Waterfalls have always been an inspiring sight and these 12 tallest and largest waterfalls in the world are among the most inspiring of them all.
Waterfalls have always been impressive to humans. Similar to the 15 largest bodies of water in the world, people have gathered on their shores and considered them spiritual places. Waterfalls have a special place in many local legends and myths. When David Livingston first laid eyes on Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders in Tonga language) in 1855, he was in awe. He was so impressed with the sight that he named it Victoria Falls. Unfortunately for Queen Victoria, Zimbabwe government isn’t quite taken with the name and has started an initiative to rename the waterfall. Whatever you call it, this waterfall didn’t make it to our list, despite being among the largest waterfall in the world in terms of water flow, at its highest point it is only 355 feet (108 metres) high. Another awe-inspiring waterfall that lacks the height to be included on our list is Niagara Falls. With six million cubic feet (168,000 m3) of water roaring over its edge every minute, it is more than twice the size of Victoria Falls. It is also about twice as low, with 167 feet (51 metres) of maximum height.
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Some of the largest waterfalls aren’t visible anymore. They have been submerged when the rivers they are on were dammed. Guaíra Falls were last seen in 1982 when the lake created by Itaipu Dam was formed. Celilo Falls on Columbia River shared the same faith in 1957 when Dalles Dam was finished. Along with the waterfall, Celil Village, the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America vanished, ending 15,000 years of people living on the spot.
These 12 tallest and largest waterfalls in the world are probably safe from being submerged. Their height, measured in thousands of feet, make it impossible to build a dam and harness their power. That way at least some of them will survive so that future generations may be impressed with them as much as we are.
12. Ramnefjellsfossen
Height: 818 metres (2,684 ft)
Location: Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Located in Southern Norway, Ramnefjellsfossen is the first waterfall on our list. With the 818 metre drop, it provides impressive sight for tourists visiting the location.
11. Strupenfossen
Height: 820 metres (2,690 ft)
Location: Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Just a few miles from Ramnefjellsfossen is Strupenfossen. Both are located in Sogn og Fjordane country.
10. Browne Falls
Height: 836 metres (2,743 ft)
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Created by Lake Browne, Browne Falls plummets 2,743 feet into the Doubtful sound. One of many fiords in New Zealand.
9. James Bruce Falls
Height: 840 metres (2,756 ft)
Location: British Columbia, Canada
James Bruce Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. Snowfields high on Coast Mountain Range provide it with water. It spills into Princess Louisa Inlet.
8. Pu’uka’oku Falls
Height: 840 metres (2,756 ft)
Location: Molokai, Hawaii, United States
The first Hawaiian entry on the list, Pu’uka’oku Falls is 2,756 feet tall. It is located on Molokai island.
7. Balåifossen
Height: 850 metres (2,789 ft)
Location: Hordaland, Norway
The geography of Norway lends itself to the formation of waterfalls. Balåifossen is located in Hordaland country.
6. Vinnufossen
Height: 860 metres (2,822 ft)
Location: Møre og Romsdal, Norway
The highest waterfall in Europe is fed by glacier waters of Vinnufjellet mountain. It empties into Driva River.
5. Yumbilla Falls
Height: 896 metres (2,940 ft)
Location: Amazonas, Peru
The international public discovered Yumbilla Falls only in 2007. It is located near Cuispes, together with more than 20 other waterfalls.
4. Olo’upena Falls
Height: 900 metres (2,953 ft)
Location: Molokai, Hawaii , United States
The tallest waterfall in Pacific region and number 4 on our list of 12 tallest and largest waterfalls in the world is Olo’upena Falls on Molokai.
3. Three Sisters Falls
Height: 914 metres (2,999 ft),
Location: Junin, Peru
Almost reaching 3,000 feet, Three Sisters Falls is the second tallest waterfall in South America.
2. Tugela Falls
Height: 948 metres (3,110 ft)
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tugela Falls is the tallest waterfall in Africa. It is located on Tugela River and consists of five drops. Both river and waterfall are seasonal in nature.
1. Angel Falls
Height: 979 metres (3,212 ft)
Location: Canaima National Park, Bolívar, Venezuela
Although some controversy remains about the exact height of Angel Falls, it is still considered the tallest and largest waterfall in the world.
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