Waterfalls are among nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, showcasing moving water’s sheer power and beauty. Among these natural wonders, the tallest waterfall in the world stands out as an awe-inspiring marvel that attracts adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists alike.
From cascading streams of mist to thunderous roars echoing through vast canyons, these waterfalls captivate our imagination and remind us of the Earth’s majestic forces. The tallest waterfall in the world are found in various corners of the globe, each with unique characteristics and allure.
These immense falls provide stunning vistas and play essential roles in local ecosystems and cultures. Whether formed by rivers plunging over cliffs or melting glaciers high in the mountains, these waterfalls represent nature’s grandeur in its purest form.
In this Height Comparison article, we delve into the realm of the highest waterfalls on Earth, exploring their heights, locations, features, and the mesmerizing experiences they offer visitors.
Join us on a virtual journey to discover the wonders of the tallest waterfall in the world and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders that adorn our planet.
List of Tallest Waterfall in the World
| Waterfall Name | Location | Height (m/ft) | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angel Falls | Venezuela | 979 m / 3,212 ft | World’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, drops from Auyán-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park |
| Tugela Falls | South Africa | 948 m / 3,110 ft | Located in Drakensberg, Royal Natal National Park, total drop divided into five distinct falls |
| Tres Hermanas Falls | Peru | 914 m / 3,000 ft | Three separate drops in Otishi National Park, situated in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest |
| Olo’upena Falls | United States (Hawaii) | 900 m / 2,953 ft | Located on Molokai Island, descends from a vertical cliff directly into the Pacific Ocean |
| Yumbilla Falls | Peru | 896 m / 2,940 ft | Four separate drops in the Amazonas Region, discovered in 2007 due to its remote location |
| Vinnufossen | Norway | 860 m / 2,822 ft | Tallest waterfall in Europe, fed by Vinnufjellet glacier, located in Sunndal Municipality |
| Balåifossen | Norway | 850 m / 2,789 ft | Several cascades in Ulvik municipality, fed by Balåi River from Hardangervidda plateau |
| Pu’uka’oku Falls | United States (Hawaii) | 840 m / 2,756 ft | Drops down the cliffs of the remote Kamakou Preserve on Molokai Island, access highly restricted |
| James Bruce Falls | Canada | 840 m / 2,756 ft | Several cascades in Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park, drops into Princess Louisa Inlet fjord |
| Browne Falls | New Zealand | 836 m / 2,744 ft | Several stages from a hanging valley into Doubtful Sound fjord, Fiordland National Park |
| Strupenfossen | Norway | 820 m / 2,690 ft | Several cascades in Stryn municipality, fed by Strupen River from Jostedalsbreen glacier |
| Ramnefjellsfossen | Norway | 818 m / 2,684 ft | Three main cascades in Stryn municipality, fed by meltwater from Ramnefjellsbreen glacier |
| Waihilau Falls | United States (Hawaii) | 792 m / 2,600 ft | Several stages in Waimanu Valley on the Big Island, access requires a multi-day hike through rugged terrain |
| Kjellfossen | Norway | 755 m / 2,477 ft | Several cascades in Gudvangen municipality, fed by Kjellelvi River from Kjelfossen Glacier |
| Mongefossen | Norway | 773 m / 2,536 ft | Fed by Mongeelva River from Mongevatn lake in Rauma municipality, easily accessible via short hike |
Here is the list of the tallest waterfall in the world:
1. Angel Falls, Venezuela – 979 meters (3,212 feet)
Angel Falls is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, plunging from the Auyán-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park. The falls are named after Jimmie Angel, an American aviator who was the first to fly over them in 1933. The waterfall drops over the edge of the Auyán-tepui mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Tugela Falls, South Africa – 948 meters (3,110 feet)
Tugela Falls is located in the Drakensberg (Dragons Mountains) in the Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The total drop of the falls is divided into five distinct free-leaping falls, with the longest drop being 411 meters (1,348 feet). The Tugela River’s source is Mont-Aux-Sources, several kilometers from the falls.
3. Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru – 914 meters (3,000 feet)
Tres Hermanas (Three Sisters) Falls is in Otishi National Park in Peru. The waterfall consists of three drops, the tallest being 914 meters (3,000 feet). The falls are situated in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest and are not easily accessible, contributing to their relatively unknown status.
