Eco-tourism and everything connected with it is experiencing an incredible rise. This is due to the development of infrastructure and changing priorities among people. Now getting to almost anywhere in the world is not so difficult, and the usual entertainment no longer seems so interesting to travelers.

Among natural attractions, waterfalls are one of the first places in popularity. They are beautiful in themselves, and often a unique ecosystem develops around them, pleasing the eye and giving many impressions.

Waterfalls vary in size, are scattered all over the world, and are associated with many legends, both factual and completely fantastic. Seeing at least a few is a good goal for your vacation.

The highest, largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world

List of famous, large and powerful waterfalls! Photos with titles and brief description

Iguazu

Not just one waterfall, but a whole complex. Most of its parts have separate names. Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. They are located on the river of the same name and are included in the national parks of both countries. The maximum height is 82 meters, width – 2700 meters. The waterfalls are separated from each other by islands. Tourism in the surrounding area is booming. Guests are offered transfers, souvenirs and waterproof clothing.

Kaieteur

Located in Guyana on the Potaro River. From here it is not so far to the border with Venezuela. Height – 226 meters, width varies from 90 to 105 meters. Belonging to a national park allowed the waterfall to be preserved almost in its original form. The location also played an important role in this: it is difficult to get to. Near the foot of the waterfall it is constantly cloudy, and there are endless waves on the water.

Victoria

Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Located on the Zambezi River. Height – 120 meters, width – about 1800 meters. Unique in the ratio of these two indicators. The name was received in honor of the English queen. It is part of two national parks. Tourists come to both admire the views and raft along the numerous rapids, which are also suitable for beginner rafters.

Angel

Located in Venezuela. The approximate height is 979 meters, which makes it a world record holder. Width – 107 meters. Located in a national park surrounded by tropical forests. Water falls from the top of Auyan Tepui into the Kerep River. Because the height of the fall is so impressive, the water below splits into small particles and forms fog. You can get here by plane or by river. There are special tours.

Gokta

Located in Peru. Its height is 771 meters. It has an extremely small pool, so the volume of water falling varies depending on the amount of precipitation and the season. Surrounded by humid jungle. Rare species of birds and animals live here, some on the verge of extinction. The waterfall can only be visited with a local guide, and you have to pay for it. There are many sugarcane plantations nearby.

Virginia

Located in Canada on the territory of a national park. Included in the South Nahanni River basin. The height of the mountain peak on which the waterfall is located is approximately 500 meters. The height of the water fall is 96 meters. The width varies around 260 meters. Rainbows are a common phenomenon here, they are formed from the so-called “water dust”. There are many observation platforms nearby and thermal springs.

Hanging Glacier Falls

Located in Chile. There are about two thousand glaciers of different sizes in the district. On one of them - the only one hanging in the world - the waterfall is located. The name is unofficial. Water falls down after melting. The intensity depends on the season. The height is about 550 meters. Belongs to the territory of the national park. It’s almost impossible to get close, but the nearby lake offers a beautiful view of the waterfall.

San Rafael

Located in Ecuador on the Quijos River. Massive rocks, densely covered with greenery, form something like a relief depression, from where water falls down. The cascade is double, so the height is divided into two sectors: 50 and 100 meters, respectively. Width - about 14 meters. There is thick fog at the foot. It also raises a lot of splashes and is very noisy. It is part of a national park and has an observation deck.

Niagara Falls

A complex of waterfalls in the USA and Canada. Each of the waterfalls has its own name. The total height is approximately 53 meters and the width is 792 meters. Used to generate energy. Tourism is developed to the maximum. There are all kinds of excursions and a variety of souvenirs. Observation platforms are made both close and at a sufficient distance to provide guests with the opportunity to see the entire panorama.

Jog

Located in India on the Sharavati River. It has several names related to both origin and pronunciation: Gersoppa, Yog and others. Height – 255 meters. Such impressive dimensions are explained by its belonging to the Western Ghats mountain system. Consists of four cascades. It is used to generate electricity, generating power within the range of 891 MW.

