Which river has the highest waterfall. World of waterfalls: the highest, most powerful and beautiful falling rivers. Vinnufossen, Møre og Romsdal, Norway

It may not be as picturesque as Iguazu, Niagara or Victoria Falls, but it is definitely the highest waterfall in the world.

Angel's water flow travels almost a kilometer before reaching the ground. Angel Falls is twenty times higher than the famous and popular Niagara Falls.

Higher and higher

Angel Falls (also called Salto Angel) is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the world. Its height is, according to various estimates, 978 meters or 1054 meters. And the level of continuous water fall is 807 meters. This miracle of nature is located in the tropical forests of Venezuela, more precisely in the Canaima National Park.

Almost a kilometer is such a great fall that before it touches the ground, the water stream crumbles into many tiny particles. It turns out that at the surface of the earth the waterfall looks like fog. After the overthrow, the water ends up in a river called Kerep.

Don't pass, don't pass

Getting to Angel Falls is quite difficult, since the Venezuelan landmark is located in a dense tropical forest. And there are no roads there. The most desperate ones can make their way to the waterfall by air or by river. However, enterprising travel companies have already laid out a route to Angel. They sell tours to the waterfall in packages. This includes a flight from Ciudad Bolivar or Caracas to Canaima, then a journey by water. Tourists are offered food and various things needed for a trip to the waterfall.

Angel Falls falls from a huge flat mountain, called tepui by the aborigines. Mount Auyan Tepuy (which translated into Russian means “Devil’s Mountain”) is one of hundreds like it, which are located in the Guiana Highlands, in the southeast of Venezuela. These giants are distinguished by their massive heights, they seem to soar into the sky, end with flat tops and have completely vertical slopes. Tepuys are also called “table mountains”, this accurately describes their shape. The mountains were formed billions of years ago from sandstone. However, the vertical slopes are constantly destroyed under the influence of heavy rains, which are regular in the Guiana Highlands.

Unsuccessful search for gold

Since time immemorial, the natives of Venezuela have known about Salto Angel. The waterfall was first discovered in 1910. The discoverer was a Spanish explorer named Sanchez La Cruz. However, the world did not learn about the waterfall until it was officially discovered by American pilot and gold miner James Crawford Angel. The waterfall was named after him.

Angel Falls

In 1937, James Angel flew over Venezuela in search of ore deposits and landed on one of the tops of a lonely mountain. Locals say he was looking for diamonds. This can be explained by the fact that the aborigines in Angel's time constantly talked about stones that, according to descriptions, were very similar to diamonds. In fact, the area where Angel Falls falls is rich in quartz. On November 16, 1933, from the window of the Flamingo monoplane, James Angel first noticed a tepui that attracted his attention. A few years later, he returned there, but his plane got stuck in the swampy jungle on the mountain, and the landing gear of the aircraft burst. The man and his three companions (including the pilot's wife Marie) noticed an impressive waterfall that stretched down thousands of feet. The gaze fell on the water mass when the company had to walk down the mountain. The man and his colleagues were not very lucky with the 11-mile road back to civilization, so his plane remained lying on the top of the mountain, remaining a kind of rusting monument in honor of the discovery of the waterfall. A little later, the world learned about Angel, then news about the adventures of ore seekers spread across the planet. The waterfall got its name from the pilot who discovered it. In Spanish, the name Angel is pronounced Angel, hence the name. It is worth noting that the waterfall has nothing in common with angels.

Great Falls

Jimmy Angel's plane spent 33 long years in the jungle before being lifted into the air by helicopter. The aircraft is now located in Maracay at the Aviation Museum.

After the discovery, the study of the waterfall began. It was officially measured only in 1949. Then the height was determined by a special expedition of the National Geographic Society. Since then, Angel has become a major tourist attraction in Venezuela.

In the local mountains, waterfalls are fed by rain. In the dry season, Angel looks like a thin stream of water, but in the rainy season it is a full-fledged waterfall.

