The most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Waterfalls: characteristics and types Waterfalls top 10

Attractive in their dangerous beauty, waterfalls have always attracted attention and excited human imagination.

It is especially fascinating to realize that people have absolutely no control over the largest and most powerful of them, such as Niagara, Victoria or Iguazu. They show us the beauty and power of living nature.

Geographical object. The meaning of waterfalls

Powerful waterfalls are a virtually inexhaustible source of energy, which is widely used in the construction of hydroelectric power stations. Staying near waterfalls brings not only aesthetic pleasure, but also has a healing effect: water falling from a height forms water dust, in which negatively charged ions are formed under the influence of sunlight. Such dust, saturated with plant phytoncides, which are always in abundance near waterfalls, has a very great positive effect on the body.

However, there are also contacts with waterfalls that are unpleasant for humans. Waterfalls and rapids that cannot be controlled are a serious obstacle to navigation. Therefore, on many rivers where there are waterfalls, shipping canals are laid, allowing liners and ships to make a safe journey.

Characteristics and types of waterfalls

A waterfall is a stream of water falling from a steep cliff. Often large waterfalls consist of a chain of small rapids and cascades. One of the features of large waterfalls is their “movement”: the constant fall of water leads to the destruction of the ledge and the movement of the waterfall up the river.

It is noteworthy that almost all the powerful waterfalls in the world are located on the border of two or three states. And this is understandable, because a large waterfall is a natural insurmountable barrier that protects the territory of the state much more reliably than the most modern devices and weapons.

Types of waterfalls:

• cataract- a large waterfall in which the bulk of the water falls in a wide sheet from a relatively small height;
• water slide- a smooth, sloping waterfall without steep drops of water;
• cascade- a series of waterfalls located one after another.

Origin of waterfalls

The origin of waterfalls varies. For example, they may appear due to the fact that the river crosses a natural ledge that was formed before the appearance of water. In another case, the appearance of a waterfall may be a consequence of the activity of the river itself, eroding soft layers of rock.

In the mountains, a large number of waterfalls owe their appearance to tectonic activity. Also in the mountainous regions there are many waterfalls that arose in the hanging valleys due to an excess of water in the rivers that came down from the glaciers.

The largest waterfalls in the world

Since waterfalls vary in width, height and amount of water carried, there is no one that holds the title of largest. Let's list some of the most powerful and wide waterfalls that adorn our planet.

(Kon Waterfall)

So, the widest waterfall in the world is Con- located on the border of Cambodia and Laos on the Mekong River. The width of the Kona drainage is more than 12.5 km. Actually, this is a cascading system of waterfalls located in an amazingly beautiful place. By the way, Kon is also considered one of the calmest among the famous waterfalls. Opened in 1920.

(Iguazu Falls)

The title of the most powerful waterfall in the world belongs to Iguazu, aka "Devil's Throat", on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Every minute, over the ledge of the waterfall, such an amount of water pours down that it is difficult to even imagine - 700 thousand m 3! Iguazu, with 275 cascades, is not only dangerous and powerful, it is also breathtakingly beautiful. The waterfall was discovered in 1541.

(Niagara Falls)

And, of course, we cannot fail to mention the most famous waterfalls in the world - NiagaraVictoria. Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River on the border of the United States and Canada, is relatively low - its height is only 52 m. However, due to the huge amount of water discharged and its great length, Niagara Falls is considered the most powerful in North America.

(Victoria Falls)

Waterfall Victoria, named after the Queen of Great Britain, was known to the local tribes under the name "Thundering Smoke", which, of course, more closely matches the impression it gives. The width of the waterfall is 1800 m and the height is 128 m.

Tallest waterfall

(Angel Falls)

The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel, located on the Churun ​​River in beautiful Venezuela. The total height of Angel is 1054 m, the height of the free fall of water is 979 m. In the language of local residents, its name is translated as “Waterfall of the deepest place.”

Angel was discovered in 1935 by Juan Angel, a Venezuelan pilot who first flew over the waterfall, after whom it got its name.

Waterfalls always attract the eye - they are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena. It’s not without reason that they say that you can look at water and fire endlessly, and when the water rushes down with a roar, the spectacle is mesmerizing. Therefore, many tourists come to see the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, tall and grandiose.

All of them are picturesque and it is not clear whether they decorate the landscape or look beautiful because they are located in places of incredible beauty.

Iguazu Falls

It is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and is recognized as the largest in the world.

This is not one, but a system consisting of 275 waterfalls. Their height is small, only from 50 to 80 m, and there are even higher ones in the world. But there is no such huge system. The largest one in it is the “Devil’s Throat”, nature created it in the shape of the letter U.

Angel

Angel is called the tallest on Earth, its height is 979 m, imagine - it is 15 Niagara in height!

