waterfall, Rhineland-Palatinate
A small specialty among the waterfalls in Germany is the waterfall in Saarburg.
In the middle of the old town of the picturesque small town, the Leuk River, which runs here, drops around 17 meters in depth.
In the 13th century, the original course of the stream was changed so that enough water was available in the city.
In addition, water power was already used at that time to drive the mills.
Around the waterfall you will find many cafes and restaurants that invite you to linger. The rushing and roaring of the Saarburg waterfall creates a very special atmosphere.
Triberg Waterfalls, Baden-Württemberg
With a total drop of 163 meters, the Triberg waterfalls are among the highest waterfalls in all of Germany. The water falls over a total of seven steps over the mighty granite rocks into a wooded valley basin. This ends directly in the center of Triberg.
Around the waterfalls, some well-developed and paved paths lead you very close to the natural spectacle.
From two wooden bridges you have the perfect view of the cascading waterfalls. The Triberg Waterfalls are accessible all year round and are always a great destination for the whole family.
In the evening, the waterfalls are illuminated until 10 p.m. and bathed in atmospheric light.
The next highlight is not far from the Triberg waterfalls.
From here, make a detour to Lake Constance, in the south of Baden-Württemberg. With its many bathing opportunities, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany.
Todtnau Waterfalls, Baden-Württemberg
Only about an hour’s drive from the Triberg Waterfalls you will find the next spectacular waterfalls.
The Todtnau Waterfalls plunge down between the towns of Todtnauberg and Aftersteg.
It has a total height of 97 meters and is a true natural spectacle. You can reach the waterfall from car parks in Todtnauberg and Aftersteg. The hiking trail from Aftersteg is even barrier-free.
More than 100,000 guests come every year and visit the waterfall in the Black Forest. You can also do a short day hike of around six kilometers around the waterfall.
The circular route starts and ends in Todtnauberg.
Röthbach Falls, Bavaria
In the very southwest of Germany you will find the impressive Röthbachfall, which falls almost vertically over the Röthwand over a total height of 470 meters.
It is located in the Berchtesgadener Land south of the Obersee and in the middle of the Berchtesgadener Land National Park, one of Germany’s 16 national parks.
Although there is no higher waterfall in Germany, the Röthbachfall is relatively unknown among tourists.
This is mainly due to its difficult accessibility. Because before you can see the natural spectacle up close, you first have to take the boat across the Königssee to the Saletalm and then head to the Obersee.
The route runs for three kilometers along the banks of the Obersee and spoils you with a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape of the Alps.
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Buchenegg Waterfalls, Bavaria
Between Lake Constance and the Illertal you will find the Buchenegger waterfalls in Oberstaufen. You are in the popular excursion region Geopark Allgäu, where you will find various trip destinations.
The Buchenegger waterfalls are particularly well-known for their “gumpen jumping” – a synonym for cliff jumping, which has become firmly established in the region.
The highest jump point at the waterfalls is around 30 meters high. However, every jump is also associated with a risk, because the water level is often very different.
Geratser Waterfall, Bavaria
It is somewhat hidden on the road between the towns of Keller and Rieder. This is where the Geratser Ach and the Kranzegger Bach come together and form the waterfall, which falls about six meters over a wall.
A trip to the Geratser waterfall is perfect for a little break from everyday life, because the waterfall is relatively unknown and you might only come across other people in the summer months.
The Geratser Ach meanders as a small stream through the stone slabs, all around you will find overgrown stones and dense deciduous forest.
The place looks a bit like something out of a fairy tale.
Dreimühlen Waterfall, Rhineland-Palatinate
The next waterfall on our list is almost a dwarf among the waterfalls presented, with a drop of four to six meters.
The special thing about this waterfall: It grows about eight to ten centimeters further into the valley every year.
In the moss cushions of the waterfall, limestone deposits form, which ensure that the waterfall increases in size.
The Dreimühlen waterfall has been a natural monument since 1938.
You can reach the waterfall by bike or on foot. Either you use the Eifel thriller hiking trail, the Kalkeifel cycle path or the mineral springs route.
The Dreimühlen waterfall is just a few kilometers from the Nürburgring, one of the top attractions in Germany.
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Blauenthal Waterfall, Saxony
In the middle of the Saxon Ore Mountains you will find the Blauenthal Waterfall, which is around 30 meters high.
It is also the highest waterfall in Saxony, but not of natural origin.
It was created after the First World War when a manufacturer had a new ditch dug for the turbines in his factory above the steep rock face.
On Sunday, the machines stood still and the water was diverted over the rock face. At the same time, it became an important tourist attraction in the region.
In winter, when the Blauenthal waterfall is frozen, extreme athletes practice ice climbing there.
Trusetal Waterfall, Thuringia
In the Thuringian Forest you will find the Trusetal Waterfall, which is not a natural phenomenon but an artificial waterfall.
