There are several places on earth, upon seeing which, a person is glad that he was lucky to be born on our planet. Among all the wonders of the world that are accessible to the traveler’s eyes, waterfalls stand out with special grandeur and harmony.
1
Victoria Falls
Location: on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia
Height: 108 meters
This is the largest waterfall in the world, which is located in South Africa. A Scot named David Livingston wrote that the locals called him "Thundering Smoke." Indeed, a powerful noise of water is heard at a distance of several kilometers, and the white mist from the spray looks like smoke. The more modern European name Linguiston gave a waterfall in honor of Queen Victoria. “It must be that only the angels, flying, saw such a beautiful place,” David wrote of the magnificence he had seen. This waterfall rightfully deserves the first place on our list, because its height is 108 meters, and the average flow of water is 1 million liters per second! It is not surprising that Victoria is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the drought season, Victoria turns into thin streams of water, and in the rainy season it spills over more than one and a half kilometers. There are four rocky islets on the edge of the waterfall, and in the upper part there is a natural indentation in the rock, called the Devil's Font. Here the current is very weak, and extreme tourists can soak up unhindered in the clear waters of Victoria, while being at a great height, a few steps from the stream rushing into the abyss. The national park, located next to the waterfall, has the indigenous name “Thundering Smoke”, and in itself is also quite a picturesque place. There is a railway to the waterfall area, so it is very easy for tourists to get here.
2
Niagara Falls
Location: Ontario, Canada
Height: 51 meters
Niagara Falls used to look like a giant lake, but then half of the lake collapsed, forming a powerful stream of water that does not stop pouring down today, fueled by three separate currents - Horseshoe, American Stream and Bridlevale. Most of the falls belong to the United States, and only part of the Horseshoe crosses the border, spilling to the very edge of Canada.
The color of water in Niagara is unusually beautiful - a green tint is obtained due to the contact of mineral salts and particles of rock, washed away by the stream of water.
3
Iguazu
Location: on the border of Brazil and Argentina
Height: 82 meters
The literal translation of the name of this waterfall is “Big Water”, it is one of the widest waterfalls in the world. It consists of a total of 275 small waterfalls merging into one huge bubbling and hissing stream. Some of them are separated by islands, in some places there are even gaps where water does not flow at all. In other places, on the contrary, foamy cascades amaze the imagination with their scale. According to legend, upon seeing this waterfall, the wife of Theodore Roosevelt exclaimed “Poor Niagara!”
And if rich extremals tried to get down from the Niagara Falls in a barrel, nobody has yet dared to repeat a similar trick with Iguazu. Hiking trails pass right at the foot of the waterfall, so you need to stock up on waterproof clothing in advance so as not to get wet through the cold fog and spray.
4
Guildloss
Location: on the Hvitau River, Iceland
Height: 32 meters
From Icelandic, Gudlfoss translates as Golden Falls. A popular video clip for the song “Heaven” was filmed here. In the story, a guy and a girl love each other, but they can’t meet, because this monstrous waterfall separates them. The guy jumps into the stream of water and tries to swim to his beloved, but can not do it, starting to sink, and the girl in despair rushes after him, and they both die.
At one time, they wanted to create a power station on the site of Güdlfoss, destroying the natural flow of water, but plans did not work out, and now the place is protected by the Government of Iceland. Someone Sigriudur - a girl who loved the beauty of these places, threatened to rush from the waterfall, in protest, against the construction of a hydroelectric power station. For this, a monument has already been erected in honor of Sigriudur on top of Güdfoss today.
5
Palaus
Location: on the Palaus River, Washington, USA
Height: 60 meters
60 meters high, Palaus is part of the eponymous park, famous for the large number of bears living here. It is located in the forested outskirts of Washington. The waterfall is widely known after the world record set by a tyler here, having successfully descended from a great height by kayak.
The waterfall consists of two rapids, so the kayaker had to train for a long time before he decided to conquer Palaus. Around the waterfall on the rocks interesting stone teeth grow, the height of which reaches 10 meters, while the width is not more than one meter. An observation deck has been built for tourists, with a view of the gorge and steep cliffs. A railway passes nearby. Looking at this place, films about Indians and cowboys immediately come to mind.
6
Sutherland
Location: Fjordland National Park, New Zealand
Height: 248 meters (highest threshold)
In a country that is beautiful in itself, there is a magnificent waterfall 580 meters high. It is located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park, in wild and insanely beautiful lands. This waterfall is considered one of the best places for tourist trips around the world.
The roar of this giant waterfall can be heard long before arriving at it. It is located on the Arthur River, flowing along the Young Island. The waterfall rushes down in thin streams of water from a huge height flowing from the lake. This sight is simply indescribable. See for yourself!
By the way, here you can admire the beauties of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
7
Yosemite Falls
Location: California, USA
Height: 739 meters
Yosemite is the highest waterfall in North America. He will especially like a lover of mysticism and magic puzzles. The Indians believe that underwater witches live at the bottom of the waterfall, and they cite the legend of a girl who decided to scoop up water from the waterfall. The witches were so angry that they filled the bucket with creepy snakes instead of water, and after midnight, they sent a strong wind that blew the girl's and her child's house into the water. If you dare to visit here, grab a crucifix, a Bible and a bunch of magical amulets.
