Home Flights Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world. Angel Falls in South America Earth records highest waterfall

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Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world. Angel Falls in South America Earth records highest waterfall

What is the tallest waterfall in the world? The highest waterfalls in the world.
Top 10 highest waterfalls in the world:

Angel Falls or Kerepakupai Meru, Venezuela (Angel Falls, Venezuela) - 979 (1054) m.,
Tugela Falls, South Africa - 948 m.
Three Sisters Falls, Cataratas las Tres Hermanas, Peru - 914 m.
Olo'upena Falls, United States - 900 m.
Umbilla Falls, Peru - 895.4 m.
Vinnufossen Waterfall, Norway - 860 m.
Balaifossen Waterfall, Norway (Balaifossen, Norway) - 850 m.
Pu'uka'oku Falls, USA, Hawaii (Pu'uka'oku, United States) - 840 m.
James Bruce Falls, Canada - 840 m.
Browne Falls, New Zealand - 836 m.

Countries with the highest waterfalls in the world

If you select the highest waterfalls in the world (10 above 800 meters), then it is easy to count the countries that hold the record for the number of gigantic highest waterfalls on their territory. The leader is Norway, in which four tallest waterfalls in the world, all of which are above 800 meters: Vinnufossen (860 m), Balaifossen (850 m), Strupenfossen (820 m), Utigard (818 m). 2/3 of Norway's territory is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. In terms of the total height of the world's highest waterfalls, small Norway has surpassed one of the largest countries in the world, the USA. IN THE USA 4 tallest waterfalls in the world: Oloupena (900 m), Puukaoku (840 m), Waihilau (792 m), Colonial Creek (788 m). Geologically, the United States has been greatly helped by its distant state of Hawaii, which has three of the highest waterfalls in the United States on the slopes of volcanoes. In a small country, Peru is located two of the tallest waterfalls in the world: “Three Sisters” (914 m), Yumbilla (895.4 m).

Norway: 4 of the world's highest waterfalls, totaling 3348 meters.
USA: 4 highest waterfalls in the world, only 3320 meters.
Peru: The 2 highest waterfalls in the world, only 1810 meters.

The highest waterfall in the world - No. 1 Angel, Venezuela

What is the tallest waterfall in the world? The highest waterfall in the world - Kerepakupai-meru or Angel was discovered in 1933 in Venezuela by the American pilot James Angel. He flew in the tropical forests of Venezuela in search of either ore or diamonds. In 1937, James Angel wanted to land a plane on the Auyantepuy plateau (the peak of Mount Auyantepuy), where pieces of quartz sparkled, which from afar he mistook for the shine of diamonds. During landing, the plane was damaged, the landing gear burst and the pilot, his wife Marie and two companions spent 11 days going down. Their difficult journey made the world's largest waterfall famous.

Angel Falls ( Salto ?ngel in Spanish ) was named after him, which is how the name Angel is pronounced in Spanish ( Angel in English). In 1994, the world's tallest Angel Falls was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Canaima National Park, where it is located. Recently, under the pretext of fighting cosmopolitanism, the world's highest Angel Falls was renamed Kerepakupai-meru ( Kerepakupai-mer?). Kerepakupai-meru is one of its local Indian names. So in 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias took revenge on the Americans. Indeed, back in 1912, Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, who explored Venezuela, mentioned this waterfall, although he did not officially publish its discovery.

All of the world's tallest waterfalls are topped by Angel Falls, which is renowned for its beauty. The water of the world's largest waterfall begins its fall directly from the clouds, because its height is 979 meters (in 1949, today other data is 1054 m), that is, a kilometer. It is fed by the waters of the Carro River (a tributary of the Carroni River). Free-falling water flows from the largest mountain in Venezuela, Auyantepui (“Devil’s Mountain”). Because the mountainside is made of soft red sandstone, the river has cut it and the water falls from crevices 50 meters below the edge of Mount Auyantepui. And the water completes its fall into the Kerep River, breaking into a tiny fog that lasts for several kilometers around.

Is it worth seeing the world's tallest waterfall?

For those wondering whether to visit Angel Falls, all I can say is “the tallest waterfall in the world”! When you look at this miracle of nature, you understand how small a bug a person is in comparison with the power of gravity. Being near the majestic Venezuelan Angel Falls, you understand that your life, your descendants, will end, and the water of this waterfall will also rush down madly, regardless of the progress of mankind, war and destruction.

The world's highest Angel Falls is free to visit by tourists and is one of the main attractions of Venezuela. Angel Falls is located in a wild area and you first need to take a scheduled plane to get to it. You can enjoy the beauty of the world's largest Angel Falls from below, arriving along the river, using the services of numerous guides. And you can see the world's highest waterfall from a bird's eye view on a sightseeing helicopter. This sight literally takes your breath away, you won’t regret it!

