They are some of the most awe-inspiring sights across the globe, hidden in different pockets across all continents. Here are the top ten highest waterfalls in the world, ranked.
From the United States to northern Europe, and from the very south of Africa to South America, some of the world’s highest waterfalls are truly a sight to behold.
Some on our list easily break 900 metres (3,000 feet), while others peak just below the 900 mark. But each waterfall on this list is big enough, wild enough, and unique enough to leave you in awe as you look.
Here is our list of the highest waterfalls in the world, ranked.
10. Pu’uka’oka Falls (Hawaii, USA) – boasting a powerful flow
Kicking off our list is Pu’uka’oka Falls, the first of two entries from Hawaii. It cascades from a staggering height of 840 metres (2,756 feet).
Despite its height, this waterfall boasts a powerful flow, being fed by several mountain rivers. If Hawaii is on your list, head here – it is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Kauai.
Address: Kaunakakai, HI 96748, United States
9. Mattenbachfall (Switzerland) – making Switzerland great
Europe certainly dominates the first half of our list. Mattenbachfall is the first of four consecutive entries, thanks to a height of 840 metres (2,756 feet).
This thin, linear waterfall pierces the sturdy walls that it clashes with. Switzerland is a beautiful nation, and this is one key reason why.
Address: Mattenbach, 3824 Stechelberg, Switzerland
8. Balaifossen (Norway) – one of the highest waterfalls in the world
The first of three entries for Norway is Balaifossen. Measuring 850 metres (2,789 feet), it is slightly taller than the first two on our list of the highest waterfalls in the world.
Due to its small feed of water that relies on melting snow, it is not a heavy flow. But if you avoid the late summer months, you are likely to witness its beauty.
Address: 5730 Ulvik, Norway
7. Vinnufossen (Norway) – known as Vinnu to the locals
At 860 metres (2,822 feet), we move slightly higher again with Norway’s second successive entry. Known as ‘Vinnu’ to the locals, it is visible from far and wide and is fed by melted ice from a small glacier.
Address: 6600 Sunndalsøra, Norway
6. Skorga (Norway) – Europe’s highest entry
The last of the Norwegian inclusions on our list of the highest waterfalls in the world is Skorga, which comes in at 875 metres (2,871 feet) high.
Like the previous entry, it crashes along the Sunndalen and is fed from the same melted glacier.
Address: 6612 Grøa, Norway
5. Yumbilla Falls (Peru) – falling from the mountains in the jungle
Kicking off our top five on the list of the highest waterfalls in the world is Yumbilla Falls, located in Peru, South America.
This stunning waterfall splits through a jungle forest, falling from mountains next to the town of Chachapoyas. It stands at 896 metres (2,940 feet).
Address: 33HW+XF6, Cuispes 01140, Peru
4. Olo’upena Falls (Hawaii, USA) – the highest in the US
Taking the prize for the highest in the United States is Olo’upena Falls, the second entry on this list from the beautiful state of Hawaii.
It is the first on this list to hit 900 metres (2,953 feet) in height. It is the tallest in a group of four in the same area, with narrow waterfalls keeping it company on either side.
Address: Hawaii 96748, United States
3. Tres Hermanas Falls (Peru) – the three sisters
Translating into ‘Thress Sisters Falls’, this beautiful waterfall reaches 914 metres (2,999 feet). It is located in the Peruvian region of Junín.
Peru is a nation with a vast ancient history, coupled with an unrivalled landscape buttressed by such extraordinary waterfalls as this.
Address: 12330, Peru
2. Angel Falls (Venezuela) – the highest waterfall in South America
Taking the penultimate spot on the list is the aptly named Angel Falls, located in the Auyán-tepui mountain range in Venezuela, South America.
It is located in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfalls. It is 979 metres (3,212 feet) tall.
Address: 8011, Bolívar, Venezuela
1. Tugela Falls (South Africa) – not for the faint-hearted
Tugela Falls stands at an outrageous height of 983 metres (3,225 feet), putting it at the top of our list of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
It boasts an uninterrupted leap of 411 metres (1,350 feet) and is found at the Tugela River. Its cliff-edge height is not for the faint-hearted but is a sight to behold.
Address: Royal Natal National Park, Giants Castle Game Reserve, South Africa
