Which country has the most waterfalls

Ever since I saw a photo of a waterfall pouring down a cliffside in Norway, I’ve been obsessed with chasing waterfalls around the world. As a travel lover and nature nerd, I’m always drawn to places where water falling from great heights meets lush landscapes and jaw-dropping views. That got me wondering which country has the most waterfalls? And more importantly, what makes these cascading wonders so powerful, beautiful, and unforgettable?

In this guide, I’ll take you through fascinating facts, personal insights, and scenic comparisons of some of the most impressive waterfalls across the globe. Whether you’re curious about the highest waterfall in the world, iconic spots like Victoria Falls or Yosemite Falls, or want to know where the biggest waterfalls are actually located you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in and discover the waterfall capital of the world. Have you already guessed it? 💧

Which Country Has the Most Waterfalls in the World?

Norway?. Yep, the land of fjords, midnight sun, and storybook villages also takes the crown when it comes to waterfalls.

It surprised me too at first. I always pictured Brazil or maybe somewhere in Asia, but Norway is home to thousands of waterfalls many still unnamed and untouched. Some sources estimate over 10,000 waterfalls, with new ones popping up every time the snow melts or glaciers shift. That’s a lot of water tumbling down steep cliffs!

Now, I haven’t made it to Norway yet (still sitting high on my bucket list), but I have spent hours watching videos of places like Vinnufossen and Langfossen. It’s honestly hard to believe these places are real. Just imagine standing in a valley with green hills around you, the mist hitting your face, and the sound of roaring water echoing in every direction. I’m a sucker for magic like that.

But here’s what makes Norway unique the combo of rugged terrain, glaciers, and crazy amounts of rainfall. The geography practically creates waterfalls. Many tumble straight down from melting glaciers perched on cliffs. It’s wild.

This isn’t to say that other countries don’t have stunners. Tugela Falls in South Africa, for instance, often battles Angel Falls in Venezuela for the title of “highest waterfall.” And Niagara Falls, with its insane water volume, remains one of the most iconic. You’ll also find jaw-dropping sights in North America, like Yosemite Falls, where water pours from sky-high granite walls like a scene from a fantasy film.

But if you’re wondering where to go for sheer quantity Norway’s got it beat. Not just with numbers, but with the kind of raw, unfiltered natural beauty that makes your heart skip a beat.

Why Does Norway Have So Many Waterfalls?

It’s nature doing its thing in full force.

Norway is like a natural waterfall factory. Why does Norway have so many waterfalls? It’s the perfect storm of steep mountains, tons of rain, and melting glaciers. Everywhere you look, there’s a cliff, a river, or a glacier waiting to make magic.

Let me break it down. First Norway is steep. Like, really steep. There are several striking fjords and rugged mountains around the nation. When snow melts or it rains (which it does a lot), gravity pulls that water down fast. The result? Waterfalls. Dozens. Hundreds. Thousands.

And here’s the wild part: there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Norway. Some are tall and famous, like Vinnufossen, which is among the highest in Europe. Others are nameless streams tumbling down remote hillsides. Every season, especially spring and early summer, new ones show up as snow melts or glaciers shift.

Speaking of glaciers Norway has plenty. And glaciers are like frozen reservoirs. When they melt in warmer months, they unleash streams of water that have nowhere to go but down. That’s another big reason Norway is basically overflowing with waterfalls.

Oh, and let’s not forget the rain. Norway, especially the western coast, gets a serious amount of precipitation. Places like Bergen are famously rainy. Mix that with narrow valleys and high cliffs, and boom waterfalls around every corner.

Even though I haven’t been there (yet!), I’ve spent hours watching drone videos of places like Langfossen or Seven Sisters Falls in Geirangerfjord. You can literally see water weaving through green mountains like threads of silver. It’s surreal.

So, why does Norway have so many waterfalls?
Because nature built it that way steep land, wet skies, and icy peaks. It’s like the landscape was designed to dazzle us with water in motion.

Most Impressive Waterfalls Around the World

When it comes to waterfalls, it’s not just about height or volume it’s about the feeling they give you. That mix of awe, peace, and wow-is-this-real energy. Here are some of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls around the globe that I either dream of visiting or still can’t believe I’ve seen with my own eyes.

1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

If power had a sound, it would be Iguazu Falls. Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, this is often called the most powerful waterfalls in the world. And with good reason there are over 270 separate drops, crashing down like nature’s version of a standing ovation.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and honestly, just looking at photos makes my heart race. The mist rising up, the roar that drowns out everything else it’s pure, unfiltered energy. Although I haven’t been there yet, it’s on my list of priorities. It appears to be something from a dream, except wetter and louder.

Iguazu Falls is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring waterfalls on Earth, located between Argentina and Brazil.

2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Nicknamed “The Smoke that Thunders”, Victoria Falls is as dramatic as its name suggests. It’s the largest waterfall in Africa, and when you’re standing near it, you can feel the thunder in your bones. That’s not poetic it’s real.

I remember watching a documentary that showed people getting soaked just from standing hundreds of feet away. That’s how strong the spray is. It may be the most theatrical building in the world, yet it is neither the tallest nor the widest. Like nature’s Broadway show.

With a width of more than a mile over the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in Africa.

3. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Focus keyword: falls located, waterfalls in North America

Ah, Niagara Falls. Touristy? Yes. But still one of the most iconic waterfalls in North America and in the world. Located on the border between the U.S. and Canada, it pours an unbelievable amount of water every second enough to fill swimming pools in the blink of an eye.

