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Partschins Waterfall
How to get there, the loop hike and the best time to go
In short: The Partschins waterfall drops 97 metres in the Ziel valley above the village of Partschins (Parcines). You can reach it by bus 265, by car to the Birkenwald car park, or on foot from the village in about an hour. It carries the most water during the snowmelt, from mid-May to early July.
The Partschins waterfall is in Partschins, the village where our hotel is. Here you’ll find how to get there, the loop we recommend and when the visit is most worthwhile.
What makes the Partschins waterfall special
The water comes from the Zielbach stream, which runs for about 8 kilometres through the steep Ziel valley and drains a catchment of about 25 km². At the top is the Roteck at 3,337 metres, the highest point in the municipality. Because so much snow melts at high altitude, the waterfall changes a lot through the year: gentle in March, roaring in June.
According to the Meraner Land tourism organisation, a record 10,000 litres per second was measured in July 1989.
When to visit the Partschins waterfall
Meraner Land gives these guide figures:
| Period | Water volume (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Late March / early April | 50–60 litres per second |
| Late April | 100–200 litres per second |
| Mid-May | 350–500 litres per second |
| Mid-May to late June / early July | 5,000–6,000 litres per second |
Something many visitors don’t know: meltwater takes about five hours to reach the falls. So the flow peaks in the evening around 8 pm and drops overnight. To see it at its fullest, go in the late afternoon.
Meraner Land lists the waterfall as open to visitors all year round. For current trail conditions, for example after frost or heavy rain, contact the Partschins tourist office (info@partschins.com, +39 0473 967157).
Getting to the Partschins waterfall
By bus
Bus line 265 runs from Partschins up into the Ziel valley. The last stop is at Gasthaus Wasserfall, the one before it at Gasthaus Birkenwald. The line runs seasonally; check current times on the Südtirol Mobil journey planner.
As a guest at the Anderlahn you get the South Tyrol Guest Pass, which lets you use all public transport in South Tyrol free of charge, including line 265.
By car
Drive to the Birkenwald car park, which Meraner Land lists as the year-round starting point for the waterfall and the Ziel valley, and walk on from there. Parking in Partschins is limited, and the tourism organisations recommend arriving by bus or on foot to protect the area.
On foot from Partschins
From the village you reach the waterfall in about an hour, according to Meraner Land. From Gasthaus Wasserfall, a short detour of about five minutes leads to the viewing platform, where you see the falls up close. We are happy to explain the way from the Anderlahn to the village centre at reception.
Our loop hike to the waterfall
Our host family recommends a loop to our guests that is one of the area’s classics. It links one of the old irrigation-channel paths (Waalweg), the Legends Trail (Sagenweg) and the waterfall.
- Start: Partschins village centre
- Distance: approx. 7.9 km
- Walking time: approx. 3 hours
- Elevation: approx. 619 m up and down
- Food and drink: Gasthaus Wasserfall or Gasthaus Birkenwald (please check opening times with the inns directly)
If you’d rather not walk all the way back, take bus 265 in season to shorten the return.
A few practical tips:
- Wear sturdy shoes; the route follows hiking paths.
- With high water in early summer the spray can soak you, so a light rain jacket is handy.
- Check the weather before you set off.
No need to bring a backpack or trekking poles: we lend both at the hotel. More routes are on our page about hiking in Partschins.
Partschins waterfall: frequently asked questions
How high is the Partschins waterfall?
It drops 97 metres. It is fed by the Zielbach from the Ziel valley.
When does the waterfall carry the most water?
During the snowmelt from mid-May to late June or early July, when Meraner Land puts the flow at about 5,000–6,000 litres per second. During the day, it peaks around 8 pm.
Can you drive to the waterfall?
Not right up to it. Park at the Birkenwald car park and walk the last stretch. In season, bus 265 also goes all the way to Gasthaus Wasserfall.
How long is the hike?
From Partschins it’s about an hour to the waterfall. Our loop via the Waalweg and Sagenweg takes about three hours of walking over roughly 7.9 kilometres.
Can you visit the waterfall in winter?
Meraner Land lists it as open all year round, but it is at its most impressive from May. Our hotel is open from mid-March to the end of November.
Hiking from Partschins with the Anderlahn as your base
The waterfall is just one of many hikes around Partschins. You’ll find all the routes from the hotel on our hiking in Partschins page. For your stay, take a look at our offers and rooms and rates, or send us an enquiry.
