Top 15 Most Beautiful and Famous Waterfalls in the world

Table of Contents

Introduction

Waterfall are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on our planet with cascading water and mist creating a mesmerizing display from the tallest waterfall to the most secluded ones. There is something truly awe inspiring about these natural wonders.

Explore One of The Top 15 Most Beautiful and Famous Waterfalls in the world

01) Gullfose (Iceland) :

Gullfose falls or the Golden falls as they are also called is a majestic waterfall in scenic Southwestern Iceland. The falls are fed by the vita river and they are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. In fact these falls are part of the golden circle which is a well travel tourist route.

The route also includes the Geysers of Hoka Dalora as well as the thingvelier national park. So anyone heading to the falls can take in some pretty other stunning sites along the way, the name of the falls, the golden falls comes from the telltale golden hue that the water takes on as it flows over the rocks in he sunlight in the early 20th century.

The falls were almost lost to industrial development of the area but luckily the falls were saved by a local farmer’s daughter who fought hard to preserve them and while the flowing falls are stunning in the warmer months. When winter hits and the temperature drops the falls freeze over creating a site so beautiful that it looks straight out of the page of a fairy tale.

These falls are known for its double cascade which drops 105 feet down to a deep canyon there is a viewing platform at the top of the fall for visitors and anyone who is lucky enough to see these icelandic falls dor themselves surely won’t forget this stunning sight anytime soon.

02) Ban Gioc-Detian Fall (Vietnam, China) :

The beautiful Ban Gioc Detian fall is made up of two waterfalls that drop 98 feet into a deep pool. The falls are located on the border between china and Vietnam in the Guangxi province of China and the Chaobung Province of Vietnam, its not just the fall that are stunning but also their location.

These falls are one of the few remaining waterfall in the world that are largely untouched and unspoiled by development and tourism. The fall are surrounded by lush forests and towering limestone cliff as such these falls are reversed for their picturesque beauty. The fall are the largest falls in Southeast Asia but along with their beauty the falls also have culture and spiritual significance.

The Bangzonk falls are considered sacred site by the local and Nung ethnic group believe that the waterfall the embodiment of a powerful goddess furthermore the area that surrounds the fall is to a diverse and wide array of wildlife an include several endangered species like Indo-chinese tiger and chinese Pangolin.

For example the best time to see the falls is during the rainy season because the water flow is at its highest plus because of all the rain. The surrounding forests are extra lush and green to see the falls visitors can hike up to one of several viewing platforms to take in Panoramic vistas of the falls as well as the surrounding landscape, there is also the option for visitors to climb a broad. A bamboo raff and go to the base of the falls for a closer view.

03) Sutherland Fall (New Zealand) :

Stunning sutherland fall are named for the man who discovered them in 1880 surveyor Donald Sutherland. They are located in Fjordland National park in New Zealand. These falls are known for their remote beauty. They are also known for their height. Sutherland fall is the tallest waterfall in New Zealand and it drops a staggering 1904 feet in three Cascades.

The waterfall is fed by a Glacial lake as well as several small stream and visitors can reveal in a hike to the falls. The hike vie the milford track is a multi-day hike and will take visitors to the base of the falls along the way visitors can take in the beautiful surrounding including the unique flora and fauna and many native birds such as the Kaka and Kea.

Its important to note though that the falls are surrounded by rugged terrain and steep cliff making them difficult to access so for the less experienced hiker, a helicopter ride will also provide a pretty spectacular birds eye view of the falls and for those who love a little local legend. The more people of New Zealand and have a legend about the falls.

The legend says that the falls were created by a giant named Karejorea when the struck the rock face with a weapon and made the deep Chasm that the water flows through you can also see the Southern falls in several scene in Lord Of Rings Trilogy. Since they were used as a filming localism.

04) Skogafoss Fall (Iceland) :

The beauty of the Magnificent Skogafoss waterfall. The waterfall is located is southern Iceland and its known for both, it surreal beauty and its accessibility. In fact, this is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland when one look at this lovely waterfalls and its not hard to see why people flock here.

The waterfall drops a total of 197 feet and is fed by the Skoga river which originates from the Ayafiakya local glacier. The waterfall is surrounded by dramatic black volcanic rock formation and these formation combined with the brilliant blue sky and Russian white water make for the perfect photo opportunity.

