Gullfoss, Iceland

Gullfoss is a tiered waterfall, with a total height of 105 feet (32m). Born from the Hvita River, the crevice is hidden from sight at close range, making it appear as though the river simply vanishes into the earth. There’s a famous story about a girl who walked barefoot from Reykjavic to Gullfoss in order to protest the use of the falls for the purpose of generating hydroelectric energy. She is said to have kept the falls safe from inference, and as such, a statue has been erected in her honor near the falls.

Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia

The Plitvice Waterfalls are a collection of tiered lakes and waterfalls, stretching throughout Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Considered to be one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Covering an area of 296 sq km, it is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe, having been founded in 1949. Over 1.2 million visits are recorded each year, making the park one of Croatia's largest tourist attractions.

Yosemite Falls, USA

Yosemite Falls is a three-tiered, 2425 ft waterfall, situated in Yosemite National Park, California. If the three tiers are considered as a whole, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the fifth highest in the world. The three tiers include the Upper Fall (1430ft), middle cascades (675ft) and the lower fall (320ft). The waterfall is fed almost entirely by snowmelt, which can lead to the water becoming little more than a trickle, or even stopping, at certain times in the year.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls is a high volume, plunge waterfall situated in Guyana within Kaieteur National Park. At a height of 741ft (226m), has the ‘largest single drop’ for a waterfall, in the world. It is five times higher than Niagara Falls, and twice as tall as Victoria Falls. In the Amerindian language, Kaieteur means ‘old-man-fall’, reportedly due to an old man who was pushed over the falls on a boat by his relatives.

Huangguoshu Falls, China

Huangguoshu Waterfall, situated in the province of Anshun, is one of the largest waterfalls in China, at 255ft (77.8m) high. It’s name, ‘Huangguoshu’, literally translates to ‘yellow fruit tree’. Known as the Huangguoshu Waterfall National Park, Chinas Tourism board have classified the park at the highest possible level.

Dettifoss, Iceland

Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, falls 148 ft (45m) into Iceland’s largest canyon, the Jokulsargljufur Canyon. Situated on the Jokulsa a Fjollum river, which flows from the Vatnajokull glacier, Dettifoss lies within the Vatnajokull National Park. In terms of volume discharge, it is the largest waterfall in Europe. The famous composer, Jon Leifs, wrote his work 'Dettifoss' after being inspired by the waterfal1.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, has a total recorded height of 3212ft (979m). It’s longest drop falls a total of 2648ft (807m) down the side of the Auyantepui Mountain. The name, ‘Angel Falls’, is taken from Jimmie Angel, an aviator who flew over the mountain in 1933. The falls are also known as Kerepakupai Vená, in the Pemon language, which means ‘waterfall of the deepest place’. Angel Falls is part of the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, designated in 1994.

Niagara Falls, USA & Canada

Niagara Falls is situated on the US and Canadian border, separating New York State from the province of Ontario. It consists of three distinct waterfalls; Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which collectively boast the highest water flow rate on the globe. Incredibly, six million cubic feet of water flows over Niagara Falls every minute of every day. Niagara Falls undoubtedly offers one of the most spectacular views in North America.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil

Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984, Iguazu Falls is situated on the border of the southern region of Brazil and the Argentine province of Misiones, and is often revered as the world’s most spectacular waterfall. Iguazu Falls spans 2.7km (1.7m) in width, and features 275 individual waterfalls, with heights ranging from 60-82m. The name ‘Iguazu’ can be loosely translated from the indigenous Guarani language as “big water”. Unsurprisingly, former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, reportedly exclaimed “Poor Niagara” upon seeing Iguazu Falls for the first time. Iguazu Falls, with its 275 waterfalls, impressive width/depth, and diverse tropical climate, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular treasures of our natural world.

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world. Originating from the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls has the largest continuous sheet of falling water in the world. In 1989, the Falls were declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Victoria Falls is sometimes referred to by its indigenous name, ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which means ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.