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 2 Tugela Falls (South Africa)

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 2 Tugela Falls South Africa

The second highest waterfall in the world is the waterfall Tugela 914 meters high on the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains. Drakensberg translated from German means “dragon mountain”, it is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The waters that give strength to the waterfall are the purest and you can drink them. The total length of the Tugela River, which gives power to the world's second highest waterfall, is 512 km. Its source is just a few kilometers from the Tugela Falls. The cliff at the source of Tugela Falls in winter (our summer) is often covered with snow, and the waterfall itself can turn into ice. Unlike other tallest waterfalls in the world, Tugela Falls has five stages, which looks very unusual and attractive up close. The highest cascade is 411 meters high.

Second in height only to the world's largest Angel Falls, Tugela Falls looks beautiful at any time of the year and in any weather, even glistening in the sun. It is best to watch it after heavy rain, when the 15-meter stream becomes more noticeable and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. There are two main routes available to tourists. The first is shorter and takes 5 hours on foot: from the parking lot with a short climb to the top and further along two suspension bridges. The second route begins with a seven-kilometer climb up the gorge, then a suspension bridge will lead curious tourists to the foot of the world's second highest waterfall.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 3 Three Sisters Falls in Peru

The third highest of the "Top 10: The World's Tallest Waterfalls" is named "Three sisters" (Three Sisters Fall) due to its unusual construction. The third highest waterfall in the world, "Three Sisters" (in Spanish) Cataratas las Tres Hermanas) hid deep in the dense forests of a small country. The Ayacucho region in Peru can boast of its presence. The Three Sisters waterfall was hidden from civilization for a long time. World science has only recently been enriched with information about this highest waterfall in Peru. The photographers discovered it as a group when they were doing a photo shoot of another Peruvian waterfall - Catarata, which is located nearby and three times lower (267 meters high). The waterfall flow consists of three separate tiers, with a total height of 914 meters. Moreover, two of them (the upper ones) are visible only from the air, and the lower one, the third one, splashes out into a huge pool, hidden among 30-meter tall trees.

Tallest waterfalls in the world: No. 4 Olopena, Hawaii

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 4 Olopena Falls in the USA

Waterfall Olopena (Olo'upena Falls in English) is the tallest waterfall in the United States and the fourth tallest waterfall in the world. Olopena Volcano is located on the northern coast of Malokai Island ( Moloka'i). A 900 meter high waterfall flows down the almost vertical slope of Mount Haloku ( Haloku), although water usually flies freely from a height. Olopena waterfall was hidden from people for a long time, because... lies within an isolated volcanic island mountain range and is surrounded by high mountains. Even now, when Olopena Falls is widely known among tourists, it is more convenient to get to it by helicopter. Until now, the Olopena waterfall is inaccessible to hikers. Except by air, it can only be approached from the sea, where it directs its waters.

The best time for tourists to visit Olopena Falls is from November to March during the rainy season. One of the world's highest waterfalls, Oloupena is available for guided tours from boats, yachts and helicopters. Numerous tourists are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of water smoothly flowing into the sea along a vertical wall. And tourists in windy weather see another phenomenon: the waters of the Olopena waterfall literally fly up, lifted into the air by the pressure of the air flow. Just 500 meters away is the eighth highest waterfall in the world: Puukaoku Falls, which is only 60 meters lower. And even closer, 300 meters away: the Haloku waterfall, 700 meters high.

Fake photos of Olopena Falls.

World's Tallest Waterfalls: Wrong Photo of Olopena Falls, Actually Papalaua Falls!

Very often photographs are published on the Internet called Olopena Falls, showing a picturesque valley with streams of waterfalls surrounded on three sides by mountains. This photo is not from Olopena Falls, but rather from the picturesque Papalua Falls ( Papalaua Falls) with a height of only 500 meters. The real Oloupena waterfall pours down the outside of the mountain directly into the sea.

Tallest waterfalls in the world: No. 5 Umbilla, Peru

The second highest waterfall in Peru and the fifth highest in the world Yumbilla(Umbilla, in English Yumbilla, and in the language of the Quechua Indians Yumbillo). Umbilla Falls is located in the Selva region of Peru. The height of the waterfall is 870 meters. However, the Peruvian National Geographic Institute insists on the figure - 895.4 meters. The flow of water from one of the world's largest waterfalls begins from underground. Its source: the cave of San Francisco, the length of the studied part of which is about 250 meters.

This waterfall is a multi-level system with four major drops. True, many photographers were able to capture 5 cascades of Umbilla Falls. Yumbilla is being considered by the Peruvian government as one of the sites that will be included in a two-day excursion to the largest waterfalls in this country. While the excursions are accompanied by unofficial guides, they provide the pleasure of visiting the wild with fantastic views. Within a 7-mile radius of Umbilla Falls is another waterfall, Gocta, which is 771 meters high.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 6 Vinnufossen, Norway

The highest waterfall in Norway and Europe, Vinnufossen

The highest waterfall in Norway and Europe Vinnufossen is located on the Vinnu River, which determined its name (in Norwegian Vinnufossen means waterfall on the Vinnu River). The Vinnufossen waterfall is located near the village of Sunndalsøra (to the east of it). The total height of the highest waterfall in Europe is 860 meters. Vinnufossen waterfall has several levels. The source of water supply for the Vinnufossen waterfall is the Vinnufon glacier ( Vinnufonna). This glacier gives rise to the Vinnu River, which flows down Mount Vinnufielle ( Vinnufjellet) in the form of the Vinnufossen waterfall. It is interesting that in modern Norwegian there is no word Vinnu, which is included in the names of the glacier, mountain, river and waterfall. Linguists are inclined to believe that the word vinnu comes from the old Scandinavian word work. In modern Norwegian, work means arbeid.