In fact, when it comes to stunning waterfalls its hard to beat the beauty found in some of these pictures. Here given the falls unique backdrop and in the winter the surrounding cliff and rocks here can become covered in Ice creating a stunning natural ice sculpture that can be viewed from nearby hiking trails.

Its believed that the waterfall was formed during the last ice age when massive glaciers receded and carved out the shoga river and its valley visitors can see the falls by climbing a steep set of stairs whey they will be treated to be sweeping Panoramic view of the surrounding area and visitors here might want to be on the lookout for treasure since icelandic legend has it that a hiking settler named Prasi Buried a whack of treasure somewhere behind the falls.

A treasure which to this date has never been found in any case it continue to be a highly sought after tourist attraction in Iceland as well as a popular filming location. The fall appeared in several Tv shows and movies including the visually asthetic show liking realistically pretty much everything in iceland is beautiful and stunning from dramatic cliff to sweeping landscapes and skogafoss is no exception.

05) Niagara Fall (Canada-USA) :

When someone mention stunning waterfall. You have to visit. A lot of us probably turn our thoughts Niagara falls is located on the border between Canada and the United States and is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. The falls themselves are actually made up of three separate waterfalls.

The horseshoe falls, American falls and bridal veil falls. The largest of the three is the horseshoe falls and its straddles the border between the United States and Canada. The horseshoe falls are 2200 Feet wide and drop 188 Feet.

The majestic Niagara falls attracts Millions of visitors every year who come to Marvel at the falls beauty and power the falls have been a popular tourist attraction Since the 19th century and along with throngs of the masses, a lot of famous and noteworthy people have also come to the falls including Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana and former US President Jeddy Roosevelt, just to name a few the phones have also attracted variety of thrill seekers, several people have gone over the falls in barrels to showcase their bravery although some may have had another word for those who choose to traverse the massive falls in a barrel like maybe crazy others have tried to walk across the falls on tight ropes such as Kenneth allen who was the first to successfully complete the walk in 1969.

Most people though prefer to simply stand in awe of the falls and view them from a safe but still within sprays reach distance needless to say few falls can rival the grandeur fame and sheer size of the stunning Niagara falls.

06) Kaieteur Falls :

Some waterfalls pack a pretty powerful punch but when it comes to powerful waterfalls Kaieteur falls wear the crown. These falls are widely regarded as one of the most powerful waterfall in the world. The falls are found in the Keietour national park in Guyana, South America and along with being known for its power.

The falls are also known for their unique ecosystem. The waterfalls located in a avery remote area in the amazon reinforest an area that’s ripe with endemic species of plant and animals in fact the waterfall is so remote that it can only be reached by a several day hike through the thick forest or by plaintiff hiking for days through awe inspiring but treacherous and dangerous amazonian forest isn’t your thing in any case.

Those who are brave enough to make the trek or rich anough to hire a plan will bear witness to a pretty stunning sight ones there the falls are 113 Feet wide and have a single drop that measures 741 Feet interestingly. The falls are named after the Patamona Indian chief Kai. Its said that he sacrificed himself to the gods.

The falls in order to save his tribe from being captured by the carib people whether or not its actually true is up for debate but the beauty of the falls set off the breathtaking unspoiled surrounding in which is why the Kaieteur falls are widely considered to be one of the most beautiful falls in the world.

07) Plitvice Waterfall (Croatia) :

This waterfall stunning beauty and unique interconnected system pledwitze waterfalls have been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows. The falls are found in Plitvice lakes, National park in Croatia. The system includes 16 interconnected waterfalls and Cascades all with vibrant turquoise waters and a picturesque surroundings.

These waterfalls are a very popular location for hikers photographers and nature enthusiasts alike in fact the falls are one of the park’s most visited attraction. Plitvica is fed by two rivers.

The Corona and the Plitvica and both these rivers flow right through the park until they merge forming lakes and cascades around tthe lakes and waterfalls. Visitors will find washed forests and diverse wildlife such as bears wolves and deer and more than 120 species of birds.

The waterfalls is divided into two section, the lower lakes and the upper lakes to see the falls visitors can walk along the series of Wooden broadwalk more explore one of the many hiking trails that wind and wave their way through the park.

