Description
With a drop of 97 metres, Partschins Waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Alps. Set in the Zieltal valley above the village of Partschins in the Merano region of South Tyrol, the water shoots over a freestanding rock face before plunging thunderously into the valley below. The waterfall is fed by the Zielbach stream, which originates in the glacial landscape of the Texel Group at around 2,800 metres above sea level. Depending on snowmelt and rainfall, it carries anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 litres of water per second.
A Natural Spectacle with Health Benefits
The waterfall is at its most impressive during the snowmelt between May and July, when it reaches full force. On sunny mornings between ten and noon, the fine spray shimmers with rainbow colours — a sight that alone makes the visit worthwhile. At the foot of the falls, a special microclimate takes hold: a study by the Technical University of Munich found an exceptionally high concentration of oxygen ions at the site, which are said to boost the immune system and cleanse the airways. The waterfall is officially recognised as a health resort, and the so-called "waterfall cure" is particularly recommended for people with allergies or asthma.
Walks and How to Get There
Partschins Waterfall is about a 90-minute walk from the village centre, following the trail through the Zieltal valley. A popular circular route takes in the Partschins Waalweg — one of the area's traditional irrigation channels — and the Sagenweg (Legend Trail), which passes prehistoric cup-marked stones, before looping back to the village via the waterfall. For an easier approach, take the Texelbahn cable car from Rabland and walk downhill from the top station along the scenic farm trail. The best viewpoint sits just a few minutes from the Gasthaus Wasserfall, right beneath the cascade. Since 2020, the Alpinsteig Partschinser Wasserfall also leads behind the main falls to emerald-green pools and several smaller cascades further up the Zieltal valley.
How to get there
Partschins is located around 10km/6.2mi north-west of Meran. From there, 3km/1.9mi divide you from the waterfalls. You can drive all the way to Gasthaus Wasserfall, However, there are also numerous hiking trails that lead to the waterfalls.