Helmcken Falls

Located in a Canadian provincial park. Height – 42 meters. The wall behind the waterfall is partially frozen during the winter. Icicles of different sizes and some semblance of a glacier appear here. Climbers come here for ascents during particularly cold periods. There are several observation platforms nearby, and areas for picnics and other types of outdoor recreation.

Takakkau

Located in Canada on the territory of a national park. The name is derived from the Aboriginal language and is translated as an expression of delight. The height from the top to the bottom is more than 380 meters. The intensity of the water fall is different and varies depending on the season. The waterfall feeds a lake located on a glacier and flows into the Yoho River. Rainbows can often be seen at the base on nice days.

Dettifoss

Located in Iceland on the Jökulsau au Fjödlum River. Part of the national park. Height is about 44 meters, width is about 100 meters. Its power exceeds that of other European indicators. It is not a typical tourist destination, but attracts travelers familiar with the topic. There are other waterfalls within a radius of a couple of kilometers.

Odegaard Falls

Located in Canada. It flows smoothly from rocky terrain into the valley. The height remains impressive from top to bottom. The waterfall has many steps and rapids. The area around is perfect for hiking; there are prepared “islands” for tourist stops. It will take a long time to get there by car. Transport will not go everywhere - you will eventually have to walk.

Calandula

Located in Angola on the Lucala River. Height – more than 105 meters, width – 400 meters. Heterogeneous: there are many watersheds in the form of boulders, rocks and other things. The trip to the waterfall is long, although the roads are good. This explains the not very popular attraction. The area is home to dense mixed forests. Landslides occur below due to sediment eroding large stones.

Gullfoss

Located in Iceland on the Hvitau River. The name translates as “golden waterfall”. Height – 32 meters. The volume of water varies depending on the season, increasing in the summer. There are two stages, and they are located at an angle of ninety degrees to each other. Gullfoss was on the verge of destruction due to attempts to build a power plant here. Now a popular tourist route lies here.

Sutherland

Located in New Zealand, the highest in Oceania - 580 meters from top to bottom. The waterfall is not wide, especially when viewed from a distance and in relation to the height. It has several steps, the largest is located almost in the center. The place is very picturesque: from above you can see the reservoir from which the waterfall is formed, and splashes rise below. The rocks are heterogeneously covered with greenery.

Langfossen

Located in Norway on the Vaule River. Height – 612 meters, width – 76 meters. Its base goes directly to the modern highway. For this reason, people often visit the waterfall: some on purpose, since it is easy to get to, others passing through, even without initially knowing about this attraction. Langfossen consists of gentle cascades, which distinguishes it from most waterfalls. The power of the flow is constant.

Gaganachukki Falls

Located in India. There is actually a lot of confusion surrounding this waterfall. Sometimes it is mentioned as a separate natural segment, and sometimes as part of a complex. It is located in close proximity to the Barachukki waterfall and, according to some sources, is a component of Shivanasamudra. Has numerous rapids. The total height is within 90 meters. A power station was built here.

Mardalsfossen

Located in Norway. The name was received in honor of the valley where it is located. Height - ranging from 645 to 705 meters (different measurement methods due to the heterogeneity of the waterfall). Width – 24 meters. There are several ledges, and two large ones, visible to the naked eye even from a distance, they break the waterfall into parts. A power station was built nearby. Disputes about the feasibility of its work are still ongoing.

Vettifossen

Located in Norway in the valley of the Utla River. The height of the free fall of water is about 275 meters, the width is about 23 meters. At the bottom, the power of the jet is reduced due to the dispersion of water, which makes the waterfall quite quiet. It does not freeze in the winter, the speed and strength of the flow also do not undergo any special changes. Unlike the country's other major waterfalls, Vettifossen is not used for energy.

Ruacana

Located in Namibia on the Kunene River. It is located almost on the border with Angola. Height – 124 meters, width – 695 meters. As the rainy season gives way to a dry season in this area, the water level and power of the waterfall are very variable. There is also a hydroelectric power station here, which not only provides the region with energy, but also stores part of the water for irrigation and sanitation needs.