4. Olo’upena Falls, United States (Hawaii) – 900 meters (2,953 feet)
Olo’upena Falls is located on the northeastern coast of Molokai, one of the Hawaiian Islands. The waterfall descends from a vertical cliff directly into the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the few waterfalls in the world to do so. Access to the falls is complicated due to the steep terrain and lack of trails.
5. Yumbilla Falls, Peru – 896 meters (2,940 feet)
Yumbilla Falls is located in the Amazonas Region of northern Peru. The waterfall was only recently discovered in 2007 due to its remote location in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. The falls consist of four separate drops, with the tallest being 896 meters (2,940 feet). The surrounding area is home to diverse flora and fauna.
6. Vinnufossen, Norway – 860 meters (2,822 feet)
Vinnufossen is the tallest waterfall in Europe in the Sunndal Municipality of Norway. The Vinnufjellet glacier feeds the waterfall and drops in several stages, with the longest single drop being 420 meters (1,378 feet). The falls are accessible via a hiking trail from the nearby village of Hoelsand.
7. Balåifossen, Norway – 850 meters (2,789 feet)
Balåifossen is located in the municipality of Ulvik in Hordaland county, Norway. The waterfall has a total drop of 850 meters (2,789 feet) and consists of several cascades. The falls are fed by the Balåi River, which originates from the nearby Hardangervidda plateau, the most extensive plateau in Europe.
8. Pu’uka’oku Falls, United States (Hawaii) – 840 meters (2,756 feet)
Pu’uka’oku Falls is located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. The waterfall drops 840 meters (2,756 feet) down the cliffs of the remote Kamakou Preserve. Access to the falls is highly restricted due to the fragile ecosystem and the need to protect the pristine wilderness area.
9. James Bruce Falls, Canada – 840 meters (2,756 feet)
James Bruce Falls, also known as the Princess Louisa Inlet Falls, is located in the Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. The waterfall drops 840 meters (2,756 feet) in several cascades from the surrounding mountains into the Princess Louisa Inlet, a fjord known for its pristine beauty and dramatic scenery.
10. Browne Falls, New Zealand – 836 meters (2,744 feet)
Browne Falls is located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. The waterfall drops 836 meters (2,744 feet) in several stages from the top of a hanging valley into Doubtful Sound, one of the park’s most spectacular fjords. The falls are named after William Browne, a member of the survey expedition that discovered them in 1949.
11. Strupenfossen, Norway – 820 meters (2,690 feet)
Strupenfossen is a waterfall located in the municipality of Stryn in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It has a total drop of 820 meters (2,690 feet) and several cascades. The falls are fed by the Strupen River, which originates from the nearby Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe.
12. Ramnefjellsfossen, Norway – 818 meters (2,684 feet)
Ramnefjellsfossen is a waterfall located in the municipality of Stryn in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The waterfall has a total drop of 818 meters (2,684 feet) and is fed by the meltwater from the Ramnefjellsbreen glacier. The falls have three central cascades, with the highest single drop around 600 meters (1,969 feet).
13. Waihilau Falls, United States (Hawaii) – 792 meters (2,600 feet)
Waihilau Falls is located in the Waimanu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. The waterfall drops 792 meters (2,600 feet) in several stages, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States. Access to the falls is complicated, requiring a multi-day hike through the rugged and remote Waimanu Valley.
14. Kjellfossen, Norway – 755 meters (2,477 feet)
Kjellfossen is a waterfall located in the municipality of Gudvangen in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The waterfall has a total drop of 755 meters (2,477 feet) and consists of several cascades. The falls are fed by the Kjellelvi River, which originates from the nearby Kjelfossen Glacier.
15. Mongefossen, Norway – 773 meters (2,536 feet)
Mongefossen is a waterfall in Rauma in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The waterfall has a total drop of 773 meters (2,536 feet) and is fed by the Mongeelva River, which originates from the Mongevatn Lake. The falls are readily accessible via a short hike from the nearby road and are a popular tourist attraction.
Final Note
The tallest waterfall in the world is an incredible natural wonder showcasing nature’s power and beauty. From Angel Falls in Venezuela to Yosemite Falls in the United States, each waterfall has its unique charm and story.
Visiting these tallest waterfall in the world can be a breathtaking experience, leaving you in awe of nature’s grandeur. They also remind us to preserve our environment for future generations to enjoy.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who appreciates the beauty of landscapes, these tallest waterfall in the world should be on your travel list. They offer a chance to connect with nature and marvel at its magnificence, making them unforgettable destinations for any traveler.
