15 Magnificent Waterfalls Around the World

Image Credit: 5continentsproduction.com

A natural phenomenon, waterfalls come in many shapes, sizes, and types. Some flow all year round, whereas some depend on weather. And others yet have “special effects”! If you’re a waterfall enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of a few of these already, but continue reading to see what else we have compiled!


1) Svartifoss, Iceland

Located within Vatnajökull National Park in Skaftafell, Svartifoss, or “Black Falls”, is framed by black lava columns. Especially well-known for the sharp rocks at its base, new hexagonal columns break off faster than the cascading water wears them down.

Image Credit: atlantidaen.opennemas.com

2) Cameron Falls, Canada

At first glance, Cameron Falls, while beautiful, may look like a typical waterfall. But heavy downpours create some magic. The rain stirs up argillite, which is a red mineral. Under perfect conditions, this mineral reaches the waterfall, and reflection of light turns the water pink! To increase your chances of witnessing this rare phenomenon, visit during spring or summer.

Pink falls
Image Credit: cottagelife.com

3) Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is best known for its various lakes arranged in cascades. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the water there can change colour depending on interplay of organisms and minerals, as well as the sunlight’s angle. Gorge yourself silly with the abundance of the waterfalls and the impressive view!

Image Credit: greatrail.com

4) Detian Falls, China/Vietnam

Also known as the “Virtuous Paradise”, Detian Falls is situated on the China/Vietnam border. There are a number of falls against the mountainous backdrop surrounded by lush greenery, which instantly captivates visitors.

Image Credit: feel-planet.com

5) Bigar Cascade Falls, Romania

Do you know how water runs off your umbrella in the rain? Well, this waterfall is just like that! Instead of falling in a sheet, the water here flows off the top of a fat, rounded stone covered in a carpet of moss in multiple streams!

Image Credit: feel-planet.com

6) Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

Probably the most well-known waterfall of all, Niagara Falls honestly needs no introduction. As you stand watching and hearing the crash of water, it’s difficult to not feel awed and dwarfed by nature.

Tourists exploring the things to do in Niagara Falls
Image Credit: asaransom.com

7) Gullfoss, Iceland

Iceland sure loves naming its waterfalls after colours. If Svartifoss was “Black Falls”, Gullfoss here means “Golden Falls”. Offering unparalleled views of nature, Gullfoss even has a rainbow shimmering over it on sunny days!

Gullfoss, gullni hringurinn, golden circle, waterfall, summer, iceland, water, nature
Image Credit: re.is

8) Blood Falls, Antartica

By its name, you probably already know that this waterfall bleeds red. The source of the waterfall is water that is extremely rich in iron and has never seen the sunlight. When it flows out, the iron oxidises and turns rust-red – hence the waterfall’s name.

Blood Falls at the mouth of Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica
Image Credit: forbes.com

9) Horsetail Falls, USA

Just like Cameron Falls, Horsetail Falls in Yosemite National Park is a pretty cool waterfall anyway. However, around the second week of every February, Firefall occurs. When the setting sun hits the waterfall at the right angle, resulting the water to look like it’s pouring lava instead! It’s not a guarantee though; perfect conditions must be present, but you can try anyway.

<div class="meta image-caption"><div class="origin-logo origin-image none"><span>none</span></div><span class="caption-text">This image taken in February 2016 shows the waterfall at Horsetail Falls in Yosemite National Park illuminated by the sunset. (Photo submitted to KGO-TV by @vjclickz/Instagram)</span></div>
Image Credit: abc7news.com

10) Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale, literally “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a collection of thermal pools that flow gently. The bright white terraces are in fact, remnants of carbonate minerals from the water that flows. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is also a popular natural bathing spot.

Image Credit: aghatatours.com

11) Ruby Falls, USA

Ruby Falls is the only underground waterfall on this list, and also the most visited one in the whole of USA. Electrical lights are installed within the cave, which actually lends a mysterious glow to the cascading water.

ruby falls tennessee
Image Credit: huffingtonpost.ca

12) Horizontal Falls, Australia

From what I’ve gathered, uneven seawater distribution through a narrow gap in between two gorges produce temporary waterfalls up to 5 metres. Except that the water doesn’t drop, but flows horizontally. The video will help clear things up because I’m still wrapping my head around it too!

13) Eternal Flame Falls, USA

In comparison to the rest of the waterfalls on this list, Eternal Flame Falls is small. However, what’s interesting is that a small grotto at the base of this waterfall emits natural gas, which can be lit to create a small flame. It can be extinguished and must be re-lit sometimes, but usually it burns, slowly and steadily, even as water flows over it like a lampshade.

Eternal Flame Falls - Unique Places around the World
Image Credit: worldatlas.com

14) Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Neither the widest nor highest waterfall, Victoria Falls nevertheless is home to the world’s largest sheet of falling water after combining height and width. Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya natively, it means “the smoke that thunders”. On the Zambian side, you can swim in the Devil’s Pool during certain times – right at the edge of the fall.

Victoria Falls photo by Brandy Little
Image Credit: travelingoutloud.com

15) Devil’s Kettle Falls, USA

This waterfall isn’t actually awe-inspiring, but it’s included because it’s a mystery. A pair of waterfalls, one flows into a river, whereas the other goes… Well, no one knows. Researchers have tried in vain to figure out where the water goes by throwing in various objects such as ping pong balls or dye, but they never found it anywhere else again. Perhaps some things must always remain a mystery.

devils- kettle-2
Image Credit: amusingplanet.com

Which waterfall would you like to visit the most? Do you have a favourite waterfall that isn’t included? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!


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