It is located in the Canaima National Natural Park in Venezuela. Thousands of tourists come here specifically to admire the handsome Angel. They say that it got its name in honor of the American pilot Jimmy Angel, who discovered it from above while flying over Venezuela.

Waterfalls of the world - Yosemite

In California (USA) in Yosemite National Park there is one of the highest waterfalls, which bears the name of the area where it is located.

In the winter it “falls asleep”, and in the spring it “wakes up” and thousands of tourists flock to it to admire the 739 meters of beauty.

Tugela

One of the largest waterfalls in Africa, the Tugela Falls is located in South Africa.

Its height is 411 m. It consists of five cascades falling from the Drakensberg Mountains in a narrow ribbon. To climb up to the observation deck, you need to follow one of the paths, but in fact, along narrow paths and suspended metal stairs.

Waterfalls of Kauai island in Hawaii

Kauai is the oldest among the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago; scientists believe its age is about six million years.

Huge amounts of precipitation destroy rocks and form deep canyons into which local rivers fall. This is how most of the local waterfalls, which are very picturesque, were formed.

Niagara Falls

It is located on the border of the USA and Canada, which is often forgotten when talking about it. This is written in many places - in the northeastern United States and Canada it is not mentioned.

Its height is small, only 53 m, but it is recognized as the most powerful in the world, given the amount of falling water.

Thousands of tourists come here every year, for whom several observation platforms have been built.

The most beautiful waterfalls - Victoria

Another famous waterfall located in Africa. Local residents gave it their name - Rumbling.

Masses of falling water emit an unimaginable roar and roar. Its height is 108 m and it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The official name was given to it by David Livingston, who visited here, in honor of the British Queen Victoria.

Inga

Another waterfall discovered by Livingston is located in the Congo.

Inga's height is 96 m and he is one of the most beautiful and powerful in the world.

Peruvian waterfall Goktu

It's incredible how much there is still unknown on Earth. For example, Goktu in Peru, 771 m high.

You will be surprised, but the world learned about it a little over ten years ago - in 2005. Before that, only local Indians enjoyed its beauty.

Sutherland, N. Zealand

Fantastically beautiful Sutherland waterfall on the island. Southern in New Zealand.

It is considered one of the most romantic, mysterious and beautiful. Imagine a narrow ribbon of water falling from a height of 580 m among rocks covered with dense vegetation!

Kaieteur – Guyana

Another natural wonder from South America is Kaieteur, 226 m high.

It is located in the wild jungle and until the 19th century was unknown to anyone except the local aborigines. Getting here is difficult, but this does not stop numerous travelers; they come in crowds and alone all year round to admire Kaieteur.

Vinnufossen

The Vinnfossen waterfall (Norway) is recognized as the highest in Europe, its height is 860 m. The stream of water rushing from the peaks is divided into four streams.

Rovijoki

Another waterfall on Norwegian soil is Rovijoki, located near the town of Skibotn and the world's northernmost astrophysical observatory.

Dettifoss, Iceland

The Icelandic waterfall Dettifoss is called the most powerful on the Eurasian continent.

With a small height of only 40 m, it throws down about 200 cubic meters of water per second. Dettifoss is located in a picturesque area among rocks, gorges and lakes.

Salto del Laja

Small, only 35 meters, but very picturesque, the Salto del Laja waterfall is located in Chile, where it is called the Chilean pearl.

Zhenzhutan

The Zhenzhutan Waterfall in a Chinese nature reserve is incomparable in its beauty.

Imagine, at the top of a high rock there is a large ledge onto which waters fall, break and break up into dozens of small streams.

Nuranang Falls, Tawang

The little-known and therefore mysterious Nuranang Falls in India. It is noteworthy that it is formed not by rivers, but by alpine lakes and streams from snow melting in the Himalayas. An almost milky waterfall rushes through green wild forests.

Other waterfalls

Frozen Rideau Falls in Ottawa, Canada.

Brazilian waterfall Cascata Do Caracol in the town of Canela, its height is 131 m.

Ruacana Falls on the border of Namibia and Angola, height 124 m.

New Navajo Falls in Arizona formed after the 2008 flood

Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho.

All waterfalls are beautiful and everyone deserves to see them. And previously it was written about.

Capturing the water element is not an easy task for a photographer: the camera does not like moisture, and you have to experiment with exposure settings for long shutter speeds. We have prepared ten waterfalls for you that will take your breath away - take up the challenge.

Yosemite, USA

Spring and early summer are the best times to see the cascades of Yosemite Falls in all their glory. Of its three segments, which pour tons of water from terrace to terrace, the most impressive is the top one. The 435-meter powerful but graceful jet is easy to observe from the outside - there are many suitable paths and observation points in Yosemite Park. The lower part is also clearly visible, but photography of the middle part should be left to professional climbers: travelers who are trapped by wet, sharp stones often have to be rescued by helicopter.

Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

The Canadian “Horseshoe” and the American Falls or “Fata”, together forming Niagara Falls, are far from the highest on the planet, even the shortest ones: only 53 meters, and only 21 are visible, and the rest is blocked by piles of stones. But they are capable of dumping up to 6 thousand cubic meters of water per second. Fortunately, gone are the days when you could only look at this fascinating spectacle through a hole in the fence. Now visitors have many viewing angles available.

Dettifoss, Iceland

The “land of ice” turns into a land of waterfalls as temperatures rise in spring and summer. The ice melts, creating rapid flows of water. Most of them find obstacles and jump off them in waterfalls. Dettifoss in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is the most powerful in Europe. Not so long ago you could see him in the cinema - in the film “Prometheus” by Ridley Scott.

Iguazu, Argentina/Brazil

270 Iguazu Falls are distributed between two countries: on the Argentine side there are almost 80% of them, but on the Brazilian side they are more picturesque. Less hackneyed angles can be achieved through a boat ride or rafting adventure. The hit of the complex is the Devil's Throat waterfall (Garganta del Diablo) in the shape of the letter U. Iguazu is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world: it drops about 100 million tons of water per hour.

Stirling, New Zealand

Kipling himself called Milford Sound the eighth wonder of the world, and most of those who have visited here agree with him: wild nature, clear waters of the bay and sparkling waterfalls. Stirling is best viewed from a small cruise ship. He, like his beautiful sister, waterfall Lady Bowen, does not dry out all year round, fed by meltwater from glaciers. The greatest effect is achieved in the spring, when the snow melts, and after heavy rains, when hundreds of streams of water jump along the cliffs.

Kaieteur, Guyana

Although Kaieteur is located in a national park near the Venezuelan border, it is still one of the most inaccessible known waterfalls in the world. Not many spectators make it to this place, where the Potara River tumbles down, surrounded by wet thickets of tropical plants. The 226-meter-high waterfall is five times higher than Niagara and twice as high as Victoria in Africa.

Plitvice Lakes waterfalls, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO natural heritage. 16 transparent turquoise lakes are interconnected by almost a hundred channels and waterfalls, forming picturesque cascades among dense forests. The most famous is the handsome Sastavci, the fruit of the union of two rivers, the Korana and Plitvica, rushing down from a height of 72 m. According to the information posted on the signs, it will take eight hours to walk around all this splendor along the paths. Don’t be fooled: time for thoughtful photography is not included here, so it’s better to budget two sunny days for a close acquaintance with Croatian waterfalls.

Maletsunyane, Lesotho

Lesotho is a small enclave inside South Africa. The Maletsunyane River, rushing through green pastures, is thrown off a cliff by a 192-meter waterfall, one of the highest on the continent. At the beginning of summer, below, where the sun's rays do not reach, you can find ice - in winter, the waterfall is overgrown with icicles. There are many good angles from the surrounding rocks.

Angel, Venezuela

The main treasure of Canaima National Park is the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls. It falls from the top of the majestic table mountain Auyan Tepui. The water tries to fly 807 meters (the total height of the waterfall is even greater, about a kilometer), but most of it is sprayed, turning into fog. You can get here only by boats and canoes or by small planes - the area is wild, not yet spoiled by civilization. It’s not called “The Lost World” for nothing.

Victoria, Zambia/Zimbabwe

During the rainy season, the width of the streams flowing down reaches 1800 meters, creating the most extensive water curtain in the world. The suspension of particles from the breaking Zambeze River is visible from a distance of 40 kilometers. It's worth investing in an aerial view to fully appreciate the majesty of the waterfall. Zambians never accepted the official name after Queen Victoria and continue to call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - the smoke that thunders.

Tourists are always trying to find a variety of attractions that they visit while traveling. However, waterfalls always evoke special sensations and emotions, since the sound of falling water amazes and fascinates with its massiveness. And today we will talk about the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, highlighting the top ten among them.

1. Angel in Venezuela

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the absolute record holder for “growth”. Salto Angel has a height of 978 meters, which is 15 times higher than Niagara. The waterfall is located in Kanayama National Park, which attracts a huge tourist flow. The history of the name of the waterfall is quite interesting - it bears the surname of an American aviator - Jimmy Angel.

2. Tugela in South Africa

Tugela Falls follows the record holder, but its height is only 411 meters. But at the same time, it is the most interesting and unusual decoration of the Royal Tugela National Park. The waterfall includes three cascades at once, which form a narrow ribbon from the slope of Dragon Mountain. The waterfall is difficult to access, as only a couple of paths lead to it, and one of them is a cable car.

3. Iguazu in Brazil

Iguazu Falls in Brazil breaks all records for size, only in another dimension - its width is 2.7 kilometers, which form 270 small waterfalls at once. This record holder appeared due to a strong volcanic eruption. The volume of water flow in the rainy season is about 13 thousand cubic meters.