Augrabis

Located in South Africa on the Orange River. Height is about 146 meters. Located in a gorge. It is part of a national park, and it was formed specifically to preserve the waterfall and its surroundings. Several species of rare animals live here, including black rhinoceroses, which were reintroduced here artificially. There are several viewing platforms and convenient climbs.

Hafragilsfoss

Located in Iceland on the Jökulsau au Fjödlum River. He is Dettifoss's "neighbor". Part of the national park. The height is about 27 meters, the width varies between 91 meters. It is inferior in power to other waterfalls in the area, but has the best panoramic view. Thanks to the built observation deck, tourists can clearly see not only Hafragilsfoss, but also the surrounding area.

Sotefossen

Located in Norway on the Kinso River. Above are bare rocks with ice, below are dense forests with moss-covered ground. The maximum height is within 246 meters. The waterfall is multi-stage and has a pronounced division into segments. The nature around is included in a specially protected zone. It’s not easy for tourists to get there, but the view is worth it. Human intervention is minimal.

Hunlen Falls

Located in Canada. The maximum height to the foot is 365 meters. The continuous drop of water is less - 260 meters. You can get to this natural attraction either by plane (about 20 minutes from the nearest settlement) or on foot (about half an hour from the road to the observation deck). There are many scenic spots nearby, including Lonely Lake.

Gokak

Located in India. The height of the water fall is 50 meters, the width is about 177 meters. The water level varies depending on the season. Gokak powers the hydroelectric dam and supplies energy to the entire area. At the foot there is always a thick fog, formed due to drops of moisture breaking into fractions. The waterfall can be observed from several equipped points. It's always very noisy there.

Twin Falls

Located in Canada. The height is about 180 meters, but the height of the continuous fall of water is less. The width varies from 18 to 30 meters. Not far from the foot there is a railway track. There are not many convenient points for a panoramic view of Twin, so tourists are not able to fully enjoy the local beauty. Part of the national park.

Basaseachi

Located in Mexico on the river of the same name. The second largest waterfall in the country. Height is approximately 246 meters. Part of the national park. The fall of water is absolutely vertical: from the mountain to the valley. The stream is narrow, but widens near the ground, creating foam and numerous splashes. The rocks of the canyon are covered with vegetation only at the top and at the foot.

Tjørnadalsfossen

Located in Norway near Lake Sandvinvatnet. The total height is about 500 meters, width is about 60 meters. For the most part, the water does not flow abruptly; there are many rapids and steps of different sizes. The slopes are partially covered with vegetation, but it is heterogeneous. You can get to the very base of Tjörndalsfossen, as there is a road and numerous hiking trails nearby.

Nevada

It is located in the United States and is part of Yosemite National Park, one of the most popular in the country. Water falls from a height of 181 meters. A tourist route has been laid out that allows you to get to know the waterfall in detail. Its length is slightly less than four and a half kilometers. There are also parking areas and several viewing platforms.

Lower Yellowstone Falls

Located on the territory of the most popular US national park of the same name. There are many waterfalls here, but this one stands out from the crowd. The water falls down in a powerful stream straight from the canyon from a height of 94 meters. There is fog at the foot. The width is modest, especially when compared with Niagara. There are observation decks on different sides, some close, others providing the opportunity to admire panoramic views.

Shoshoni

Located in the USA on the Snake River. The height is 65 meters, the width is heterogeneous - approximately 300 meters. Here, numerous rapids and steps divide the waterfall into separate factions. This makes the picture even more picturesque, but reduces its integrity. The time of year affects the flow intensity and water level. Rainbows constantly appear at the foot of the mountain on sunny days.

Barron Falls

Located in Australia on the river of the same name. Height – 256 meters. The flow is heterogeneous; water flows through the gorge in separate streams. There is especially a lot of water during the rainy season. If you look from a specially equipped area, the picture looks almost terrifying. Foamy streams, slightly colored beige-brown, rush down, and fog envelops the green rocks on the sides.