08) Yosemite Falls (USA) :

Located in the Popular Yosemite national park in California in the US. Yosemite falls is a popular stop for hikers and nature enthusiats alike yosemite falls is actually comprised of three different sections. The upper falls the middle Cascades and the lower falls all in the waterfall has a height of 2425 Feet, if this waterfalls looks familiar , it might be because you have seen the famous Ansel Adams Photograph called clearing winter storm.

The yosemite falls are backdrop of this dramatic black and white image. The falls are fed by the yosemite creek which flows from the melting snowpack high up in the Sierra Nevada mountain, so the best time to see the falls is in the spring when they are at their peak flow another yosemite falls claim to fame include James Hutching who rods down the falls in a Barrel in 1871.

He was a local celebrity for a bit but you are getting an inkling to do the same. Forget about its barrel riding down yosemite falls is strictly prohibited.

Today approximately 4 million people visit the national park every year and along with the falls visitors can take in some of the other parks stunning national wonders including the half dome and E1 capitan as well as a plethora of other outdoor activities like rock climbing and hiking.

09) Iguazu Falls (Argentina-Brazil) :

Stunning Iguazu falls is located on the border between the two equally stunning countries Brazil and Argentina. The falls are highly regarded as one of the most spectacular natural wonder in the world and one look at these cascading falls and its not hard to see why people fall in love with their beauty.

The falls are comprised of over 270 cascades that stretche for almost three kilometer. They are also surrounded by lush forests where you’ll find a plethora of beautiful Flora and Fauna. The falls are massive twice as wide and taller than the famous Niagara falls making Lguaza falls one of the largest ones in the world.

Visitors get a variety of option when it comes to seeing the fall they can hike through the rich forest to see. The falls up close they can take a boat ride or they can get an aerial view of the falls via a helicopter, those that choose to hike though should be aware that the falls and their surroundings area are home to a wide range of wildlife, some of which pose no threat like Toucane and giant otters.

But others of which are a bit more dangerous like Jaguar for the most iconic view of the falls visitors can head over to the devil’s throat which is a U-shaped cascada that drops 262 feet down into a swirling abyss.

These falls are protected by both Brazil and Argentina and are part of a UNESCO world heritage site. The name Iguazu actually means big water in the Guarani language and its clear that these falls certainly live up to their names.

10) Seljalands Fall (Iceland) :

Seljalands Falls is a stunning waterfalls that offers visitors a unique experience unlike other waterfalls. These falls allow visitors to actually walk behind the waterfall. This affords visitors the opportunity to see the falls from a completely different perspective, so if you are ever in Iceland, this waterfalls is a must see its located along the famous ring road in iceland and falls dropped 197 feet down into the shadow pool in the colder winter months.

This pool can freeze over creating a picturesque natural ice sculpture and because these falls are fed by untouched melting glacier and pristine snow from the surrounding mountain.

The water is very clear and pure which only adds to the waterfall’s natural beauty for those looking to visit the falls during the summer month, then you can enjoy the falls under the midnight sun since the sun never completely sets in iceland during this time the crystal clear water and the chances to travel behind the falls makes this place not just a popular spot for tourists but also for locals as well.

11) Angel Falls (Venezula) :

Some falls are known for their width. Some for their power meant some for their surreal surroundings and some are famous for their height so if you have been waiting for the waterfall which seems to fall for mile then here is the top spot on this list. Angel falls, its the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall.

It drops an unbelievable 3212 Feet straight from the top of Ayun Tepui mountain angel falls is located in Kanaima national park in Venezula , falls are named for the first person to fly over the falls.

Jimmy Angel in 1933. Originally though the angel falls were known as the Karupakupai Vena and translate from the language of the local falls only received the title of highest waterfalls in the world in 1935. Since the waterfalls in such a rugged and remote part of the jungle in fact the falls can only be accessed by plane or a boat ride up the corral river followed by a hike through the rainforest.

Angel falls are at theri full glory during the rainy season when the water flow is at its highest. There are several indigenous communites who lives in the area and around the falls and have for thousands of year.

This fact coupled with the biodiversity of the region has led the Venezulan government to implement several measures to protect both the falls and the surrounding region.

These measures include limiting the number of visitors as well as utilizing sustainable tourism practices and in 1994. Angel falls was declared a UNESCO world heritage site so this record breaking waterfalls will thankfully remain unspoiled for years to come.

