Umhausen has given a very special name to its variety of attractions: “Urkraft” means elemental power. Quite rightly! The “source” of inspiration is a 159-meter high, cascading waterfall – the biggest of its kind in all Tirol. The mighty Stuiben Falls attract visitors from near and far. The thundering mountain waters of Horlachbach brook are rushing down from Niederthai to the valley floor, leaving behind huge clouds of water spray.
There is nothing comparable to that, not even a stage production. What’s best, visitors can experience it at first hand. Much closer than from a seat in the box: a scenic hiking tour takes you to a footpath with no less than 700 steps, several vantage platforms and a 80-meter long suspension bridge over the waterfall –a weekly guided lantern hike to the illuminated waterfall is scheduled as well in the summer season.
A via ferrata featuring about 450 altitude meters promises panoramic climbing fun at the edge of the Stuiben Falls. It is suitable for sporty families with ambitious and highly disciplined children over 10 years. Novice hikers are recommended to take part in one of the guided via ferrata tours – equipment rental included – in Umhausen or the mountain village of Niederthai. Last but not least: the water spray has many positive effects, especially for asthmatics or allergy sufferers. According to research studies of Salzburg’s Private University, one daily hour close to the waterfall can enhance your pulmonary function up to 58 %.