Snoqualmie

It is located in the United States on the river of the same name, between two mountains. Height – 82 meters. The natural attraction is popular among tourists; about one and a half million people visit it every year. Even a working power plant is a historical value of the state. Getting there is convenient, there is a parking lot, trails, and several equally spaced viewing platforms.

Vøringsfossen

Located in Norway on the Bjoreju River. The height is 182 meters, but the water falls freely from a height of 145 meters. The flow is not very intense and is influenced, among other things, by seasonality and the nearby power plant. At the same time, there are restrictions on energy production and water use in order to prevent a negative impact on the environment and not damage the local microclimate.

Alexandra Falls

Located in Canada on the Hay River. There are many other natural beauties nearby, hiking trails have been laid, and two observation platforms have been equipped from different sides. The stream is powerful and wide. Height – approximately 32 meters. A highway has been built within a few kilometers. In the lower reaches there are many well-passable rapids that attract kayakers: from beginners to professionals.

Krimmler

Located in Austria. Also called – Krimml. In fact, this is not one waterfall, but a cascade. They are located on a river with a similar name - Krimler Ache. The total height is within 380 meters. The current changes depending on the time of year, and significantly. The same thing happens with the water level. In some places the stream is stormy and falls almost vertically, in others it is weaker and flows down the rapids and ledges smoothly.

Yosemite Falls

It is located in the USA on the territory of the national park of the same name - the most popular and visited in the country. Height – 739 meters. It is noteworthy that a beautiful view opens both from the lowlands, right from the road, and from the observation platforms at the top. The rock from which the water falls is almost completely vertical. The noise from the waterfall spreads throughout the entire valley: this is not only because of its power, but also because of its special acoustics.

Skógafoss

Located in Iceland on the Skogau River. Height – 60 meters, width – 25 meters. Previously, it approached directly to the coastline, but now the sea has retreated, making the waterfall very convenient for viewing. Popular with tourists, the area has observation platforms, souvenirs, convenient approaches, as well as parking lots for vehicles. At the foot you can see a rainbow, sometimes a double one.

Waterfalls of Plitvitskie Lakes

They are located in Croatia on the territory of a national park. The total number of waterfalls is about thirty. The numbers are inaccurate due to differences in assessment approaches: some researchers combine waterfalls into cascades, while others call them separately. Among the waterfalls we can highlight: Batinovački, Galovachki, Velike Kascade, as well as Sastavtsi - the most beautiful, whose height is 72 meters.

Huangoshu

Located in China in the mountainous province of Guizhou. Since there are many mountains and reservoirs, waterfalls are also not uncommon. Huangoshu stands out among its neighbors. Its height is 78 meters, width is approximately 101 meters. The strength of the flow is not uniform; there are several separate channels separated by small rocky outcroppings. The waterfall can be viewed from several angles, including from a cave hidden behind a water wall.

Blue Nile Falls (Tis-Ysat)

They are located in Ethiopia on the river of the same name. They have difficult to measure height and width. The top point is approximately 45 meters from the foot, and individual streams form a line within 400 meters. Nearby there is a stone bridge that was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. The cascade of waterfalls is surrounded by picturesque mountains and a green valley.

Detian

Located in China and Vietnam. During high water, the waterfall looks like a single whole; during the rest of the period, the watershed line is clearly visible. In the lower reaches there is a lake that attracts tourists no less than Detian. Nearby you can also explore caves, a forest of water stones and other natural attractions. Excursions here are popular routes for visitors.

Dunn's River

Located in Jamaica on the territory of a natural park. The total height is 180 meters. Moreover, the current here is not stormy, there are many rapids and steps. The water flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. Tourists hike right up the waterfall. Convenient routes are helped by park staff and hired guides. At the foot you can swim or spend time in the shade of abundant vegetation.

