17 Highest Waterfalls in the World

Waterfalls are one of nature's greatest gifts expressing the power of water on Earth. Be it the landscapes that surround them or their vertiginous falls, waterfalls offer outstanding experiences. 

Some of the world’s biggest waterfalls also provide several water activities. While there are multi-step waterfalls cascading delicately into a progression of pools, some intense waterfalls tumble over the submerged cliffs, which is a sight to behold.

Read below about the 17 highest waterfalls in the world that you will love to visit.

1. Angel Falls, Venezuela | Height: 3212 feet

source: podtravels

Angel Falls is considered the world’s highest waterfall, featuring a plunge of more than 800 meters. An authentic icon of this country, Angel Falls is nature’s marvelous creation as it captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. Reaching this destination is an adventure in itself. Thus, you must pack sturdy shoes and rain gear for your journey. 

• Location: Auyán-tepui, Canaima National Park, Bolívar State, Venezuela
• How to Reach: As it is impossible to visit this waterfall via bus, you must board a flight from Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz to Canaima Town. Then from Canaima, you must book a 1-day boat ride to reach this fall. 
• Best Time to Visit: June to Early December

2. Tugela Falls, KwaZulu-Natal Province | Height: 3110 feet

source: alexnail

Royal National Park’s Drakensberg Mountain is home to five majestic waterfalls that, on the whole, make up Tugela Falls. One of the highest waterfalls in the world, the water jumps over a dazzling amphitheater and is a popular vacation spot for tourists. 

• Location: Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
• How to Reach: To reach Tugela Falls, you must reach Winterton Town by bus/train/flight. It serves as a gateway to the Royal Natal National Park. A scenic hike along the Tugela Gorge trail will lead you to the base of this waterfall. 
• Best Time to Visit: November – February

3. Mattenbach Falls, Switzerland | Height: 3052 feet

source: youimg1

Another destination to mention in the list of the largest waterfalls in the world is Mattenbach Falls. It is fed with melted snow from the Silberhorn Gletscher and Giesen Gletscher glaciers. The soothing weather allows you to visit Lauterbrunnen Valley and view the cascading waters against the backdrop of the majestic peaks.

• Location: Mattenbach, 3824 Stechelberg, Berner Oberland Region, Switzerland
• How to Reach: To visit the Mattenbach Falls, drive from Interlaken to the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Then, from Lauterbrunnen Valley, pass the Trummelbach Falls, and you will see the Mattenbach Falls and Staldenbach Falls to the left side of this valley.
• Best Time to Visit: May – September

4. Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru | Height: 2999 feet

source: dairatek

The Junín region of Peru is full of natural wonders, and Tres Hermanas Falls is undoubtedly one of them. One of the longest waterfalls in the world, Tres Hermanas is a true hidden gem sitting at a staggering height of 914 meters. It is surrounded by rich biodiversity and highlights nature's grandeur. 

• Location: Otishi National Park, Junín, Peru, South America
• How to Reach: To reach Tres Hermanas Falls, travelers can start a scenic drive from Satipo City through picturesque landscapes to the entrance of Otishi National Park. This park offers guided hiking trails. Experienced guides will take you through dense forests, where you will encounter exotic flora and fauna. The routes culminate at Tres Hermanas Falls, allowing you to admire this cascading waterfall.
• Best Time to Visit: April – October

5. Mardalsfossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2976 feet

Mardalsfossen Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Norway. It nestles near the Eikesdalsvatnet or Eikesdalen in the More og Romsdal region. You can walk to the bottom of Mardalsfossen and witness the power of the Mardøla River that plunges before it ends with extreme force on the slippery rocks. 

The 1.9 km walk to the base of Mardalsfossen requires almost 30 minutes and has a descent of 150 meters.

• Location: Molde Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway
• How to Reach: Mardalsfossen is located near the Eikesdalsvatnet. You can choose a two-hour drive to reach Eikesdalen. You will notice the Eikesdalsvatnet, a large lake fed by numerous rivers. Drive around this lake to view the Mardalsfossen Falls.
• Best Time to Visit: June – August

6. Olo’upena Falls, United States | Height: 2953 feet

source: wondermondo

Cascading at an impressive 900 meters, Olo’upena Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world that is accessible by helicopter tour. This adventurous tour offers a thrilling aerial view of the waterfalls as the waters flow down the cliffs amidst the dramatic landscape. 