12) Gocta Waterfall (Peru) :

The Gocta waterfall in Peru falls in two Cascades totaling a perilous drop of 2530 Feet. The waterfall was only discovered in 2005 by the outside world although local indigenous communities known about the waterfall for centuries.

In fact, this waterfall is a sacred site for the local because they believe that the falls are inhabited by an important spirit called the Chachako. The spirit portects the surrounding forest and the animals.

Some of the Flora and animals protected by the spirit include the Bromley adds rare Orchids and several species of Hummingbirds, all of which can be seen by visitor on a hike to the falls.

To see these falls visitors can wind their way up a trail through the forest to the top where stunning views offers a memorable experience and although this waterfall is on the newish side of waterfall discoveries word is getting out about its beauty, National Geographic named the waterfall one of the most Hundred beautiful waterfall in the world and more and more people are making the peruvian trek to see this stunning waterfalls for themselves every year.

13) Victoria Falls (Zambia-Zimbabwe) :

On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the largest waterfall in the world also known as Mosi Oyatunyi or the smoke that thunders victoria falls are a majestic sight to behold.

In fact, Millions of tourist come to the fall every year to take in the splendor and grandeur of these falls with a height twice that of Niagara falls dropping as astonishing 354 Feet victoria falls hold an impressive title, its one of the seven natural wonders of the world, its also the largest waterfall in the world based on the combination of height and width.

They stretch far more than a mile wide. These falls were made famous by explored David Livingston. He is the first European to see the waterfall and he named them after queen Victoria in 1855. The falls resides in the Mosi Oyatunya national park in Zambia and the victoria falls national park in Zimbabwe.

They are protected by both countries and our UNESCO world heritage site. The falls are so massive and powerful that their spray can be seen from upward of 19 miles away. These falls also have spiritual significance to the local Tonga people.

The falls are a sacred site because they believed the falls are inhabited by the spirit of a serpent creature named Nyamanyami who controls this embezi river and while this place welcomes million of visitors every year. The falls also welcome a dverse ray of wildlife who call it home including Hippos, Babooms and more than 350 species of birds.

There are many ways to enjoy the victoria falls, visitors can walk across the victoria falls bridge or view them from one of the platforms for those who seek something a little more thriling daredevils can take a trip in the infamous devil’s pool which provides an excellent vintage point of the falls needless to say witnessing victoria falls in person is surely an experience that will stay you for a lifetime.

14) Telaga Falls (Malaysia) :

For anyone travelling to Malaysia. The Telaga falls are a place you have to visit. They are very accessible and very popular given their natural beauty and the wide assortment of activities there. The Telaga falls are located in the Cameron highlands and the falls drop 32 feet a shallow pool laden with lovely moss covered rocks.

The name of the falls comes from the Malay word Telaga which means lake. This name refers not to the falls but to the small lake at the base of the falls. The small lake is a popular spot for both picniking an swimming. Since the falls are only 1.8 miles away from the town of breanching. They are also easy to get to unlike some other waterfalls which requires Hike.

The falls are a nice cool climate so they are good choice for people who need to escape the heat and humidity of other parts in Malaysia around the falls. There are some really unique species of plant and animals including infamously smelly but beautiful rafflesia flower.

The waterfall is also a popular spot for birds watching visitors can see several species of birds including the mountain bubble and the blue winged leaf bird. Furthermore, the cameron high island where the falls are located are known for their tea plantation. So visitors can partake in a freshly brewed spot of tea while admiring the world famous Telaga waterfall.

15) Kursunlu Waterfall (Turkey) :

This waterfall is located in the Antalya provience of Turkey and is known for its array of plant and animals that resides in the surrounding area for example the park where the falls are found is home to more than 100 of species of birds including the common kingfisher and a european bee eater.

The forest is also home to a lot of different mammals including foxes, Badgers and wild boars. This park was established in 1986 and is an important animal conservation area for the local ecosystem along with the animals and the waterfall.

The park is also home to several archeological sites and ancient ruins for example there is a Roman Aqueduct in the park as well as Byzantine era church.

The falls themselves are fed by underground springs and have a constant year round flow. These falls are very easy to access since they are only 11 meter away from the city. The azure water beneath the falls and the lush forest make these falls a highly photographed location as well as a very popular tourist spot for anyone traveling through Turkey.