Rhine Falls

Located in Switzerland on the river of the same name. Height – 23 meters, width – 150 meters. Refers to the type of plain waterfalls. The strength of the flow in winter and summer differs significantly. You can get to the observation decks for a fee, it varies depending on the convenience and viewing angle. There are historical and architectural attractions nearby, which complements the trip with impressions.

Uzud

Located in Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains. Height is approximately 110 meters. The flow of water is heterogeneous and stretched, with part of the cascade located at an angle of ninety degrees to the main drain. At sunset, monkeys come to the waterfall. Water mills were built at the top, which are still in operation today. You can get to Ouzoud through olive tree plantations.

Multnomah

Located in the USA in the Columbia River Canyon. Divided into two areas. Since the width of the threshold allows, a bridge was built across it. The total height is 189 meters. The waterfall is fed from several sources, including underground and melted snow. Therefore, the water level is practically unchanged from season to season. However, Maltoma may partially freeze.

Montmorency

Located in Canada. It is a popular tourist route for Quebec and the whole country. For this reason, the infrastructure here is well developed down to the last detail. Detailed climbing routes have been developed, but it is quite complicated. There are special bridges and tiled walkways. The total height is 84 meters. The flow of water is rapid, foaming from the speed of the flow and fall, a rainbow and fog form below.

Marmore (Marble)

Located in Italy. The total height of the three tiers is 165 meters. The name comes from the rocks, which in some places are very similar to marble. Water cascades down. Since part of the year the slopes are covered with dense vegetation, which is varied both in shape and color, the picture becomes picturesque. Getting here is easy; there are quite a lot of observation platforms, both natural and built.

Any waterfall is a breathtaking sight in itself, but there are such specimens in the world that you can admire for hours... These are the waterfalls that make up our today’s selection =)

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

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

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

Of course, I couldn’t help but get on this list) I think we can confidently call it the most famous of the existing waterfalls

Niagara Falls 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 Iguazu Falls in Argentina

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

Another giant is Victoria Falls, also called the Thundering Smoke of Africa due to 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 in the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world according to LifeGlobe the tallest Angel Falls on the planet, a spectacular landmark of 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 Angel waterfall needs to travel almost a kilometer to reach the ground, and this is almost 20 times higher than Niagara !

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find out the name and location of the next waterfall, but due to its appearance it has every reason to be on this list

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

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

Gullfoss waterfall 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 is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, quite modest in height (about 60 meters), but no less picturesque and popular with 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.

And this picturesque waterfall is located in Chile)

There is another interesting waterfall in Chile - it is called Salto del Laja

Frozen Rideau Falls in Ottawa, Canada

Finally - another unknown, but no less beautiful and picturesque waterfall =)

If you want to see something so beautiful that it will take your breath away during your upcoming vacation, then here is our list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Iguazu Falls , located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. It has 275 cascades, stretching for two miles along the Iguazu River. This waterfall was formed as a result of a powerful volcanic eruption, which resulted in a huge crack in the earth's crust. It is simply impossible to describe the beauty and grandeur of this waterfall, as well as the beauty of the untouched tropical nature around. included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Getting to the waterfall is quite easy; the tourist infrastructure is well developed here, there are many observation platforms from which all the beauty of Iguazu can be best seen. In addition to contemplating the waterfalls, here you can visit the Argentine and Brazilian national natural parks with real untouched jungles.

Angel Falls, Venezuela. This is the highest waterfall in the world, its height reaches 978 meters. A waterfall falls from Mount Tepuy, which translated into Russian means “mountain of the devil.” The height of the fall of the waterfall is so great that the water, not having time to reach the bottom of the waterfall, is sprayed into tiny particles, forming a fog that can be felt many kilometers away. There are no tourist trails to the waterfall; you can only get there by air or by river, so tourists are offered organized excursions.

Victoria Falls. The waterfall is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This waterfall is the main attraction of South Africa. Victoria Falls is very impressive for tourists, because its width is more than 1,700 meters, and the water falls from a height of about one hundred meters. The spectacle is very beautiful and memorable. During the rainy season, about 10,000 cubic meters of water passes through the waterfall every second. Immediately after the waterfall, a section of the river begins with fairly safe rapids, which attract lovers of rafting on mountain rivers, and beginner tourists can also successfully raft in this place.

Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland. Translated from Icelandic, the name of the waterfall means “golden waterfall”. Indeed, the water of this waterfall looks golden, and there is almost always a rainbow hanging over the waterfall. And in winter, the waterfall is covered in a shell of ice, which is also very beautiful. This waterfall is interesting because it has two levels. At first, the water falls from a height of 11 meters, then it flows calmly, and suddenly it falls again from a height of 21 meters. There are many viewing platforms near the waterfall that are never empty.

Jog Falls - the most interesting and highest waterfall in India. This waterfall has the highest free fall height of water, that is, the water of Jog Falls does not roll over the stones, but freely falls into the reservoir from a height of 253 meters. The waterfall consists of four branches, each of which has its own name. These are Raja, Rocket, Rumbling and Rani. The name refers to the sound water makes when falling. Raja falls down with dignity, Rocket has the largest filling of water that passes at high speed through a small hole, the name Rumbling speaks for itself, and Rani has a winding trajectory reminiscent of the dance of a woman (in translation Rani means queen or woman). Any tourist can personally verify that these names correspond to reality.

Located on the border of the USA and Canada, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Earth. Downstream there is a bridge between the two countries, open to both vehicles and pedestrians. In fact, behind the name there are three waterfalls that are perceived as a single whole - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Veil. In addition to aesthetic pleasure, the waterfall is actively used by power engineers to generate electricity. For tourists, an excellent infrastructure has been created near the waterfall, observation platforms for contemplating Niagara, and in the evening the amazing illumination lights up, created by dozens of multi-colored spotlights with a total power of one and a half million kilowatts. Crowds of tourists admire this amazing spectacle for hours.

Detyan Waterfall located on the border of China and Vietnam. It is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world. The most beautiful sight is from May to September, when the water level in Detyan is highest. The height of the waterfall is 75 meters and the width is about 200 meters. It's sad, but every year there is less and less water in the waterfall. Therefore, every person who comes to these places should definitely see Detyan.

Among the greatest natural phenomena, the most beautiful waterfalls in the world deservedly occupy a special place. Since ancient times, people have been drawn to their inexhaustible thunderous cascades like a magnet. If you find yourself in front of this natural phenomenon, the veil of illusions in which man previously imagined himself to be the king of nature falls away.

Let's look at the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls, the photos of which, in themselves excite our imagination, are still unable to convey even a hundredth part of the truly stunning impression that they invariably produce when seen in reality.

The highest Angel Falls

This waterfall is the highest on the planet. It is located on the South American continent in Venezuela, and translated into Russian means “angel’s jump.” The location of the waterfall is Kanama National Park. A roaring stream of water, falling from a height twice the height of the tallest building ever erected by man, crashes down with a roar and forms a kind of thick fog. Its exact height is still unknown and is approximately between 978 and 1054 m.

Angel Falls- one of the most difficult to reach for tourists. It is almost impossible to approach the steep kilometer-long wall, tightly blocked by tropical forest, which is completely intertwined with thickets of impenetrable bushes and vines. Therefore, when surveyors tried to measure the height of this waterfall, they cut their way through with axes. It took them 20 days to cover 35 km.

And now, if you want to see this miracle of nature, during the rainy season, which lasts six months (from May to November), you would have to travel 5 hours by boat. And since Angel feeds exclusively on rain, there is no point in making your way to it during the dry season: an eyewitness risks being very disappointed when he sees an insignificant stream instead of a monumental water extravaganza.

Great Iguazu Falls

Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Objectively considered the most beautiful panorama in the world. It ranks first in terms of fullness of water. 275 cascades, merging into one, form a giant with a displacement of 1700 cubic meters per second. Its height is 80 m, and its width at the base is 4 km. It was opened to Europeans in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors.