• Location: Molokai Island, North-east Hawaii, The United States
• How to Reach: You can observe Olo’upena Falls from the sea. Several tourist companies are offering guided boat tours along the rugged coast. Moreover, helicopter rides take you closer to view the impressive sight of nature's beauty. 
• Best Time to Visit: November – May

7. Yumbilla Falls, Peru | Height: 2940 feet

source: astelus

Nestled in the Amazonas region of Peru, Yumbilla Falls is surrounded by rich biodiversity and lush cloud forests. This hidden gem is nature's splendor, and according to local people and inhabitants, mythical spirits guard this waterfall.

Trek through the dense Amazon rainforest to reach Yumbilla Falls. However, you must hire a local guide to navigate this trail and ensure a safe trek. 

• Location: Cuispes Town, Northern Peruvian region of Amazonas, Peru
• How to Reach: Take a shared taxi from Chachapoyas and get off in Pedro Ruiz. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Chachapoyas. From there, get a moto-taxi to Cuispes Town. Then, drop it off at the Cuispes tourist office. At last, hire a guide for the 3 km trek to this waterfall.
• Best Time to Visit: May – September

8. Vinnufossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2821 feet

Vinnufossen waterfalls, perching at a height of 860 meters, offer a view of the towering mountains and the picturesque landscapes surrounding them. A true natural wonder, this waterfall is fed by the Vinnu River. Vinnu River originates from the Vinnufjellet mountain and adds more flare to the majestic allure. 

• Location: East of Sunndalsøra Village, Sunndal Municipality, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
• How to Reach: To reach the Vinnufossen waterfall, you must fly to Alesund Airport, which serves as the gateway to this destination. Then, take a scenic drive through the Sunndal Valley that leads to the trailhead of this waterfall. Next, follow a well-marked trekking route. It will take you through the alpine scenery and lush forests and offer you panoramic views of the Vinnufossen waterfalls.
• Best Time to Visit: June – August

9. Balai Fossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2789 feet

source: world

Situated amidst the enchanting Eidfjord Village, Balai Fossen Waterfalls has dramatic rocks and lush greenery, surrounding it. Balåifossen waterfall is fed by the Grøndalselvi River, which originates from the Hardangervidda plateau, adding to its exquisite grandeur. To view this waterfall to its fullest, visit when the weather is mild. 

• Location: Eidfjord Village, Hordaland, Ulvik, Norway
• How to Reach: To reach Balåifossen waterfalls, fly to Bergen Airport and then embark on a scenic drive to Eidfjord Village. Then, go for a moderate hike along a well-marked trail that takes you through the beautiful Måbødalen Valley. Along the way, you will see several viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of Balåifossen. 
• Best Time to Visit: May-August

10. Pu’uka’oku Falls, United States | Height: 2756 feet

source: cestujlevne

Pu'uka'oku Falls is located on a remote island in Hawaii and is only accessible by boat or helicopter. You get a glimpse of Hawaii's untamed beauty as the waters of Pu'uka'oku Falls create spectacular scenery against the backdrop of Hawaii’s rugged sea cliffs. 

The boat tours to this waterfall offer snorkeling and observing marine life opportunities. The helicopter rides offer a bird's-eye view of the waterfall and landscapes of Molokai Island.

• Location: Molokai, Hawaii, The United States
• How to Reach: Reaching Pu'uka'oku Falls is quite challenging as thick vegetation surrounds this isolated area in Molokai. This place is not accessible by land. Therefore, to witness Pu'uka'oku Falls, you must take a boat tour or a helicopter ride from the neighboring Maui or Oahu islands.
• Best Time to Visit: November – March

11. James Bruce Falls, Canada | Height 2756 feet

source: khbuzz

James Bruce Falls is another suggestion in the list of the world's highest waterfalls perching at 840 meters. It is located in Princess Louisa Inlet and is surrounded by towering mountains and rich biodiversity. 

The waterfalls offer a tranquil atmosphere as you take a boat ride to reach this region. Due to limited availability, ensure to book your boat ride ahead.

• Location: Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
• How to Reach: To reach James Bruce Falls, you can arrange a private boat charter or take a scenic boat tour from Egmont. A boat tour will take you through the Princess Louisa Inlet, surrounded by fjords and majestic peaks. As you near this waterfall, the boat will anchor, allowing you to view the James Bruce Falls up close. 
• Best Time to Visit: May – September

12. Browne Falls, New Zealand | Height: 2744 feet

source: simpleviewinc

Browne Falls drops from an impressive height of 836 meters and is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. The stunning landscapes of the valley surround this waterfall, captivating travelers with its sheer height and tranquility.

• Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
• How to Reach: To witness the grandeur of Browne Falls, embark on a boat cruise through Doubtful Sound, after reaching Manapouri Town by bus/train/flight. The cruise will take you through the fjords as you will see rainforests, waterfalls, and towering rocks surrounding the region. 
• Best Time to Visit: December - February

13. Strupenfossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2690 feet

source: worldwaterfalldatabase

Strupenfossen Falls is one of the major waterfalls in Strupen, perching at a height of 820m. Strupen is one of the meltwater streams that originate in Myklebust Icefield. The majority of the water flow emerges from the central section of the glacier, running through a braided channel before it divides into three sections cascading side-by-side.

• Location: Myklebust, Region Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
• How to Reach: To witness the beauty of the waterfall, from Byrkjelo, you have to take road Rv60 to Utvik, driving to the north. After 900 meters, you will find a right turn to road Rv 693, Myklebust. A few moments later, you will view the waterfall.
• Best Time to Visit: July – September

14. Ramnefjellsfossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2684 feet

source: europeanwaterfalls

Ramnefjellsfossen is one of the tallest waterfalls in Norway, dropping from a height of 818 meters. This tiered horsetail waterfall consists of four drops. They are fed by the Ramnefjell Breen glacier. 

The water from these falls flows into Lovatnet Lake, which is a sight to adore. For the trekkers, you will find a campsite within the hiking distance of the base of the waterfalls.

• Location: Ramnefjell Mountain, Municipality of Stryn, Vestland County, Norway
• How to Reach: You can easily view this mesmerizing beauty by reaching the spot by boat, road, or seaplane. 
• Best Time to Visit: July – August

15. Colonial Creek Falls, Norway | Height: 2585 feet

source: adventuresnw

Colonial Creek Falls is located in North Cascades National Park and is the tallest waterfall in the continental United States. The North Cascades National Park is considered the American Alps as it has several snow-capped mountain peaks. There are more than 300 glaciers here that form several lakes and majestic waterfalls. 

• Location: Ramnefjell Mountain, Municipality of Stryn, Vestland County, Norway
• How to Reach: For a picturesque view of the waterfalls from a distance, drive through State Highway 20 for 14 miles (taking Newhalem route). You will land up at the Ross Dam Trailhead. You can view the waterfall about five miles away, southwest of the trailhead, coming down the face of Colonial Peak. Furthermore, you can get another glimpse of the waterfall two miles southwest of the Ross Dam Trailhead on State Highway 20. It is near the bridge, which passes on the Thunder Arm of Diablo Lake.
• Best Time to Visit: July – September

16. Mongefossen Falls, Norway | Height: 2536 feet

source: wikimedia

Mongefossen is another on the list of the world's tallest waterfalls, having a height of 774 meters. Mongevatnet River feeds this waterfall. This tallest single-drop waterfall has Rauma River flowing into it. Apart from visiting the waterfalls, you can also visit some attractions nearby, such as – Mount Mannen, Store Vengetind, Romsdalen, etc.

• Location: South of Andalsnes, More og Romsda region, Norway
• How to Reach: You can view this waterfall from a railway station on the Rauma Line and between villages Marstein and Flatmark.
• Best Time to Visit: July – August

17. Gocta Cataracts, Peru | Height: 2532 feet

source: wikimedia

Commonly known as Gocta Falls, this waterfall comprises just two drops, amongst which the second drop is powerful. This majestic waterfall remained hidden from the outer world for centuries until when a German explorer discovered it. 

• Location: Province of Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Peru
• How to Reach: You can visit Gocta Falls by arranging a day trip from Chachapoyas City. There are two routes to reach the falls. However, the most accessible route is via Cocachimba. From there, it is 5.5 km away from the waterfall. The hike to this area is a rewarding experience as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and view the majestic power of the waterfall up close.
• Best Time to Visit: October – April

This sums up all the details on the highest waterfalls in the world. Waterfalls are one of the most fascinating natural creations that take several forms. However, these above-mentioned waterfalls are the ones that will leave you in awe with their height. If you plan to visit any of these countries above, arrange an adventurous trip to visit the waterfalls.