It was created in 1865 by miners. A 3.5 km artificial water channel leads to the actual waterfall. This plunges more than 50 meters into the depths and thus forms a beautiful spectacle, even if only artificially created.
The Trusetal Waterfall is also easy to reach for people with disabilities.
In the immediate vicinity is the Hainich National Park with the next destination.
The Hainich treetop path takes you up to dizzy heights. Treetop walks in Germany have become a popular attraction in recent years and you can find them all over Germany.
Kuhfluchtwasserfälle, Bavaria
Near Garmisch-Partenkirchen there is a group of three waterfalls with a total drop of around 270 meters.
With this total height, they are among the highest waterfalls in Germany.
The water of the Kuhfluchtwasserfälle comes from the plateau between Krottenkopf and Simetsberg and springs from several karst springs.
You will find a well-signposted network of paths around the waterfalls.
If you want to reach the Kuhfluchtwasserfälle on foot, then you should set off from Farchant.
In about an hour’s walk you have arrived at the waterfalls.
The Ettal Benedictine Abbey is not far from the Kuhfluchtwasserfälle. It is probably one of the most beautiful monasteries in Germany and can be visited or explored on a guided tour.
The unusual name of the waterfalls has nothing to do with fleeing cows, but is probably derived from the Roman name of the waterfalls “confluetum”.
Urach Waterfall, Baden-Württemberg
Located on the outskirts of Bad Urach, the Urach Waterfalls present themselves as a wonderful destination.
The water falls more than 37 meters, hits a calcareous tuff step and flows another 50 meters steeply downwards.
You have the opportunity to look at the water masses from different perspectives and thus get a perfect insight into the nature of the waterfall.
From the foot of the Urach waterfall you have the right view of the imposing height. At the edge of the waterfall, a staircase leads to the upper end of the waterfall to a high meadow. Here you can see from a bridge over the waterfall how the water masses fell into the depths.
The waterfall can also be visited in winter. However, depending on the weather, the paths around the Urach Waterfall may be closed. If the waterfall can be visited in winter, you will find bizarre, frozen jets of water here.
Insider tip: Various hiking tours lead around the waterfall. This way you can get to know the region around the waterfalls even better.
If you have tense muscles after hiking, you can visit one of the thermal baths in Baden-Württemberg and get relief.
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Lechfall, Bavaria
Although the Lechfall has a natural origin, it was changed by construction measures in such a way that today it is an approximately 12 meter high weir on the Lech overflowing its entire width.
Located on the southern outskirts of Fussen, it is a popular tourist attraction in the area. This is mainly known for Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.
A bridge leads over the Lechfall, so you have a good view of the waterfall. You can easily reach the waterfall in about a 30-minute walk from Füssen.
There are also some free parking spaces available for you directly at the waterfall.
The water presents itself in a beautiful blue and also looks good on your holiday photos.
Be sure to use your visit to the region for a stop at the Lechfall.
Zipfelsbach Waterfall, Bavaria
The Zipfelsbach Waterfall is located near Bad Hindelang and only a few kilometers from the Austrian border.
In about 15 minutes you can walk from the nearby parking lot to the waterfall. But of course you can also go on great hikes around the waterfall.
The water’s path from the crest to the base of the waterfall is a total of 300 meters long. This makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Germany.
You can hear the waterfall from afar and, above all, see how impressively it makes its way down the entire slope of the mountain, over various rocky outcrops.
Scheidegger Waterfalls, Bavaria
Also located in Bavaria, you will find the Scheidegger waterfalls at the end of our list.
The water of the Rickenbach descends over two mighty rock steps. First over 22 and then over 18 meters.
You can marvel at the two waterfalls, which are close together, from different vantage points.
When descending to the waterfalls, you have a great view of the Rohracht Gorge, which is up to 200 meters deep.
This also forms the border water between Germany and Austria.
Around the Scheidegger waterfalls you will find other leisure activities that are particularly suitable for children and families.
In a petting zoo and a water playground, the little ones can let off steam to their heart’s content.
14 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Germany
- Saarburg Waterfall, Rhineland-Palatinate
- Triberg Waterfalls, Baden-Württemberg
- Todtnau Waterfalls, Baden-Württemberg
- Röthbach Falls, Bavaria
- Buchenegg Waterfalls, Bavaria
- Geratser Waterfall, Bavaria
- Dreimühlen Waterfall, Rhineland-Palatinate
- Blauenthal Waterfall, Saxony
- Trusetal Waterfall, Thuringia
- Kuhfluchtwasserfälle, Bavaria
- Urach Waterfall, Baden-Württemberg
- Lechfall, Bavaria
- Zipfelsbach Waterfall, Bavaria
- Scheidegger Waterfalls, Bavaria