The highest free fall of water from the largest waterfall in Norway and Europe, Vinnufossen, is 420 meters. Further on, the waters of the Vinny flow into the Driva River ( Driva). Tourists prefer the more famous and spectacular Mardalsfossen waterfall ( Mardalsfossen), which is 200 meters lower, but deeper. It is a classic waterfall flowing into a U-shaped valley to form Lake Eikesdalsvotn ( Eikesdalsvatn).

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 7 Balaifossen, Norway

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 7 Balifossen Falls

Norway's second highest waterfall Balaifossen (Balai Fossen, Balaifossen Falls) is located near the Osafjord fjord ( Osafjord or Osafjorden) in the municipality of Ulvik ( Ulvik) in Huralan county ( Hordaland). The Balaifossen waterfall is 850 meters high and consists of 3 cascades with the highest being 452 meters high. The source of water supply for the Balaifossen waterfall is the Bala stream, replenished with meltwater. At the edge of the valley, where the waters of the mountain waterfall Balaifossen descend, the town of Osa was founded. A normal stream of up to 6 meters wide in a warmer than usual year can turn into a sluggish trickle, exposing the rocky bed of one of the tallest waterfalls on the planet.

Balaifossen waterfall is not favored by tourists because of its low water flow, which can practically stop on the hottest days. During the warmer months, the narrow cascade of Norway's second-highest waterfall, Balaifossen, turns into an imperceptible trickle. The changing nature of Balaifossen waterfall is due to its weak source. The waterfall is filled with melting snow from the surrounding high mountains. Consequently, the appearance, flow rate and overall impression of the Balaifossen waterfall are not constant and change from season to season, from year to year. Visit this waterfall in July and you can spend your trip looking at the dry rock bed of the huge waterfall. The existence of one of Europe's highest waterfalls is alarmingly dependent on a warming climate. A systematic decrease in snow cover below the level necessary to replenish the waterfall by the autumn months can lead to its complete disappearance.

Tallest waterfalls in the world: No. 8 Puukaoku, USA

Waterfall Puukaoku (Pu'uka'oku) at 840 meters (2,756 feet) is not the tallest waterfall in the world, but is ranked among the ten tallest waterfalls in the world at number 8. Puukaoku Falls is a natural wonder on the volcanic Hawaiian island of Molokai ( Moloka'i). This island is interesting because it has 12 (!) waterfalls, two of which are in the Top 10: The highest waterfalls in the world. The tallest waterfall on the island of Molokai, Olopena is the first tallest in the United States and the fourth tallest in the world. The smallest waterfall is Haha on this small island, only 240 meters high. The water of Puukaoku Falls does not fall freely, but flows evenly along slopes located almost vertically. The waterfall is rarely photographed because the slopes around it are inaccessible to people. The densely growing thickets hinder climbers and do not adhere tightly enough to the loose volcanic soil to support the weight of a person and equipment.

The falls can be observed from the sea by taking advantage of boat excursions offered by numerous tour companies. You can get so close to the waterfall that you will be immersed in the fog from the water falling from this delightful natural monument. Helicopter excursions offer an even more impressive sight. During strong winds, the water of Puukaoku Falls does not reach the ocean, but rises up. This spectacle is missed by many tourists, who can only observe Puukaoku Falls from boats and helicopters. Traveling on them is too dangerous in this weather.

Tallest waterfalls in the world: No. 9 James Bruce, Canada

Tallest waterfalls in the world: Tallest in North America James Bruce, Canada

The tallest waterfall in Canada and North America is the Falls James Bruce (James Bruce Falls) 840 meters (2,755 ft) high. James Bruce Falls, number 9 in the world's top ten tallest waterfalls, is just one foot (31 centimeters) lower than Hawaii's Puukaoku Falls. The waterfall is named after the great traveler, the Scot James Bruce, who was the first to find the sources of the Blue Nile. James Bruce Falls is located in Canada. In British Columbia, James Bruce Falls is a top viewer in Princess Louise Marine Provincial Park. The small width of the waterfall (only 5 meters) is explained by the fact that, like all the highest waterfalls in the world, it is formed by melt water. The largest waterfall in North America is fed by snow on a high plateau clearly visible in the photo.