8
Detian
Location: the border of China and Vietnam
Height: 30 meters
The height of this waterfall is only 30 meters, but it looks so beautiful that in this case, the size does not matter. In the time of gangs, many secret caches with gold and jewelry were equipped in the vicinity of this waterfall. So far, not all of them have been found. This circumstance attracts tourists from all over the world. Others come just to admire the magnificent sight, because Detyan is indeed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Located in the vicinity of the waterfall, we can see the classic Asian landscape, with bare rocks that rise above the lush rice fields. The spray of the waterfall creates a fabulous white fog, spreading over a width of 90 meters above the stream of water. In the lower reaches of Datien, tourists will find a beautiful calm lake where you can ride on bamboo rafts.
9
Ventisquero falls
Location: Keulat National Park, Chile
In Spanish, Ventisquero translates to Hanging Snowdrift. You think the wrong name for a waterfall? And no! What makes this waterfall particularly unique is that it flows from a 50,000-year-old huge glacier.
Falling, the water is divided into two, and sometimes into three streams. A rare beauty to see! It is rightfully one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South America.
10
Plitvice Waterfalls
Location: North Dalmatia, Croatia
This is a network of countless waterfalls, some of which are quite impressive in themselves, and all together form such a lush and rich ecosystem that flora and fauna is a real paradise. At the top of the waterfall there are boardwalks for tourists, walking along which you experience indescribable sensations.
Water flowing over millennia-old Cretaceous rocks forms natural dams, barriers, as well as caves and grottoes. Around the waterfalls there are 16 cascading lakes, the water in which has shades from turquoise to crystal clear emerald colors.
11
Hawasu
Location: Grand Canyon, USA
Height: 30 meters
This waterfall is especially loved by photographers. The spectacle is truly impressive - Havasu is surrounded by huge fiery red rocks, and the water in it is bright turquoise. The crash of this waterfall is heard for a half mile around, repeatedly amplified by the reflection from the stone walls of the Grand Canyon.
12
Angel
Location: Churun River, Venezuela
Height: 979 meters
The magnificent Angel Falls is the tallest permanent waterfall in the world, with a height of about 979 meters. It falls from the edge of the mountain deep in the equatorial tropical forests, in a remote area shrouded in clouds in the rainy season. Clear days are very rare here, but if you are lucky enough to get to the waterfall in good weather, amazing photos are provided for you.
The waterfall was opened by pilot James Angel (Angel), when he, flying nearby, due to a plane breakdown, was forced to land at the top of the cliff. I had to go down on foot, and only then did Angel realize how tall this waterfall was. Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez renamed Angel Kerepakupai-Meru, but this name is not well known in the tourist industry.
13
Snokvalmi
Location: Washington State, USA
Height: 82 meters
This is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the Northwest Pacific Coast. Located just a 40-minute drive from Seattle, the waterfall stretches over the surface of huge rocks, shaking the ground with a fall from a great height, and creating clouds of water spray high above the gorge.
This place is known for being featured in many different films, including Twin Peaks.
Read about other beautiful places in the USA on our site most-beauty.ru.
14
Manavayopuna Waterfall
Location: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Height: 109 meters
Until recently, this waterfall, located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, was almost unknown. But, after he flashed in the movie "Jurassic Park", tourists began to arrive much more often. He even got an unofficial name - "Jurassic Waterfall", thanks to the cinema, he gained incredible popularity.
The picturesque surroundings of the waterfall, and its almost 110 meter long stream certainly will not leave travelers indifferent.
15
Kawasan falls
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, and high mountain peaks, the waterfall is located in the south of Cebu province (Philippines). Many come here to see its splendor, swim in the cool lagoon, and take a walk in the rainbow spray of water fog.
16
Wallaman falls
Location: Queensland, Australia
Wallaman Falls is located in Australia's National Park, in the rainforests of UNESCO, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Around the waterfall, the oldest trees on the planet grow; there are many rare and endangered species of animals and plants.
17
Kilt Rock
Location: on a peninsula between Portree and Staffin, Scotland
Height: 90 meters
The name of this waterfall is translated from Scottish as "stone kilt." It is located on the peninsula between Portree and Staffin in Scotland. Its vertical basalt columns form various folds and deposits, so that from afar it really resembles national Scottish clothing.
From a height of 90 meters, tons of water fall into the ocean with noise. But due to constant winds, water does not always reach the surface of the ocean, turning into dust, fog, and breaking up by the wind into billions of small splashes. Everything around seems legendary and fabulous, as if you were in the ancient Scottish legend of the noble warriors of the hill tribe. At dawn, a rainbow appears next to the waterfall. Many are in a hurry to capture this moment in the photo. Artists come here to paint Kilt Rock, and hiking enthusiasts roam the cliffs around, admiring the ocean and breathing in the humid air.
18
Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius
Such a miracle of nature can be seen near the beautiful island of Mauritius. The illusion of a giant underwater waterfall appears before the eyes of a tourist who dared to fly over an underwater gutter.
Transparent waters and a unique gutter structure created such a charming underwater waterfall. The sight is simply amazing.
Conclusion
The list of beautiful waterfalls can be continued for a very long time. Each waterfall is beautiful in its own way. Even a waterfall with a height of 2-3 meters can deliver a lot of positive emotions to people. Below we decided to show you some more beautiful photos that were not included in the main list.
In the photo: Rhine Falls. Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
In the photo: Seljalandsfoss. Iceland.
the city of Fussen. Germany.
Godafoss / Godafoss. Iceland.
In the photo: Seljalandsfoss / Seljalandsfoss. Iceland.
Skogafoss / Skogafoss. Iceland.
Kirkjufell. Iceland.
Azores.
That's all. We hope you find this article interesting. These were the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Thanks for your attention.