At the end of 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, on his weekly show, in the wake of anti-imperialism, decided to rename Angel Kerepakupai-meru. Initially, another name was proposed - Churun-meru, but the President’s daughter noticed that this is the name for one of the smallest waterfalls in this area. Hugo Chavez explained the decision to name the waterfall after the area by the fact that the waterfall was owned by Venezuela long before James Angel landed on the top of the mountain. Therefore, the water cascade should not bear his name. However, this does not mean at all that the waterfall will also be renamed on world maps.

Tugela

Tugela Falls, the second highest in the world, is located in South Africa, in the KwaZulu Natal region. This giant has a slightly lower height than Angel - 948 meters. It consists of 5 separate tiers, and the highest of them is 411 meters. The Tugela waterfall is a rather thin waterfall, its width is only 15 meters and the average volume of water released is 50 cubic meters per second.

The waterfall is quite easy to get to. A car will take you to the top, namely the top of the mountain, in five hours. But to get to the lower tier you have to travel 5 miles along the Royal National Park. By the way, no matter where in South Africa a tourist stops, there is information everywhere on how to get to the Tugela Falls.

Another largest waterfall in the world is located in Peru. The three sisters are also known as Ayacucho. The waterfall is quite far from human eyes. And the first to be found were the Three Sisters, photographers who went to this area to take pictures of another beautiful Peruvian waterfall, Catarata. Its height is 267 meters.

The waterfall is called Three Sisters, as it consists of three tiers. The top two can be seen from the air; from them, water flows into the pool, which became the third tier. Almost the entire waterfall is surrounded by forest, where trees have grown up to 30 meters. The waterfall itself has a height of 914 meters.
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Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world and the main attraction of Venezuela.
It is located on the territory. The attraction of this park is the huge tepuis (table mountains) - high mountains with vertical steep edges and a wide flat top. From one of the largest tepui, bearing the name Auyantepui (translated as Devil's Mountain), the highest waterfall in the world falls from a height of 979 meters into the valley of the tropical jungle. Angel Falls.

Angel Falls in South America

The second highest waterfall in the world is South African - 948 meters. In comparison, one of the most famous and popular waterfalls located in South Africa, Victoria Falls is only 107 meters high.

Angel Falls is the Kerepakupai River falling down from almost a kilometer in height, which is fed by the waters of tropical rains at the top of the Auyantepui plateau. Viewed from below, Angel appears to tumble over the edge of the tepui, but a closer look reveals how the Querepakupai River has carved the edge of a high-altitude plateau consisting mostly of layers of light red sandstone. Thus, Angel's free fall begins 50-100 meters below from many ragged crevices on the edge of a high-mountain plateau. During its fall, a huge stream of water dissipates in the air into thousands of small raindrops, and only a small part of the waterfall reaches the base of the mountain, where a small lake is formed, which then merges with the Churun River.

Who discovered Angel Falls

The man who discovered Angel Falls, is considered to be the American James Crawford Angel. The waterfall was named after him. In the thirties of the last century, James searched for diamonds and gold ore, flying around remote areas of Venezuela in his plane. He first saw it in 1933. In 1937, James, along with his wife and three other associates, decided to return to Venezuela and explore the waterfall in detail. While attempting to land the plane on top, the plane's wheels became stuck in soft soil, causing it to tilt and be severely damaged. James and his companions had to return on foot. Surprisingly, after eleven days of making their way through the jungle, they were able to reach the nearest settlement. The story of his journey spread very quickly around the world.

Interestingly, Angel Falls was discovered in 1910 by explorer Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, but he was unable (or unwilling) to attract public attention to his discovery.

In 1994, Canaima National Park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And together with the Venezuelan reserve, its main treasure - the highest waterfall in the world - is considered to be the natural heritage of humanity. Angel Falls. By the way, since December 20, 2009 in Venezuela, the waterfall has been called by its historical name Kerepakupai meru, derived from the name of the Kerepakupai river. This was the decision of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who considered that it was inappropriate for a Venezuelan waterfall to be named after an American pilot.

Angel Falls: how to get there

You can go on a trip to the base of Angel Falls from almost any city in Venezuela. There should be no problems with obtaining information, since Kanaima National Park and Angel Falls These are the main attractions of the country. Alternatively, stay at hotels in Caracas, Ciudad Bolivar or, for example, in Puerto Ordaz, from where you can fly to the small village of Canaima, located at the entrance to the National Park of the same name.