All the highest waterfalls in the world are very similar to each other. however, James Bruce differs from most of them in that he has not one, but two parallel origins. Due to the fact that one of them is created by a lower-lying and weaker glacier, its stream is weaker and dries up in the summer. James Bruce Falls is also distinguished by the fact that it constantly twists and turns its direction among rocky mountain faults. The source of water supply for James Bruce Falls is small in terms of the overall catchment area, but it is located at an altitude of almost two kilometers, so the total flow does not vary much, depending on seasonal changes.

James Bruce Falls is most suitable for tourists to visit in rainy winter or autumn; it looks the most full of water. It is difficult to see it entirely from the lower part, where tourists usually sail by boat. It is more convenient to view and photograph James Bruce Falls from the nearby hills. in addition, here in the Princess Louise Park, tourists can see more than a dozen lower waterfalls. Of course, even this cannot attract as many tourists as come to see Canada’s most famous waterfall on the Niagara River. Niagara Falls is visited by 25 million people annually.

Tallest waterfalls in the world: No. 10 Brown, New Zealand

New Zealand's tallest waterfall Brown (Browne Falls) was discovered on South Island by Victor Carlile Brown in 1940. The discovery of the tenth largest waterfall in the world occurred during aerial photography and immortalized the ordinary pilot. Today this waterfall is part of Fiordland National Park, located on the South Island, New Zealand. The source of Brown Falls is a small mountain lake (by the way, also discovered by Brown and named after him) in the southern part of the island. The waterfall itself is surrounded by a subtropical evergreen forest, consisting mainly of kauri trees 50 meters high and 6 meters wide. The width of the waterfall is 12 meters. It is not surprising that the spillway of this powerful waterfall reaches up to 14 cubic meters of water per second. But this is in those months when its filling with water is maximum. And the usual water flow is about 3 cubic meters per second. The waters of New Zealand's largest waterfall calm in the fjord of Arm Bay.

Brown Falls is the only one of the ten tallest waterfalls in the world that is formed by a mountain lake, and not by melting glaciers, snow or streams. This is what determines the largest overhang among tall waterfalls. The water falling from Brown Falls flies vertically 836 meters, and horizontally as much as 1130! The pressure of water from Brown Mountain Lake allows the water not to fall at an angle close to 90 degrees, but to fly forward at a forty-two degree angle. The features of the mountain range are such that Brown Falls is a single-cascade. The highest drop of Brown Falls is 244 m long.

Majestic waterfalls are one of the best proofs of the power and beauty of nature. The sight of millions of liters of water noisily falling from the edge of a cliff or cascading down the rocks is simply mesmerizing. However, in order to attract the attention of tourists, the waterfall must have some special features. For example, it must be the most powerful or highest waterfall in the world.

And if with the powerful one everything is simple - this is the Iguazu Falls (more precisely, it is a whole complex of 275 waterfalls), in which 1,700 cubic meters of water flow down from a height of 80 meters per second, then scientists cannot yet guarantee the absolute accuracy of measurements of the Earth's waterfalls. However, based on various scientific sources, it is still possible to answer the question of which waterfall is the tallest in the world.

10. Brown Falls, Fiordland, New Zealand

This waterfall, which is fed by the waters of Lake Brown, has become the subject of debate as to whether it is the tallest in New Zealand or not.

Based on a study of the NZMapped GPS topographic map (itself taken from Land Information New Zealand data), experts suggested that the height of the falls is 836 meters, although other sources estimate its height to be 619 meters. This may be due to the fact that Brown Falls flows downhill for the first 200 meters or so before making a steep cascade. And the lower part of the waterfall winds through dense vegetation, which hides its path from most casual onlookers.

9. James Bruce, British Columbia, Canada

This 5 meter wide waterfall appears to be a trickle when compared to other tall waterfalls. But the length of James Bruce is truly gigantic - 840 meters.

The waterfall is fed by icy water from the snowy plain, and most of it dries up by July. Therefore, if you want to admire a deep waterfall, it is better to go to it in winter or spring.

This waterfall is considered the highest in North America

8. Puukaoku, Hawaii, USA

Another of the record-breaking large waterfalls is located on a rock on the northeastern coast of the island. Its height is 840 meters.

Puukaoku formed a deep fissure in porous volcanic basalt rock. Because of this, it is not so easy to see it. Tourists can view the falls either from a boat or from a helicopter, with experienced guides who know exactly where to look for the falls. The howling wind and spray of water that turns into a "fog spray" gives viewers a magnificent view of a truly rare natural phenomenon.

7. Balaifossen, Hordaland, Norway

This is a so-called “seasonal” waterfall, depending on the melting of snow in the mountains of the region.

Consequently, its appearance and flow rate can vary greatly from season to season and from year to year. In warm weather, you can see how the waterfall “shrinks” from its normal width of 6.1 meters to a narrow stream. And although the waterfall currently stands as one of the highest in Europe (850 meters), its very existence could be uncertain if climate change reduces the snow cover in the region and it falls below the level required for the waterfall to exist.

6. Vinnufossen, Møre og Romsdal, Norway

This glacial waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Europe and one of the most spectacular. Its maximum height is a fantastic 860 meters.