The river where this waterfall is located, winds for a long time, flows through the mainland towards the west for approximately 1500 km and only then ends with a huge arch of waterfalls, which at the very drainage are shaped like a crescent. The rumble of the elements can be heard for several miles. Iguazu has become the real pride of Brazilians and Argentines. Every year it attracts tens of thousands of tourists eager to see this splendor with their own eyes.

It is interesting that due to its border location, Argentina and Brazil simultaneously have every right to a “master’s” attitude towards this unique waterfall. Due to the current situation, original agreements take place between these states: the Brazilians hold a monopoly on helicopter excursions for tourists, but the Argentines manage boat trips.

When the largest waterfalls on the planet are mentioned, it would be unfair to leave out the famous Niagara. The waterfall is located on the river of the same name, near the border of two states: New York and Ontario, located in the USA and Canada, respectively. It has long been noted that all the largest waterfalls in width are located on the border of two, and sometimes three countries. And this is far from an accident - the vast expanses of water are natural impassable boundaries along which state borders were once established.

Niagara Falls has become the most popular among tourists, largely due to its accessibility. It is formed by several waterfalls, the total height of which is 53 m. The falling speed of the water jets of this giant is about 3 million l/s. Niagara Falls was attacked both by air and by swimming, using homemade aircraft, ropes, wooden barrels and even rubber balloons.

The closest populated area is the city of Buffalo. To avoid large crowds of pilgrims, it is better to come here in the autumn-spring period. This will provide an opportunity to enjoy the indescribable beauty and power of the waterfall in relative peace.

Victoria Falls

In addition to Angel Falls, the highest waterfalls in the world are complemented by Victoria Falls, which successfully divides Zimbabwe and Zambia. The discoverer of Victoria was destined to be a native of Scotland, D. Livingston. The date of discovery is considered to be 1865. Four years before the discovery, Livingston already knew about this geographical object and initially intended, with the help of this amazingly beautiful waterfall, to make dense Africa a center of attraction for travelers.

Victoria is the highest waterfall on the African continent. Also, the uniqueness of this waterfall is that while it is two kilometers in width, it has a height of 120 meters. There are no more cascades of this kind on the planet. It is located on the local, very deep Zambezi River. At the very peak of water inflow, the waterfall displaces an average of 8,000 cubic meters per second.

The aborigines nicknamed this mind-blowing cascade “thundering smoke,” referring to the volume of water mist rising above 400 m, as well as the unbearable noise heard tens of kilometers away. And the spray rising up in a huge column can be seen 50 km away. The rainbow certainly sparkles in them. To experience incredible sensations, you should stand at the foot of Victoria at least once.

The most beautiful waterfalls on the globe are undoubtedly the largest and most picturesque creations of nature. These include a natural complex of waterfalls and lakes - Plitvice Lakes, located in the Croatian National Park. This waterfall literally delights with its picturesque beauty. You can’t help but feel that all the colors of the color spectrum are present in this fabulously beautiful place. The park is a self-healing ecosystem with 140 waterfalls, 16 lakes, two dozen caves and a unique forest consisting of endemic trees, which is home to an impressive number of rare animals and birds.

Until 1958, the park was an object inaccessible to tourists; it had only clearings. In 1958, park director Josip Movčan began the construction of pedestrian roads. And at the moment there is a wide network of decking and environmentally friendly transport operating here.

The Plitvice Lakes waterfall has long been the most significant attraction in Croatia, which was included in UNESCO in 1979. It is prohibited here to engage in fishing, light fires, swim, and many other human activities that could disrupt the natural balance of this miracle of nature.

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, which cannot be curbed, are a serious obstacle to navigation. Therefore, on many rivers where there are waterfalls, navigable channels are being 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 of 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 instruments 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, which was formed even before the appearance of water. In another case, the appearance of a waterfall may be the result of the activity of the river itself, which erodes the soft layers of rocks.

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 hanging valleys due to an excess of water in the rivers that came down from glaciers.

The largest waterfalls in the world

Because waterfalls vary in width, height, and amount of water they carry, 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 Kona drainage is more than 12.5 km wide. 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.