Near St. Martin am Grimming in the Austrian Styria, the Salza river carves its way between forest and rocks before plunging approximately 40 meters. Below, the water collects in a greenish shimmering basin framed by steep rock faces. This makes the Salza Waterfall appear significantly more secluded than its location and relatively short walking time would suggest.

This excursion fits well into a day when no major mountain tour is planned. Instead of long ascents, the focus is on the forest, flowing water, and a manageable route. The Salza Waterfall hike is therefore also suitable for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to spend an hour or two in nature.

However, the place is not entirely unknown: the Salza Waterfall has already served multiple times as a filming location for the TV series “Die Bergretter” (The Mountain Rescuers).

A short path with an impressive destination

The shorter hike begins at the Salza parking lot near the Ennstalstraße. From here, signs point the way to the Salzabach. Once you reach the bridge, you can access the waterfall via the footbridge branching off to the right.

The route measures approximately 3.8 kilometers round trip and can be easily completed in about an hour. There are hardly any significant changes in elevation. Nevertheless, you should wear sturdy shoes, as the forest floor, stones, and areas near the water can be damp and slippery.

If you prefer to start directly in St. Martin am Grimming, you can choose a longer loop. This leads from the village via the Lehenweg and then through the forest. Depending on the variant, this amounts to approximately 5 kilometers. This route therefore takes a little longer but also provides a better impression of the landscape at the foot of the Grimming.

At the destination, however, the path does not end at a classic viewing platform. Instead, you stand close to the water and see how the Salza plunges over the rock edge into the basin. The water flow is stronger after rainfall or during snowmelt; after longer dry periods, however, the fall is usually more subdued.

From the waterfall to the Salza Reservoir

As already mentioned, the path splits at the bridge. To the right, the footbridge leads to the waterfall, but to the left, a longer and significantly more strenuous route leads uphill towards the reservoir. If you want to combine both destinations, you should plan more time and inquire about the current condition of the path beforehand.

North of the Ennstal, the Salza Reservoir stretches into a wooded valley incision between Grimming and Kemetgebirge. With a length of approximately 5 kilometers and a capacity of about 11 million cubic meters, it is significantly larger than one would initially assume from the waterfall.

The dam wall is also part of the landscape. It was built in the late 1940s and later extensively renovated. Since temporary closures can occur around the lake due to the risk of rockfall, extending the tour should not be undertaken spontaneously without current information.

A waterfall with TV history

Fans of the series “Die Bergretter” (The Mountain Rescuers) might recognize the Salza Waterfall. The rock faces, the dark water basin, and the dense forest have been used multiple times as a backdrop for accidents and dramatic rescue scenes. However, due to the camera perspective, the landscape in the series appears even wilder and more inaccessible than it presents itself on site.

The Salza Waterfall is just one of numerous filming locations in the region. Shots for the series are also regularly made around Ramsau am Dachstein, Schladming, and the Stoderzinken. Farms, alpine pastures, and mountain trails from the surrounding area thus repeatedly appear on screen.

For fans of the mountain rescuers, visiting the Salza Waterfall therefore takes on additional meaning. While there are no sets or props on site, recognizing the natural landscape makes the excursion interesting – even without a film crew and staged rescue operation.

Tips on season, weather, and route

The paths to the waterfall are considered passable all year round, but the hike is most straightforward from spring to autumn. In spring, the Salza often carries more water; then the fall appears more powerful, but at the same time, paths and stones can be wetter.

In summer, the forest sections provide shade, although an early start on warm days is more pleasant. Autumn brings quieter paths and colorful deciduous trees around the rocks. In winter, snow, ice, and frozen spray can make access difficult. In such cases, grippy shoes and a realistic assessment of the conditions are essential.

For the short route, you should plan about one hour of pure walking time. With photo breaks and a longer stay at the water, this quickly turns into one and a half to two hours. Take enough to drink, even if the route is not long. At the water itself, there are neither gastronomic offers nor a serviced hut.

In case of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or announced severe weather, you should postpone the tour. Water levels can change, and wet rocks quickly lose their grip. The same applies to extending the tour: current closures and path reports should always take precedence over the original plan.

Further excursion destinations in the Ennstal

Since the hike does not take up the whole day, there is time for other destinations in the Ennstal. Near Trautenfels stands the castle of the same name, which houses a landscape museum on the nature and culture of the Liezen district. From there, Pürgg is also quickly reached. The small historic village is elevated above the valley and can be easily explored with a short walk.

If you want to go back into the mountains, you can drive to Stoderzinken and hike to the Friedenskircherl. For longer tours, paths on the Grimming or to the Tressenstein are an option. The latter offers a wide view over the Ennstal and combines well with a visit to Trautenfels Castle.

A flatter alternative is the Ennsradweg (Enns Cycle Path). It runs through the valley and passes places like Haus im Ennstal, Aich, Gröbming, Öblarn, and Trautenfels. This way, the excursion to the waterfall can also be combined with a bike tour or a quieter afternoon in the valley.

Off to the Salza Waterfall

The Salza Waterfall is well suited as a destination for half a day, without feeling like a mere filler. The hike requires neither much time nor a long ascent, but still leads into a striking rock landscape. For a longer loop, starting in St. Martin is an option; alternatively, the path can be continued towards the reservoir under suitable conditions.

For your stay in the region, you will find holiday apartments and flats at AA Holiday Homes, from which the waterfall, the Ennstal, and other destinations in Schladming-Dachstein are easily accessible. This way, you can alternate short nature excursions with longer hikes and relaxed days in the mountains.