As it falls, Vinnufossen breaks up into a series of intertwining streams, and their lace seems to embrace the surrounding trees. The combination of flowing water amidst lush greenery delights many tourists, and with a number of attractions close to the waterfall, such as the Troll Staircase and Rondane National Park, it becomes clear that Vinnufossen is always full of people.

5. Yumbilla Amazonas, Peru

Discovered in 2007, the waterfall is located in a remote area of the Amazon in the northern Peru region. Even though it is currently number five on our list, its height is still not completely clear.

The National Geographic Institute of Peru states that Yumbilla's height is 895.4 meters, but other sources say that this waterfall is slightly shorter, boasting only 870 meters. Be that as it may, it is still longer than Vinnufossen, which is in sixth place in our top 10 highest waterfalls.

Yumbilla is a level waterfall with four large tiers. Like many other waterfalls, the Peruvian giant is dependent on seasonal weather conditions. Its width increases during the rainy season and narrows during the dry months.

Not far from Yumbilla are the famous Gosta waterfalls (an impressive pair of cascades that fall from a height of 771 meters) and Chinata. The Peruvian Ministry of Tourism is doing its best to encourage the influx of tourists to these natural attractions. Surrounded by lush rainforest in remote mountains, one of the Earth's largest waterfalls awaits adventurous nature lovers (accompanied by a local guide, of course).

4. Olopena Molokai, Hawaii

Puukaoku's "neighbor" on the island is located on the isolated north-eastern shore and carries its waters from a height of 900 meters.

Olopena appears as a multi-level, ribbon-like thin stream flowing over one of the world's highest sea cliffs. Surrounded by huge mountains on both sides, this magnificent waterfall is so remote that there is no land trail to reach it. Like Puukaoku, it is only accessible by air or water. The best time to view Olopena Falls is during the rainy season (November to March).

3. Three sisters, Ayacucho, Peru

The beautiful 914-meter waterfall is named after the three different levels that interrupt its flow. Water from the upper two tiers flows into a large, natural water sump. The third level, almost impossible to see, emerges from the basin and flows into the Cutivireni River below.

The falls are surrounded by lush, humid tropical forests and can only be seen from the air. Although there are paths leading to the Three Sisters, the dense vegetation of the area makes it impossible to view the entire length of the falls from the ground.

2. Tugela, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The total height of the South African five-level Tugela Falls is 948 meters. It is the second largest waterfall in the world.

A narrow ribbon of waterfall cascades from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains. The Tugela at the top of the Amphitheater is much easier to get to than most of the world's tallest waterfalls. This is a well-known hiking route that runs through the Royal Natal National Park.

There are two trails leading to the falls, both of which offer impressive views. One of the routes starts from the Guardian car park in Uitsishoek and leads to the top of the mountain. However, due to the rarefied air, only physically strong people can master it.

The other path is flatter and shorter, and consists of a walk through Natal Park to a point where you can see the unstoppable stream of water cascading from the top of the Amphitheater.

1. Angel (aka Kerepakupai-meru), Canaima, Venezuela

This waterfall has stood the test of time and officially holds the title of “the tallest waterfall on Earth.” Its height is 979 meters, and the height of the free fall of water is 807 meters.

The water cascades from the “devil’s mountain,” Auyantepui, an isolated plateau on top of which rainfall collects. And, therefore, the appearance of this waterfall is a miracle and strangeness in itself.

If you want to take a look at this world wonder, keep in mind that clouds often obscure its peak and you'll need a little luck to enjoy a spectacle you'll never forget. You can only get to Angel by air or water. Tourists are sold complex tours, which include a flight from the cities of Caracas or Ciudad Bolivar to the village of Canaima, from which a visit to the national park begins. From there you will have to get to the waterfall by water, and this is also included in the tour.

How did the double name of the waterfall come about?

The waterfall owes its original name to the American pilot James Angel, who was looking for ore deposits from the air (although there is an assumption that the subject of the search was diamonds). It was he who attracted the attention of the general public to the giant waterfall, and since in Spanish the surname Angel is read as Angel, the natural wonder “promoted” by him was named that way.

The waterfall was renamed Kerepakupai-meru in 2009, on the initiative of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. This was a tribute to the policy of anti-imperialism. Since the waterfall had been in Venezuela long before Angel, Chavez decided that the country's national treasure should not bear the name of a foreigner.

Russia also has many waterfalls. The highest of them is Talnikovy. This five-stage, 600-meter waterfall is located in the Putorana Nature Reserve in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. However, tourists rarely see it, since there is no transport or hotel infrastructure near it.

The spectacle of falling water is one of the most enchanting natural phenomena. And the higher the waterfall, the more picturesque it usually looks. The question of which of the world's waterfalls is the highest is difficult to answer unambiguously, since the difference between them is just a few meters. Therefore, we bring to your attention the ten largest waterfalls on our planet.

