Waterfalls around Sautens are a prominent feature of the Ötztal valley in Tyrol, Austria. The region is characterized by its alpine landscape, where glacial retreat and geological events have shaped numerous cascades. Sautens serves as a gateway to exploring these natural wonders, offering access to various hiking routes and viewpoints. The area's terrain provides diverse opportunities to experience the power and beauty of flowing water.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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An absolute highlight. Start at the parking lot in Schön
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Winter activities at the Stuibenfall Even in winter, the Stuibenfall shapes the landscape of Umhausen and Niederthai. Embedded in the snowy landscape, Tyrol's largest waterfall seems almost mystical in the cold season. Curious? Hike to see the view of the Stuibenfall during the day or in the evening with lighting.
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After a rockslide with fatal consequences, the original hiking route had to be closed to the public. After two years of construction, a steel structure with 728 steps and an 80-meter-long suspension bridge now leads to the viewing platforms and to Niederthai. The official opening took place on May 21, 2016. At least the upper information board still showed the old route in summer 2017 (as shown here).
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The waterfall is well developed as a tourist attraction with hiking trails and restaurants, and since 2007 there has also been a suspension bridge at the top and five viewing platforms spread out. Some of the platforms are in such exposed places that the "Stuiben" (dusting) can be experienced directly. Since 2008 there has also been a 450-meter-long, family-friendly via ferrata that crosses the waterfall in the last section. During the summer months the waterfall is illuminated one evening a week.
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When the mountain massif near Köfels collapsed around 7000 BC, the present-day Tauferberg was formed on the opposite side. This dammed the Horlachbach and a large lake was formed. The water ate away at the rock from which the current Stuibenfall falls; a small remnant of the eroded massif has been preserved as a natural bridge. The remains of the lake can also still be seen as shore terraces in Niederthai.
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With a drop of 159 meters (in two stages), the Stuibenfall is the highest waterfall in Tyrol. On average, 610 liters of water per second, with a maximum of 2,000 liters per second, flow over the edge of the rock into the depths. As the stream is largely fed by meltwater from the Zwieselbach and Grastalferner, it has the highest water flow in summer.
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The Stuiben Falls were created in 7,000 BC, when the kilometer-high glaciers of the Ice Age retreated from the valley and the permafrost thawed. This resulted in a massive landslide and blocked the mountain stream from the Horlachtal valley. As it searched for a new path into the valley, Tyrol's largest waterfall was created.
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Stuibenfall at night Every Wednesday evening, the Stuibenfall shines in the new LED spotlights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offers a unique scenery for night and lantern hikes. Together with our hiking guides, the guided hikes go from the village center of Umhausen over the Steppsteig to the 1st platform. Or from Niederthai to the top platform.
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The Stuibenfall, Tyrol's largest waterfall, offers several impressive features. You can explore it via a network of hiking trails, including over 700 steps, and an 80-meter-long suspension bridge for thrilling views. Five strategically placed viewing platforms, such as the Stuibenfall Viewing Platform, allow you to experience the misty atmosphere. For the adventurous, a family-friendly via ferrata runs alongside the falls, and the Stuiben Power Bridge provides a unique perspective during a steep climb.
While the Stuibenfall involves over 700 steps and a suspension bridge, making some sections challenging, it is generally considered family-friendly. The Stuibenfall Waterfall highlight is noted as family-friendly. The via ferrata is also designed to be family-friendly, offering a unique experience for various skill levels.
The Rosengarten Gorge is a spectacular 2 km long path where the Schinderbach roars through. You can observe this natural spectacle from a trail that leads through the gorge, featuring vertically rising rock walls covered in mosses and ferns. It's considered one of Austria's most beautiful gorges and a valuable biotope, reflecting millions of years of earth's history. While generally suitable for children and dogs, sturdy shoes and surefootedness are required.
Yes, beyond the prominent Stuibenfall, the Lehner Waterfall in Längenfeld is another significant cascade, featuring roaring Alpine water plunging 80 meters into a deep gorge. The Ötztal valley, where Sautens is located, also offers various canyoning tours that feature impressive waterfalls and opportunities to play by riverside cascades, providing different ways to experience the region's flowing water.
The waterfalls around Sautens are stunning year-round. During summer, the Stuibenfall has its highest water flow due to meltwater, offering a powerful spectacle. In winter, it transforms into a magical ice sculpture. The Stuibenfall is also illuminated one evening a week during the summer months, creating a unique ambiance for night hikes.
The area around Sautens offers diverse hiking opportunities. For instance, the Stuibenfall features a well-developed network of trails, including over 700 steps and a suspension bridge. The Rosengarten Gorge also has a trail leading through it. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Oetz – Umhausen loop from Sautens' or the 'View of the Ötztal Valley – Wooden bridge loop from Oetz' which are part of the Cycling around Sautens guide, often passing by scenic points.
Yes, the region around Sautens offers various cycling and gravel biking routes. For road cycling, options include the 'Oetz – Umhausen loop from Sautens' from the Road Cycling Routes around Sautens guide. For touring or gravel biking, you might find routes like the 'Switchbacks – Umhausen loop from Sautens' or the 'Waterfall in Ötztal – View of the waterfall loop from Ötztal' in the Gravel biking around Sautens guide, which can lead you through scenic areas near the waterfalls.
The Stuibenfall was formed around 7000 BC due to glacial retreat and a massive landslide that diverted the Horlachbach stream. This geological history, tied to the Ice Age, adds a fascinating layer to its natural wonder. The name 'Stuibenfall' itself refers to 'Stuiben,' the atomized water that creates a misty atmosphere, a direct result of its powerful cascade.
Research suggests that the ionized water spray from the Stuibenfall can positively impact lung function, particularly for those with sports asthma. Spending time near the falls is believed to be potentially beneficial for respiratory health due to this natural ionization.
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive scale of the Stuibenfall, describing it as a 'gigantic waterfall' and a 'real game of nature.' Many appreciate the 'super nice hike' and 'great scenery,' especially the adventure of ascending over the suspension bridge and the many steps. The unique panorama from the viewing platforms is also a common favorite.
Trails around Sautens waterfalls vary in difficulty. For instance, the path to the Stuibenfall involves over 700 steps and a suspension bridge, requiring a head for heights and good physical condition. The Rosengarten Gorge also requires sturdy shoes and surefootedness due to its rugged terrain. Many trails are rated intermediate or challenging, often involving climbs and steep sections, as seen with highlights like the Stuiben Power Bridge.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, a 450-meter-long, family-friendly via ferrata runs directly alongside the Stuibenfall. This fixed-rope climbing route offers a unique and adventurous perspective of the cascading water masses. Additionally, the climb to the Stuiben Power Bridge is described as steep and requires a head for heights.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Sautens: