Top 20 Tallest Waterfalls in the World

Top 20 Tallest Waterfalls in the World

1. Angel Falls

Located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, Angel Falls is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Standing at 979 meters (3,212 feet) above the Carrao River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The indigenous Pemon people have considered the falls sacred for centuries, and they are often referred to as the "Niace" or "water dead." In 1959, American pilot Jimmy Angel discovered the falls, which were previously unknown to the outside world.

2. Tugela Falls

Situated on the border of South Africa and Lesotho, Tugela Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the world by total height. With a top drop of 948 meters (3,110 feet) into the Tugela River, it is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer breathtaking views to those who hike to the edge of the falls. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous San people.

3. Dettifoss

Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Standing at 45 meters (148 feet) high and 32 meters (105 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the glacial lagoon ice melts. The falls are surrounded by a dramatic landscape of black sand beaches and frozen tundras. Dettifoss holds a Guinness World Record for being one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

4. Grampian Waterfall

Situated on the border between New Zealand and Australia, the Grampian Waterfall is the fourth-highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Standing at 726 meters (2,380 feet) above the Whanganui River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen for miles around. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous Maori people.

5. Vodlozero Waterfall

Located in Russia, Vodlozero Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. Standing at 729 meters (2,392 feet) above the Vodlozero River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by picturesque forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous Finnic people.

6. Sutherland Falls

Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, Sutherland Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Standing at 580 meters (1,900 feet) above the Clinton River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous Maori people.

7. Kaffebreen Waterfall

Located in Norway, Kaffebreen Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. Standing at 728 meters (2,388 feet) above the Mardsfossen River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by picturesque mountains and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous Sami people.

8. Plitvice Waterfall

Located in Croatia, Plitvice Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Europe. Standing at 370 meters (1,214 feet) above the Korana River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, the falls were considered sacred by the indigenous Illyrians.

9. Huangguoshu Waterfall

Located in China, Huangguoshu Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia. Standing at 74 meters (243 feet) high and 101 meters (331 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding rainforest comes to life. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

10. Yumbu Waterfall

Located in Peru, Yumbu Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in South America. Standing at 726 meters (2,380 feet) above the Rio Apurímac, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by picturesque mountains and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

11. Seven Lakes Waterfall

Located in Argentina, Seven Lakes Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South America. Standing at 640 meters (2,100 feet) above the Rio Lago Argentino, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

12. Maroon Bells Waterfall

Located in Colorado, USA, Maroon Bells Waterfall is one of the most photographed waterfalls in North America. Standing at 230 meters (755 feet) high and 70 meters (230 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding peaks come alive. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

13. Tashiro Waterfall

Located in Japan, Tashiro Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. Standing at 530 meters (1,739 feet) above the Kiso River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. The falls are surrounded by picturesque mountains and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

14. Takakkaw Falls

Located on Vancouver Island, Canada, Takakkaw Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in North America. Standing at 268 meters (879 feet) high and 33 meters (108 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding rainforest comes to life. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

15. Sutherland Falls

Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, Sutherland Falls was listed as one of the top 20 tallest waterfalls in the world. Standing at 580 meters (1,900 feet) above the Clinton River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away.

16. Yosemite Falls

Located in California, USA, Yosemite Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in North America. Standing at 739 meters (2,425 feet) high and 15 meters (49 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding peaks come alive. The falls are surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

17. Emerald Falls

Located on Kauai Island, Hawaii, USA, Emerald Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North America. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) high and 11 meters (36 feet) wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding rainforest comes to life.

18. Iguazu Falls

Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in South America. Standing at 82 meters (269 feet) high and 2 kilometers wide, it is an unforgettable sight during the summer months when the surrounding tropical rainforest comes alive.

19. Sisimitha Waterfall

Located on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Sisimitha Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Africa. Standing at 430 meters (1,410 feet) above the Mshikumu River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away.

20. Goroka Falls

Located on the island of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Goroka Falls is the 20th-highest waterfall in the world by total height. Standing at 965 meters (3,169 feet) above the Korbu River, its sheer drop creates a mist that can be seen from miles away.