10 tallest waterfalls in the world

An interesting fact is that Zeygalan in North Ossetia (about 600 m) is the highest waterfall in Russia. Now you know where the highest waterfalls in different parts of the world are.

Angel Falls - the highest in the world

This highest waterfall in the world is located in Venezuela, near the Guiana Plateau. He was named Angel after a pilot named James Angel (his last name is Angel, which means "angel" in Spanish). It was he who became the discoverer of the waterfall, and thanks to his surname Angel is sometimes called the Fall of Angels.

Angel was little known to many people for a long time, since it is located in a place that is very inconvenient for tourist travel. On one side, the highest waterfall in the world is adjacent to a wild, impenetrable jungle - a tropical jungle, and on the other - steep cliffs of a mountain range more than 2500 meters high. Pilot Angel made his discovery in 1935, and quite by accident. He was flying over the Carrao River, trying to find a deposit of gold ore, when the wheel of his monoplane broke just above the swampy jungle at the very top of the plateau. As a result, Angel had to make an emergency landing, and then walk down the mountain on foot for 11 long days. Upon returning, the pilot immediately reported his grand discovery to the National Geographic Society, and since then the tallest waterfall on the planet has been named after him.

A little earlier, in 1910, Sanchez la Cruz, a famous researcher, became interested in this natural phenomenon. However, due to an unfortunate coincidence, he was unable to announce this to the whole world, and the official opening of the waterfall belongs to Angel.

As for the height of the tallest waterfall in South America, it is almost a full kilometer, or more precisely, 979 meters. Falling from such a huge distance, the water stream partially turns into tiny water dust. Such fog can be seen several kilometers from Angel.

Tissestrengene is a waterfall in Norway. Located east of the village of Tissedal, municipality of Odda, province of Hordaland. The total height of the waterfall is 646 meters, and the highest height of free fall of water is 312 meters. After the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the waterfall, there is no water in the waterfall for most of the year.

9. Cuqueran, 674 m, Venezuela

Cuqueran Falls is the second highest waterfall in Venezuela, and the second highest free fall of water in the world. Water falls from the tepui (table mountain) of the same name.

8. Mardalsfossen, 705 m, Norway

Mardalsfossen (Norwegian Mardalsfossen) is a waterfall in Norway, in the area of the municipality of Nesset in the province of Møre og Romsdal. The total height of the waterfall is 705 meters. The waterfall has several levels, the highest height of free fall of water is 358 meters. The greatest width of the waterfall is 24 meters.

The name of the waterfall comes from the words Mardalen (name of the valley) and foss (waterfall). The word Mardalen, in turn, probably comes from the words dal ("valley") and Mara ("dig"). The waterfall is depicted on the coat of arms of Nesset.

After the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the waterfall, water moves through the hydraulic system for most of the year. It passes through the waterfall only from June 20 to August 20, during the tourist season.

Espelands waterfall, on the Opo River, is often placed in 8th place, citing a height of 703 m. However, the real height of this waterfall is only 75 meters)

7. Yosemite Falls, 739 m, USA

The tallest waterfall in North America and the seventh highest waterfall in the world is Yosemite Falls (739 meters). The waterfall is located in the USA, California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of the most beautiful corners of the earth.

The waterfall consists of three cascades. The height of the upper cascade is 435 meters. The falls are fed by streams flowing from glaciers into Yosemite Valley. Therefore, during dry seasons, the water flow in the waterfall is significantly reduced, and sometimes completely dries up.

6. Mutarazi, 762 m, Zimbabwe

Mutarazi ranks sixth on the list of the highest waterfalls. This is a two-cascade waterfall 15 meters wide and 762 meters high. The waterfall is located in the Honda Valley in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, on the river of the same name. According to legend, Princess Mutarazi saw a waterfall high in the mountains in a dream and ordered her subjects to find it. The waterfall was actually found and named after the princess.

Gokta is one of the highest waterfalls on Earth. It is located in the Peruvian province of Bongara, about 20 km north of Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazonas region. Its height is 771 m. The volume of water fluctuates greatly depending on the amount of precipitation that falls in its small, rocky basin, located at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 m above sea level. The waterfall got its name from the name of a nearby village. A few kilometers north is the Yumbilla Falls, almost 900m high, but only during the rainy season.

The waterfall was first noticed in 2002 by German Stefan Ziemendorff during an expedition in an impassable natural reserve. At the end of February 2006, Ziemendorff and a Peruvian research team returned to measure its height. In this case, the measurement error could be 13.5 m.

4. Mongefossen, 773 m, Norway

Mongefossen (Norwegian Mongefossen) is the fourth highest waterfall in the world, located on the Monge River (Norwegian Monge) in Norway. It is located in the municipality of Røuma in the county of Møre og Romsdal. The height is about 773 meters. Like many other tall waterfalls in Norway, it is used for hydroelectric power, resulting in a reduction in water flow.

