7 Waterfalls That Will Take Your Breath Away

[Angelus]

Across the world there are hundreds of thousands of waterfalls, each of them as unique and magical as the next.


Some of them rage for hundreds of meters while others are simple and dainty, though for a brief moment when looked upon all of them capture our interest.

While it’s impossible to make a list of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, here are seven waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away…









1. Huangguoshu, China

At 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, Huangguoshu is certainly a sight to behold. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls in Asia and makes up a group of of 18 waterfalls which stand in the surrounding area. In the back of the waterfall is an incredible 134 meter long cave which allows visitors to get incredibly close to the waterfall and even touch it in places.

2. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall which drops a total of 978 meters from the summit of the Auyan Tepuy. At one point the water flows down an 807 meter uninterrupted drop. The falls are located in an incredibly isolated jungle region in the midst of Venezuela meaning that the only access to them is by air, making for an even more spectacular view.

3. Niagara Falls, Canada & USA

It’s arguable that Niagara falls is the most famous waterfalls in the world and with more than 14 million visitors each year it’s certainly the most visited. The falls are located on the border between Canada and the state of New York and lie between the twin cities of each providence, both of which are named Niagara Falls. One of the most spectacular things about the falls is their sheer size, though in reality Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. If you’re seeking a truly breathtaking view, visit the falls by night when they are lit up in a beautiful array of neon colours.

4. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia

Victoria Falls (indigenously named Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”) is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, standing at one mile high and 108 meters high, roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls. It’s beautiful columns of spray can be seen from many miles away and, at the height of the rainy season, each minute more than five hundred million cubic meters of water tumble over the edge.

5. Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil

While the biggest drop at Iguazú Falls is only 82 meters (tiny compared to some of the other waterfalls on this list), it’s its incredible 275 cataracts which extend for an incredible 1.68 miles which makes the falls a breathtaking sight to behold.

6. Thor’s Well, USA

Thor’s Well is a part of Cape Perpetua, a narrow piece of land which extends out into the Pacific Ocean on Oregon’s coastline. The well is a popular tourist attraction, especially as it constantly releases tall jets of water which are thrust into the air by the mighty ocean and the waves below. While the sight makes for some great pictures, tourists have to be especially vigilant come high tide however.

7. Skógafoss, Iceland

Though Iceland’s Skógafoss waterfall only boasts a drop of 60 metres, it certainly is a sight to behold. Set amidst beautiful, rolling green hills it’s a popular area for hikers and tourists alike.

The falls give off a great amount of spray meaning that on sunny days it’s almost promised that Skógafoss will be bordered by either a single or double rainbow. Legend has it that the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried his treasure behind the waterfall, though to this day only a single ring of it has (supposedly) ever been found.