What are the world’s famous waterfalls – The world’s top 10 most spectacular waterfalls
Contents
Introduction
What are the Top 10 Best Waterfalls in the World?The world’s waterfalls display remarkably diverse forms, each shaped by nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship and possessing unique charm. Among the most renowned are the world’s top ten famous waterfalls, including Niagara Falls (the largest transnational waterfall), Africa’s largest Victoria Falls, the world’s widest Iguazu Falls, China’s spectacular Huangguoshu Waterfall, Angel Falls (with the world’s greatest height drop), New Zealand’s popular Huka Falls, North America’s tallest Yosemite Falls, New Zealand’s largest Sutherland Falls, and Iceland’s famous Golden Falls (Gullfoss). Together, these magnificent natural wonders represent the planet’s most spectacular waterfalls worth exploring.
Top 10 Best Waterfalls in the World
- Niagara Falls
- Victoria Falls
- Iguazu Falls
- Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Angel Falls
- Huka Falls
- Yosemite Falls
- Sutherland Falls
- Rhine Falls
- Gullfoss (Golden Falls)
Top 10 Best Waterfalls in the World – An Overview
1. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, straddling the border between Canada and the United States. It is one of the most famous natural wonders in North America and one of the world’s three major transnational waterfalls. The falls consist of three sections: the Horseshoe Falls (mainly on the Canadian side, accounting for 94% of the water flow, 792 meters wide with a 58-meter drop), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls (on the U.S. side, accounting for 6% of the flow, 323 meters wide with a 52-meter drop).
Location: Ontario, Canada / Niagara Falls, USA
2. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, is located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. With a width of over 1,700 meters and a height of 108 meters, it is one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989, it is about twice as wide and high as Niagara Falls. The average flow rate is approximately 935 m³/s. The wide Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge from a 50-meter cliff, creating spray that can reach 300 meters high.
Location: Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
3. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, 23 km upstream from the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers. This horseshoe-shaped waterfall is 82 meters high and 4 kilometers wide, with an average drop of 75 meters. The name “Iguazu” comes from the Guarani language meaning “big water.” Its unique feature is the multiple viewpoints offering different perspectives. The central section called “Devil’s Throat” is particularly powerful. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Location: Misiones Province, Argentina
4. Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu Scenic Area centers around Huangguoshu Waterfall, comprising 18 large and small waterfalls with different characteristics. The comprehensive scenic area covers 163 square kilometers and includes several attraction zones. The waterfall complex forms a massive “waterfall family” with magnificent, peculiar, perilous and beautiful features. The area enjoys a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 16°C and abundant rainfall.
Location: Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province, China
5. Angel Falls
Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) in Venezuela is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall with a total drop of 979 meters. Located on the Churún River, a tributary of the Caroni River, the waterfall descends from the Auyán-tepui mountain. The surrounding area features ancient trees and rugged rocks covered with vines, creating a solemn beauty. The waterfall is largely hidden by dense forest and is best viewed from the air.
Location: Guiana Highlands, Venezuela
6. Huka Falls
Huka Falls on New Zealand’s Waikato River features powerful turquoise water plunging over an 11-meter ledge at a rate of 230 tons per second. The name “Huka” means “foam” in Māori, describing the foaming water effect. Located near Taupō in the Wairakei Tourist Park, it’s a popular photography spot with well-positioned viewing platforms and a visitor center nearby.
Location: New Zealand
7. Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is North America’s tallest waterfall, with a total drop of 739 meters comprising upper, middle and lower sections. Each section has a distinct character. The upper fall drops 436 meters, while the lower fall descends 98 meters. The waterfall flows most powerfully in late spring (May-June), though flow decreases significantly in dry years.
Location: Sierra Nevada, California, USA
8. Sutherland Falls
Sutherland Falls on New Zealand’s South Island drops 580 meters in three cascades from Lake Quill on Mount Cook. Named after discoverer Donald Sutherland, it’s described by Māori as a “white ribbon.” With the Southern Alps as backdrop, it ranks as the tallest waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world’s most spectacular falls.
Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand
9. Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls in Switzerland is Europe’s largest waterfall by volume (average 600 m³/s). Formed during the last ice age 14,000-17,000 years ago, it spans 150 meters wide with a 23-meter drop. Visitors can take boats to rocky platforms in the falls, reach riverside castles, or cross to the Wörth Castle on the opposite bank.
Location: Switzerland
10. Gullfoss (Golden Falls)
Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”) in Iceland is one of Europe’s most famous waterfalls. The powerful Hvítá River plunges 32 meters into a deep canyon, creating massive spray that often forms rainbows in sunlight. The name comes from the golden hue the water appears to take in sunlight. The spectacular scenery with frequent rainbows makes it a favorite among visitors.
Location: Iceland