3. Utigård (Ramnefjellsfossen), 818 m, Norway

Norway is considered the “land of waterfalls”; the highest waterfalls in Europe are concentrated here. The highest of the Norwegian waterfalls and the third highest in the world is Utigård, its fall height is more than 818 meters. The waterfall rushes down from the Rumnefillbrina glacier (the largest branch glacier in Europe).

2. Tugela, 948 m, South Africa

Tugela is the second highest waterfall in the world. It consists of five free-falling cascades, the largest of which is 411 meters.

The Tugela falls in a narrow ribbon from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu, Natal Province, South Africa.

Tugela Falls - the second highest waterfall

1. Angel, 1054 meters, Venezuela

Angel (in Pemon language - Kerepakupai vena, which means “Waterfall of the deepest place”) - total height 1054 meters, continuous fall height 807 meters. Named after pilot James Angel, who flew over the falls in 1933.

Angel Falls - the tallest waterfall in the world

The waterfall is located in the tropical forests of Venezuela, in the Canaima National Park. Water cascades from the top of Auyantepui, the largest of the Venezuelan tepuis - its name means “mountain of the devil” in Russian. The height of the fall is so great that before reaching the ground, the water is sprayed into tiny particles and turns into fog. Fog can be felt several kilometers away.

You can look at the flowing water endlessly. And if the water falls from a great height, then even more so. Fortunately, nature spoils us with such gorgeous views, scattering waterfalls here and there around the world. Any ledge in a river where water falls from a height of more than a meter can be called a waterfall or threshold. Both of them have always attracted many travelers. One of the most famous waterfalls in the world is Niagara Falls, although it is not that high at all, and there are many rapids wider than it. But even water falling from just 50 meters simply fascinates tourists. But less known are the more inaccessible high waterfalls, some of which were discovered relatively recently.

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1. Angel, Venezuela (979 m)

It is, undoubtedly, the highest waterfall on Earth, located in the distant Venezuelan tropics, where it falls from a fantastic height of 979 meters. When water falls from a dizzying height, it breaks into millions of small splashes, so clouds of dense fog always hang below. This waterfall was discovered by pilot James Angel, who was flying over the local jungle while doing geological exploration and accidentally noticed this waterfall. This was in 1933, and 4 years later Angel, his wife and several other people decided to go to the waterfall to explore its source in more detail. But the plane they were flying on had an accident, and he miraculously landed on this very peak. As a result, the travelers had to wade through the jungle for 11 days to get home. Returning, Angel revealed to the world the secret of the existence of the waterfall.
In 1994, the waterfall, along with the surrounding area of Canaima, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although the Venezuelan president decided to rename this waterfall in 2009, returning to it the name Kerepakupai-meru, used by local residents, such a complex name did not take root for the rest of the world, and it remained Angel Falls.

2. Tugela, South Africa (948 m)

Another waterfall, Tugela, is only slightly inferior in height to Angel Falls. It is located in South Africa and consists of five cascades that fall down. The highest cascade has a height of 411 meters, but in total all its steps add up to almost a kilometer. But this waterfall cannot be called very powerful - it is nowhere wider than 15 meters, and the per second flow of water in it does not exceed 400 cubic meters. It is fed by the Tugela River in Natal National Park, where it tumbles down from the Drakensberg Mountains.
This waterfall looks especially impressive during sunset or after a heavy rainfall. The rays of the setting sun make the streams of falling water sparkle. The river itself is very short - it begins just a few kilometers from the cliff. The water in it is so pure that it is quite suitable for drinking.
In winter, the waterfall often freezes, turning into pillars of ice and making the surrounding area look fabulous. Many tourists traveling around South Africa strive to get to the waterfall. Two paths about seven kilometers long lead to it. It will take about 8 hours to climb them to the waterfall and about the same time on the way back.

3. Three sisters, Peru (914 m)

In the Peruvian Andes there is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, called the Three Sisters. It consists of three cascades of powerful water flows. The waterfall is very narrow - only 14 meters. It is surrounded by lush green tropical jungle, some of which grow up to 30 meters tall. The surrounding area is so beautiful that it resembles paradise. This is the region of Ayacuccio, remote from civilization.
The world discovered the Three Sisters Waterfall relatively recently and, in general, by accident. A group of photographers went to shoot another waterfall - Katarata, which has a falling height of 267 meters, however, making their way through the jungle, they came across a much more spectacular miracle of nature.

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4. Olopena, USA (900m)

Even in the United States, the above-mentioned Niagara Falls is far from holding the record for height. There is a waterfall in this country that is much higher, but you shouldn’t look for it on the mainland of the country - you’ll have to fly to the Hawaiian Islands. Among them is the island of Molokai, where the Olopena waterfall is located. But not everyone expects to see such a grandiose waterfall on these remote islands, because it is very difficult to get to. Therefore, most of his photographs were taken using aerial photography.
The waterfall is surrounded on both sides by mountains of volcanic origin. The stream of the waterfall is quite weak, and as it falls it falls from ledge to ledge many times. She doesn’t even fall, but rather slides along an almost vertical rock, rushing into the waters of the ocean. The waterfall cut deep into the rock, which is why it could not be discovered or photographed for so long. The best view of it is from the ocean, so many local travel companies organize tours to it. True, you can only fly there in stable good weather.