4. Victoria in South Africa

Victoria Falls in South Africa can be considered one of the most important and beautiful attractions of the entire continent. From the local language the name translates as something like “Thundering Smoke”. It appeared due to a huge curtain of small water particles that stretched for about 2 km. The maximum water flow per second is 5 million liters.

5. Niagara in the USA

The most famous name was given to Niagara Falls. It is also famous because anyone who has visited America or Canada can get to the waterfall. The height of the waterfall is 53 meters, and the maximum flow of water is 2.8 million in just a second.

6. Zhenzhutan in China

Zhenzhutan Waterfall is not huge in size, but its beauty is clearly not inferior to those listed above. Located in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in China. The top of the rock contains a rapid, which breaks the flow of water into several smaller but beautiful waterfalls.

7. Rideau in Canada

Rideau Falls in Canada is distinguished by its incredible shape, which is obtained due to icing. It transformed a beautiful stream of water into a giant block of ice. As a result, the waterfall can show off millions of hanging icicles, which are constantly formed due to the large flow of water.

8. Gokta in Peru

The Gokta waterfall in Peru is the 5th highest in the world - 771 meters. A notable feature of this waterfall is the time of its opening. So, the world learned about it only at the beginning of this century - in 2005. Until this time, beauty was not accessible to civilization, and only the aborigines admired it.

10. Dettifoss in Iceland

The Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland is not very high (40 meters), but quite powerful (flow about 200 cubic meters per second). The colorfulness of this place is complemented by the unusual nearby rocks with their gorges and lakes. The unique territory is protected by sensitive staff of the national park, which is called Jekulsaurgljuvur.

Find out about the most beautiful places in the world with the travel blog Planet of Hotels!

Any waterfall is a breathtaking sight in itself. But there are such specimens in the world that you can admire for hours... It is these waterfalls that make up our today’s selection.

Let us immediately note that this article contains the most beautiful waterfalls in the world according to LifeGlobe, without any top list, because looking at the whole variety of amazing waterfalls on our planet, one cannot definitely call one or another the most beautiful, the most picturesque - they are all... amazing in their own way and each one is unique in their own way!

Crystal beauty

First on our list is a waterfall. Kilt Falls. This is undoubtedly the most amazing and picturesque waterfall in Scotland! The waters of Kilt fall from the cliffs of the Scottish Isle of Skye directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

Brazilian waterfall Cascata Do Caracol in the town of Canela itself is not so famous, but it is very beautiful. And, in principle, it is not so small - its height is 131 meters!

Niagara Falls, of course, could not help but get on this list. I think we can confidently call it the most famous of the existing waterfalls.

By the way, it is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as well as one of the main recreational attractions in the United States.

Speaking of Niagara, one cannot help but recall the equally spectacular waterfall Iguazu in Argentina.

Iguazu is much larger than Niagara Falls and is considered one of the most powerful waterfalls on the planet.

Another giant - waterfall Victoria. It is also called Thundering Smoke of Africa because of the unimaginable roar emitted by thousands of liters of water, falling every second into the white abyss of the water haze they raise.

A unique feature of Victoria Falls is the world's widest continuous wall of water.

We also cannot help but include the tallest waterfall on the planet in the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world according to LifeGlobe Angel, the most spectacular attraction in Venezuela.

Perhaps, to some, the Angel waterfall may not seem so picturesque compared to others presented on our list, but it is also worth considering that the water flow of the Angel needs to overcome almost a kilometer to reach the ground, and this is almost 20 times higher Niagara!

Brasstown Falls Brasstown Falls is a cascade of four waterfalls on Brasstown Creek about two miles before the creek empties into the Chatooga River, which separates the western edge of Oconee County from the state of Georgia. The picture shows one of the middle waterfalls.

Waterfall Rovijoki(Rovijoki Falls) in the Norwegian town of Skibotn, famous primarily for its astrophysical observatory, which is the northernmost observatory in the world.

Waterfall Gullfoss(Gullfoss) is one of the main attractions of Iceland. The depth of the waterfall to the point where the water falls in the valley is about 70 meters. Gullfoss itself consists of two steps - 21 meters and 11 meters high, turned to each other at an angle of 90°.

This amazing Icelandic waterfall is also known by the names Gullfoss, Gullfoss, Gullfoss - all thanks to the many possible readings of the original name.

The same waterfall, only in winter.

Another treasure of Iceland - a waterfall Seljalandsfoss, quite modest in height (about 60 meters), but no less picturesque and popular among tourists.

A very convenient place to view the waterfall in all its glory is a deep depression in the rock immediately behind the water flow.

There is one interesting waterfall in Chile - it’s called Salto del Laja.

The most beautiful waterfalls in the world: mesmerizing photos

updated: April 20, 2019 by: Tatiana Sinkevich