Beautiful Waterfalls Around the World
There’s something undeniably captivating about waterfalls: their power, beauty, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Every year, travelers cross continents just to witness these natural marvels in person.
Here are some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world—each one worth the journey.
Gullfoss Waterfall — Iceland
Considering Iceland is known as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, it’s no surprise that is has some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world.
Gullfoss Waterfall is a wide, two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a gorge full of foaming water.
Yosemite Falls — California
Yosemite National Park is known for its many gorgeous waterfalls, including the 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls—which features three separate falls.
The hike to the top is challenging, the top-notch views are worth it.
Svein-Magne Tunli, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Iguazu Falls — Brazil and Argentina
Iguazu Falls is a waterfall complex on the Iguazu River, comprised of 275 waterfalls of varying sizes. One of the largest is the 269-foot-high, horseshoe-shaped “Devil’s Throat”.
Multnomah Falls — Oregon
Tucked into the lush landscape of the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Plunging a total of 611 feet in two dramatic tiers, it’s fed year-round by underground springs from Larch Mountain—creating a misty, magical scene straight out of a fairytale.
Plitvice Falls — Croatia
Plitvice Falls is a series of stunning cascades emptying into 16 terraced lakes.
These waterfalls are located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, where they offer a network of raised wooden walkways so visitors can get up close and personal with the views.
Creative Travel Projects, Shutterstock
Sutherland Falls — New Zealand
Sutherland Falls is a spectacular, 1,904-foot-high, three-tiered cascade fed by a gorgeous glacial lake.
It’s located not far from Milford Sound fjord, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed.
Victoria Falls — Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is a mile-long curtain of powerful water. It’s massive size makes it one of the world’s most photographed waterfalls.
Angel Falls — Venezuela
Soaring an astonishing 3,212 feet, Angel Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall on Earth. Hidden deep within Venezuela’s Amazon rainforest, reaching it is no easy feat—it takes a multi-day trek through rugged jungle terrain. But for those who make the journey, the reward is unforgettable: a breathtaking cascade that seems to fall from the clouds.
Rafael Estrella, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Niagara Falls — U.S. and Canada
Niagara Falls is a stunning, and extremely powerful geological wonder. It’s actually made up of three separate falls—and the grouping is known as some of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
Wailua Falls — Hawaii
Hawaii has numerous waterfalls, but not all are as accessible as Wailua Falls in Kauai.
The stunning Wailua Falls are twin waterfalls that have appeared in the opening credits of the show Fantasy Island.
Kaieteur Falls — Guyana
Another one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls is Kaieteur Falls, which stands at 741-feet-tall. It’s one of the best waterfalls to see up close.
Maletsunyane Falls — Lesotho
Tucked away in the highlands of southern Africa, Maletsunyane Falls is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar. This 630-foot single-drop waterfall plunges dramatically into a rugged, prehistoric gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and untouched natural beauty—a true off-the-beaten-path wonder.
Havasu Falls — Arizona
Havasau Falls may not be the tallest or the widest, it is definitely one of the prettiest.
Located on Arizona's Havasupai Reservation, the falls are surrounded by massive red rocks and tumble into a pool of turquoise-colored water.
Dudhsagar Falls — India
The milk-white waters of Dudhsagar Falls crawl along the surrounding green hillside, creating a spectacular view.
The waterfall includes four tiers, a beautiful pool at the bottom, and a train that cuts in front of the falls.
Lizloy1992, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Seljalandsfoss — Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall whose water comes from under a glacier. What makes it so famous is that this waterfall can be fully encircled, with pathways surrounding the stunning flow of water.
The cascade of the falls is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff.
'Akaka Falls — Hawaii, US
ʻAkaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge, surrounded by pristine rainforest and a picture-perfect stream that winds through the vibrant greenery—a slice of untamed paradise on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Julian Peters Photography, Shutterstock
Jog Falls — India
Jog Falls is a segmented waterfall that is most stunning when viewed during monsoon season (August to December).