The waterfall is located in a remote, wild area among the tropical jungle. It can only be reached by motor boat or helicopter. The benefit of traveling by boat is that you can get to know the nature and wildlife of the park better, although this route, starting from the picturesque Canaima Lagoon, is quite difficult and takes several hours. The final stop on the way to the waterfall along the river will be a viewing point called Mirador Laime. It was named after the Latvian explorer Alexander Laime, who was the first to travel to the foot of the waterfall along the Churun River. In this place, the highest waterfall in the world will appear before you in all its unique beauty. You will not forget the spectacle that you will see here for the rest of your life.

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 returned with a Peruvian research team 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.

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 Oloupena Falls, It's 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 Olopena 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 the 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.

You won't believe how tall the world's tallest waterfalls are. Whether out of curiosity or scientific meticulousness, people have always sought to measure the height of the world's waterfalls, but it has been difficult to compare the resulting measurements. This is because there is no standard or consensus on how to measure overall height, and furthermore, some of the tallest waterfalls are extremely difficult to access. Therefore, the data obtained are usually approximate.

Using some of the known data regarding the height of waterfalls, we have compiled a list of the tallest waterfalls in the world. From Yosemite Falls in California to the famous Angel Falls in Venezuela, here are the 25 tallest waterfalls in the world.

25. Avalanche Basin Falls, Montana, USA - 707 m

Located in Glacier National Park in Montana, Avalanche Basin Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the continental United States. It is fed by the northernmost part of the Sperry Glacier, dozens of mountain lakes and streams formed as a result of snowmelt.

24. Kjeragfossen, Norway - 715 m

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

Located in a very picturesque natural area in the municipality of Forsand in Rogaland County, Norway, Kjeragfossen is a free-fall waterfall that is usually active for about 5 months of the year.

23. Manawainui Falls, Hawaii, USA - 719 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Manawainui Falls, located in the stunning Manawainui Valley on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is one of the most impressive and tallest waterfalls in both the state and the world.

22. Olmaafossen, Norway - 720 m

Photo: Shutterstock

One of many on the list of Norwegian waterfalls, Olmaafossen is located in Raumadalen in the municipality of Rauma in Western Norway. The waterfall is fed by small lakes and glaciers, but its power varies greatly depending on the season.

21. Cascade Falls de Trou de Fer, Reunion, France - 725 m

Photo: Public Domain

Located in the Trou de Fer Canyon on Reunion Island, which lies off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the Cascade Falls de Trou de Fer are the highest and most spectacular on this French island.

20. Yosemite Falls, California, USA - 739 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Falling a total of 739 m, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park and one of the tallest in the United States. This is the main attraction of the park, especially in late spring when the water flows from the top of the mountain.

19. Johannesburg Falls, Washington, USA - 751 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Located near the Cascade Pass in North Cascades National Park in Washington, Johannesburg Falls is a massive, impressive waterfall fed by small streams that flow from glaciers on Mount Johannesburg. .

18. Kjellfossen, Norway - 755 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Located near the village of Gudvangen in Sogn og Fjordane County, Western Norway, Kjellfossen is listed as the 18th highest in the world. However, the height of the falls has never been measured accurately, so it may be higher. Some sources indicate that the height of the waterfall is 840 m.

17. Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe - 762 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

The second largest in Africa, Mutarazi Falls is located in Nyanga National Park in Zimbabwe. The summer season, characterized by heavy rainfall, is the best time to visit this place as the water flow reaches its maximum during this time.

16. Gokta Falls, Peru – 771 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Gocta Catarats Falls is a year-round waterfall with two levels located in the Peruvian province of Chachapoyas in Amazonas. Although the waterfall has been well known to locals for centuries, the world did not know of its existence until 2005, when an expedition organized by German Stefan Ziemendorff and a group of Peruvian researchers took place.

15. Mongefossen, Norway - 773 m

Photo: Public Domain

Mongefossen, located in Rauma Municipality in Norway, is the tallest waterfall in the world that can be seen from the train station. There is some disagreement regarding the height of the waterfall, but it is usually given as 773 m.