5. Umbilla, Peru (895 m)

This is another high waterfall, relatively recently discovered in Peru. It is located in the Amazon basin, and regarding its height, there is still debate among scientists regarding its exact characteristics. Some data give 870 meters, while others give 895.4 meters. The waterfall consists of many cascades along four steep slopes. The Ministry of Tourism of Peru was very happy about the discovery of another beautiful waterfall in its country, after which it decided to organize a two-day tour of the most significant waterfalls in the country.
This waterfall boasts height, but not the power of the stream. Of the entire trajectory of its fall, only about 600 meters remain visible. It is impossible to get to the waterfall without a local guide, since there are no signs installed here. And its inaccessibility became the reason for the small number of available photographs.

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6. Vinnufossen, Norway (860 m)

Norway is home to the highest waterfall in Europe, Vinufossen, which is formed by the fall of the Vinnu River from the top of Vinnufjellet, which then flows into another river, Driva. Winnu is fed by meltwater from the Winnufon glacier, which melts from the sun's rays. It is curious that the root “vinnu”, which is present in the name of a mountain, glacier, river and waterfall, is no longer present in the current language of the Norwegians.
This is a cascading waterfall, its largest step is 420 meters. There are other attractions near Vinnufossen that are interesting for tourists. Also nearby (only 39 kilometers) is the Dovrefjell National Park.

7. Balaifossen, Norway (850 m)

There is another tall waterfall in Norway - Balaifossen. It becomes especially full-flowing towards the end of spring. The waterfall is 6 meters wide and is fed by the Bala stream, flowing from a mountain lake. This waterfall has three steps, after the last of which the water falls into the sea. The highest cascade reaches 452 meters. But it is not very interesting for tourists, since the volume of its spillway is quite small, and at some moments it even dries up. As soon as the warm summer begins, Balaifossen turns into a barely noticeable trickle, and all thanks to its low-water source.
Since the waterfall is completely dependent on melting snow, its power depends on the weather, time of year and characteristics of the season, and therefore is an extremely fickle thing. If you travel around Norway in July and plan to look at the Balaifossen waterfall, then when you get here you can see a stone and completely dry riverbed. The general warming of the world's climate has the most negative impact on this waterfall. The glacier above it is gradually decreasing in size, and is less and less able to provide water for the autumn replenishment of this waterfall, so after some time it may completely disappear.

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8. Puukaoku, USA (840 m)

On the small Hawaiian island of Molokai, there are two waterfalls that are among the ten highest in the world. It is at its fullest during the rainy season, which lasts here from November to March. And in this case, the water from the waterfall flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. By the way, it is best seen from the water. In many ways, this waterfall repeats its taller brother Olopen, since it also does not give the picture of a free fall of water, which slides along almost vertical rocks. Since the surrounding slopes are inaccessible to the average person, few people were able to photograph this waterfall.
There are many dense thickets growing along the slopes, which, on the one hand, hide the waterfall from view, and on the other, holding weakly in the loose volcanic soil, they are a very unreliable support, at least for a person loaded with additional equipment. But it’s quite easy to look at it from the sea - you just need to buy a ticket for a boat, which is provided specifically for this by various travel companies. By sea you can get so close to the place where the water falls that you will find yourself immersed in a cloud of fog that always surrounds this place.
An even more impressive picture opens up when you look at the waterfall from a helicopter. Sometimes, when a strong wind blows from the ocean, the gusts of water do not fall into the ocean, but are picked up by the wind. But tourists, as a rule, cannot see such a unique spectacle either from helicopters or boats, since such a trip becomes too dangerous in bad weather.

9. James Bruce, Canada (840 m)

This tallest waterfall in North America was named after the famous traveler, Scotsman James Bruce, who distinguished himself by reaching the source of the Blue Nile. Bruce Falls itself is located in British Columbia, in the Princess Louise Marine Park. It is not too wide - only 5 meters, and it is fed by two streams generated by mountain glaciers, one stream is constant, and the other dries up in the summer. Therefore, the largest spillway is observed at this waterfall in autumn or rainy winter.

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10. Brown, New Zealand (836 m)

Brown Falls is located on the South Island of New Zealand, within Fiordland National Park. With a width of 12 meters, it discharges 3 cubic meters of water every second, but when the water level in the lake that feeds it is at its maximum, the flow increases to 14 cubic meters. This is a very long waterfall, the water flows in it at an angle of 42 degrees, so it reaches its lowest point after covering 1130 meters horizontally from the start. We can say that this is one large cascade, where the maximum drop is 244 meters high.
Brown Falls is surrounded by typical New Zealand rainforest. It feeds on water from the alpine lake of the same name. At the end of its journey, the water enters the fjord, which is part of Arm Bay. The waterfall and lake were named after the aerial photographer Victor Brown, who first discovered them when he flew over local lands in 1940.

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