During this season the falls go from a spidery trickle to a powerful force of nature that plunges off the cliffs toward the Earth.
Kawasan Falls — Philippines
This series of three waterfalls, which drop into natural swimming holes and lagoons, is not only beautiful, it's interactive.
Visitors are encouraged to take a dip in the cool water, and then continue your hike on the jungle trails toward the next pool.
Shemlongakit, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kuang Si Falls — Laos
Kuang Si Falls boasts stunning milky-blue waters at the base of a three-tiered waterfall that draws in swimmers and photographers from all over the globe.
Tegenungan Waterfall — Bali
This secluded island waterfall is a true hidden oasis. Water crashes into a crystal-clear pool below, where locals and travelers alike cool off beneath the falls—nature’s perfect remedy for the tropical heat.
Karter873, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ban Gioc Waterfall — Vietnam and China
At Ban Gioc Waterfall water flows endlessly through pools, down tiers, and over cliffs in a unique horseshoe shape.
HoangTuan_photography, Needpix
Jim Jim Falls — Australia
These Australian falls drop over a rocky escarpment to the earth 656 feet below.
This stunning and powerful waterfall can only be seen during the dry season when you can drive to its location.
Alexandra Martynova, Shutterstock
Yumbilla Falls — Peru
The Yumbilla Falls is considered the world's fifth tallest waterfall and drops from a dizzying height in a near perfect stream of power and force.
Rhine Falls — Switzerland
While it may not boast great height, this waterfall is no less stunning. Water rushes with force over a series of rocky, tiered ledges, creating a dramatic display of churning whitewater that commands attention and awe.
Blood Falls — Antarctica
Blood Falls are a chilling sight—in more ways than one. Crimson water pours out of snow-covered glaciers onto the ice-covered surface of West Lake Bonney.
Peter Rejcek, Wikimedia Commons
Hannoki Falls & Shomyo Falls — Japan
Hannoki Falls is the tallest waterfall in Japan, with a height of 1,630 feet. However, the waterfall only flows between April to July, fed by melting snow from the Midagahara plateau.
During the rest of the year, Hannoki’s neighbour, Shomyo Falls, is considered the tallest waterfall in Japan.
Khone Phapheng Falls — Laos
Khone Phapheng Falls is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.
It’s are populated with thousands of little islands, giving the area the name Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands).
The falls make up the widest waterfall in the world, measuring an incredible 3,5374-feet across.
Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nohkalikai Falls — India
Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest waterfall in India, plunging an impressive 1,115 feet from the edge of a forested cliff. It’s also one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, made even more striking by the vibrant turquoise lagoon that forms at its base—a surreal splash of color in the lush Meghalaya landscape.
Thi Lo Su Waterfall — Thailand
Thi Lo Su is the sixth biggest waterfall in the world. The water tumbles along limestone cliffs, cascading down tiers of rock.
Behind the waterfalls, there is also a cave you can explore and natural pools you can swim in.
Burney Falls — California
These falls are not very big—only 115 feet—but they’re absolutely stunning. Former President Theodore Roosevelt called them the Eighth Wonder of the World.
California State Parks, Flickr
Erawan Falls — Thailand
This multi-tiered waterfall is surrounded by beautiful foliage. There are seven levels to explore, although the path is quite tricky to reach the top tiers. It’s definitely worth the hike.
Konoko Falls — Jamaica
This stunning waterfall is refreshingly accessible, with a climb that leads you to a tranquil natural pool at the top. Afterward, you can unwind at the cozy bar waiting at the base—a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Bigar Cascade Falls — Romania
This hidden gem is tucked away in the Anina mountains of Romania. The water flows over green moss lined rocks into a basin below.
It also has a rather dark and sad legend.
Salt Creek Falls — Oregon
Salt Creek Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Oregon. The water drops 286 feet and flows into a basalt ledge into a canyon in Willamette National Forest.
The approximate annual volume of water is 250 cubic feet per second.
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
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