9 of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls Around the World

Victoria Falls may just be the planet’s most epic waterfall—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. Flowing along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the mighty Zambezi River plunges 354 feet (107 meters), and creates a permanent mist cloud that's visible from miles away, earning its local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “smoke that thunders.”

During peak flow season, the roar of the falls can be heard for 25 miles (40 kilometers), making this one of the best waterfalls to visit globally to witness nature's raw power.

Insider tip: Beyond gawking, Victoria Falls tour options include helicopter rides, abseiling, and dinner cruises.

Iguazu Falls is one of the largest and most gorgeous waterfalls worldwide, extending for nearly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) across the border between Argentina and Brazil. Technically, it’s 275 different falls, all spilling and cascading together, and the crown jewel of them all is Devil's Throat: a U-shaped chasm where water crashes down 269 feet (81 meters) with unbelievable force.

The Brazil side boasts the most spectacular views, but the Argentine side claims the mightiest falls, including Devil’s Throat. If you can, take in the views from both sides, or hop on a boat tour to get a closer look.

Multnomah Falls cascades 620 feet (188 meters) in two dramatic tiers; it’s Oregon's most famed waterfall and one of the most brilliant in North America. Spewing thunder just 30 minutes east of Portland along the Columbia River Gorge, this natural wonder draws millions of annual visitors, so many that you’ll need a timed reservation from May to September.

Once you’ve nabbed parking, wander the paved trail to the viewing bridge for a seriously misty look at this tumbling parade. Alternatively, book a guided hike, which handles all the travel logistics for you, to see this natural wonder.

Straddling the border between the US and Canada, Niagara Falls is technically three waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—that collectively move more than 3,000 tons of water per second. Horseshoe Falls is the largest section, creating a display so thunderous that ponchos are essential wear for all visitors.

As one of the most accessible must-visit waterfalls, you can experience Niagara via boat tours, observation decks, and even behind-the-falls experiences that get visitors as soaked as they are stoked.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Niagara Falls

Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park wouldn’t look out of place in The Lord of the Rings. A series of waterfalls cascades quite literally out of the forest, connecting 16 terraced lakes through limestone terrain. Wooden walkways allow you to easily traverse this natural wonderland, while its ever-changing water levels and seasonal variations ensure that no two visits are exactly alike.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds, or skip the crowds by joining a kayaking tour.

Did you know?: The water's remarkable turquoise color is the result of mineral deposits and microscopic organisms.

Gullfoss—aka Golden Falls—has become one of the most famous waterfalls worldwide, largely thanks to its location along Iceland's famous Golden Circle route. Of course, it’s also full of epic beauty: The Hvita River plunges 105 feet (32 meters) into a narrow canyon across a spectacular 2-tiered cascade. It’ll probably be packed with tourist buses when you visit, but it’s worth it.

Insider tip: To avoid the crowds, visit in winter, or go with a private tour and time your visit before (or between) buses.

Yosemite Falls drops a total of 2,425 feet (739 meters), making it the tallest waterfall in North America and one of the centerpieces of California's Yosemite National Park. The falls are fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating peak flows in late spring and early summer; it’s often nearly non-existent by fall, so time your visit accordingly if you want to see some thunder: The best viewing months are typically April–June.

Insider tip: Hiking trails abound at the base and up its flanks, so pack those walking shoes and join a guided hike to see the highlights.

Norway’s Voringsfossen cascades a whopping 597 feet (181 meters) down into the Mabodalen Valley, creating one of the country’s most photographed (and most visited) natural landmarks. The waterfall's dramatic free-fall drop and the surrounding canyon walls make it a seriously arresting scene—a prime example of Norwegian fjord-country beauty.

It’s accessible via the scenic Hardangervidda plateau route—many tours of the area begin at either Bergen or Oslo, making it a great day-trip destination—and you can pull off for overlooks near the Fossli Hotel, then cross a pedestrian bridge over the thunderous cascade.

Kaieteur Falls plunges 741 feet (225 meters) in a single dramatic drop—it’s one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls by volume in the world. Located deep in Guyana's pristine rainforest, this remote cascade remains one of the most hidden waterfalls around the world, accessible only by small aircraft from Georgetown or epic, multi-day jungle treks.

If you’re lucky enough to make it there, pay attention to the rainforest—it harbors unique species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the golden frog, a creature that lives exclusively in the waterfall’s mist.