14. Colonial Creek Falls, Washington, USA - 788 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Located in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, Colonial Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental United States. The water stream falls from a total height of more than 1300 m from 13 separate levels with an average slope of 65 degrees.

13. Waihilau Falls, Hawaii, USA – 792 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Fed by the Waihilau River, Waihilau Falls are found in Hawaii's picturesque Waimanu Valley, which, like many other major valleys in the Hawaiian Islands, is covered in lush green vegetation.

12. Ramnefjellsfossen, Norway - 818 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Located on Mount Ramnefjellet in the municipality of Stryn in Sogn og Fjordane County, Norway, Ramnefjellsfossen is an 818 meter waterfall fed by the Ramnefjellbreen Glacier. You can get to it by boat, plane, or road, and there is a campsite within walking distance of the waterfall.

11. Strupenfossen, Norway - 820 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Fed by a huge glacier called Myklebustbreen, Strupenfossen is another famous Norwegian waterfall. It is not very powerful, but is unique in its shape. Summer is the best time to see it because at this time the water from the melting ice on the glacier reaches its maximum.

10. Brown Falls, New Zealand - 836 m

Photo: Public Domain

New Zealand is famous for its stunningly beautiful waterfalls, but only one of them made the list. Browne Falls is located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand, surrounded by stunning scenery with many species of plants and birds.

9. James Bruce Falls, Canada - 840 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

James Bruce Falls, located in Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, is the tallest of several dozen waterfalls that cascade over rocks into Princess Louisa Bay. The falls are fed by a small remaining glacier located at an altitude of 1,524 m above sea level.

8. Pukauku Falls, Hawaii, USA - 840 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Puukaoku Falls formed on some of the highest cliffs in the world (Haloku Cliffs), which are located in the northeastern part of the island of Molokai. The waterfall of the waterfall is very thin and pressed deep into the rock, so it is rarely seen and photographed.

7. Balaifossen, Norway - 850 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Balaifossen is one of the highest waterfalls in Norway and is located in the municipality of Ulvik in the southern part of the country. It is fed by the Balai River, which flows down 850 m and ends at Osafjorden, a huge fjord.

6. Vinnufossen, Norway - 860 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Located east of the village of Sunndalsora in the municipality of Sunndal in More og Romsdal County, Norway, Vinnufossen is the tallest waterfall in Europe and the sixth tallest in the world. It is part of the Vinnu River, which flows from Mount Vinnufjellet and is fed by the Vinnufonna Glacier.

5. Umbllilla Falls, Peru - 896 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Hidden deep in the lush rainforest of Peru's northern Amazonas region, Yumbilla Falls is an impressive 896 m high. It became known to the international community in 2007 when it was published in local and then international print media. report by researchers from Peru's National Geographic Institute.

4. Olopena Falls, Hawaii, USA - 900 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Oloupena Falls is a waterfall located in the northeastern part of the Hawaiian island of Molokai, and due to its stunning height of 900 m, it is considered the fourth highest waterfall in the world. It was formed by a fast, short seasonal flow, and falls from the edge of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.

3. Tres Hermanos Falls, Peru - 914 m

Photo: Shutterstock

Located in the protected Parque Nacional Otishi National Forest in Peru, Tres Hermanas Falls (translated as "Fall of the Three Sisters") is the third tallest waterfall in the world. It stands at an astounding 914m tall and is named after the three distinct parts it is made up of.

2. Tugela Falls, South Africa - 948 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Tugela Falls are a set of seasonal waterfalls located in the Royal Natal National Park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is considered to be the second highest waterfall, but in fact, it, and not Angel Falls, may be the highest waterfall in the world. The total height of its 5 spans is 948 m, but a Czech scientific expedition recently carried out new measurements, resulting in 983 m.

1. Angel Falls, Venezuela - 979 m

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Situated on the edge of Auyantepui Mountain in Canaima National Park in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivar State, Venezuela, Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world, with a staggering height of 979 m and a free fall height of 807 m. Although the waterfall is located in an isolated jungle and is difficult to access, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

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