Waterfalls have fascinated travellers for centuries with their breathtaking beauty and immense power. While some are celebrated for their size or water flow, others leave a lasting impression with their incredible height. Cascading from towering cliffs, rugged mountains and dramatic plateaus, these natural wonders are often found in remote locations that make them even more awe-inspiring. Here are some of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
1. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Standing at an astonishing 979 metres (3,212 feet), Angel Falls is the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall. Located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, it plunges dramatically from the summit of Auyán-tepui, one of the country’s iconic table-top mountains.
2. Tugela Falls, South Africa
Nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a total drop of about 411 metres (1,350 feet). Made up of a series of cascading falls, it tumbles down towering basalt cliffs and is surrounded by scenic hiking trails offering spectacular views.
3. Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru
Also known as the “Three Sisters Falls,” Tres Hermanas plunges around 914 metres (2,999 feet) through Peru’s lush cloud forests. Tucked away in a remote national park, it is one of the world’s tallest and most secluded waterfalls, making it a breathtaking hidden gem.
4. Oloʻupena Falls, United States
Oloʻupena Falls drops about 900 metres (2,953 feet) down one of the world’s tallest sea cliffs on Hawaii’s Molokai island. Its remote location makes it accessible mainly by air or boat, adding to its untouched beauty.
5. Yumbilla Falls, Peru
Towering at around 896 metres (2,940 feet), Yumbilla Falls is one of Peru’s tallest waterfalls. Flowing down multiple tiers amid lush greenery, it has become a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
6. Vinnufossen, Norway
Vinnufossen, Europe’s tallest waterfall, plunges about 860 metres (2,822 feet) down a steep mountainside in western Norway. Fed by the Vinnufonna Glacier, it is at its most spectacular during summer, when melting snow creates a powerful cascade.
7. Balåifossen, Norway
Balåifossen is another of Norway’s towering waterfalls, with a total drop of about 850 metres (2,789 feet). It is at its most powerful after heavy rain or during the spring snowmelt, when surging water rushes through its steep cliffside channels.