I visited on a chilly October afternoon. The crowds were buzzing, and the mist clung to everything. I stood there, watching the Horseshoe Falls roar like a lion. It was loud, wild, and unforgettable. In the best manner conceivable, you feel small.

Fun fact: Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, and it never sleeps.

4. Yosemite Falls, USA

Tucked inside California’s Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Falls is the kind of place that sticks with you. The surroundings is equally as important as the height—it’s the tallest waterfall in North America. You’re surrounded by granite cliffs, towering trees, and this incredible sense of stillness… and then BAM water falling from 2,425 feet above.

I visited during spring when the snowmelt turns the falls into a full-blown spectacle. It wasn’t just beautiful it was emotional. Like watching something ancient and sacred perform just for you.

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest and most iconic waterfalls in North America, especially stunning in spring.

5. Tugela Falls, South Africa

Now here’s a fun twist. Tugela Falls in South Africa is technically the world’s tallest waterfall or at least it’s often debated. It has a total height of around 3,225 feet when measured a certain way, which gives Angel Falls in Venezuela a run for its money.

What makes Tugela special isn’t just the numbers. It’s located in the Drakensberg Mountains, and during rainy season, it looks like a delicate silver thread unraveling from the clouds. I have spent hours staring at photographs, but I haven’t been. It’s pure serenity.

Tugela Falls in South Africa is often considered the tallest waterfall in the world, depending on how it’s measured.

Each of these falls is special in its own way. Some thunder. Some whisper. But all of them remind us how small we are and how beautiful the world can be.

Up next, we’ll go continent by continent to spotlight the tallest and biggest waterfalls. Ready to chase some heights? Let’s go 🌍

Highest and Biggest Waterfalls by Continent

You know that feeling when you’re standing in front of something so big, so majestic, that it literally takes your breath away? That’s exactly what waterfalls do to me. Whether they’re the tallest, the widest, or the loudest each one has a story. Let’s travel across continents and check out the most jaw-dropping giants of them all.

🌍 Highest Waterfall in the World – Angel Falls, Venezuela

Quick answer: Angel Falls in Venezuela is the tallest waterfall on Earth, standing at around 3,212 feet (979 meters).

Located deep in the Canaima National Park, this beauty is so remote you can’t even reach it by car. It drops straight off the edge of a table-top mountain and honestly, it looks like something out of a fantasy movie. I haven’t been (yet!), but I remember seeing it in Disney’s Up and thinking yep, that’s real.

Even from pictures, it feels otherworldly. A waterfall free-falling for almost a kilometer? That’s not just water falling. That’s gravity showing off.

🌍 Highest Waterfall in Europe – Vinnufossen, Norway

Fast fact: Vinnufossen is the tallest waterfall in Europe, with a height of about 2,820 feet (860 meters).

Set in the dreamy landscapes of Norway, Vinnufossen looks like a silver ribbon unspooling down a mossy mountain. It’s not just tall it’s elegant. Quietly powerful. Another one I’ve bookmarked for the future. Every time I watch drone footage of it, I swear my soul feels lighter.

And get this Norway’s full of waterfalls like this. No wonder it’s the global capital for waterfall lovers.

🌍 Top 5 Biggest Waterfalls in the World

Now, if we’re talking biggest meaning width, volume, or pure wow-factor these five earn their place at the top:

• Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil):
  Over 270 individual drops spread across nearly two miles. Probably the most powerful waterfall on Earth. The thunder is real.
• Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia):
  Africa’s largest waterfall, measuring over 5,600 feet (1,708 meters). “The Smoke That Thunders” is a fitting nickname.
• Niagara Falls (USA/Canada):
  Famed for its water volume, Niagara dumps around 85,000 cubic feet of water per second. Touristy? Yep. Still epic? Absolutely.
• Khone Phapheng Falls (Laos):
  The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume. It may not be tall, but it’s wide and fierce like a river gone wild.
• Boyoma Falls (DR Congo):
  Often overlooked, but this one is spread across seven cataracts and stretches over 6 miles. That’s waterfall marathon-level stuff!

🌍 Tallest Waterfall in North America – Yosemite Falls, USA

Quick take: Yosemite Falls is the tallest in North America, measuring around 2,425 feet (739 meters) from top to bottom.

This one is close to my heart. I got to see it during spring, and I’ll never forget it. The sound, the spray, the sense of being so small it was magic. Nestled in California’s Yosemite National Park, this waterfall doesn’t just fall it glides down layers of granite, looking like something straight out of a painting.

If you ever visit, go in late May. That’s when the snowmelt turns Yosemite into a thundering masterpiece.

Each of these waterfalls has its own vibe some crash, some whisper, but all of them remind us just how incredible Earth really is. Whether you’re chasing height, width, or volume, there’s a waterfall out there waiting to blow your mind.

Which Country Has the Most Waterfalls by Continent?

Ever wondered which countries are the real waterfall champs on each continent?
I did too and the answers? Super cool. Some made total sense (hi, Norway), but a few caught me off guard. Let’s break it down, region by region. We’re diving into places where water shows off in the best way possible.

🌍 Europe – Norway

No contest here. Norway wins. Big time.

With deep fjords, icy rivers, and tall cliffs, the whole country is like a giant waterfall factory. From the majestic Vinnufossen to little streams tucked away in peaceful valleys, we’re talking about thousands of waterfalls.

What I love most? Many of them are just there. No crowds. No railings. No ticket booths. Just nature doing its thing. You’ll be hiking and out of nowhere bam! As if it were insignificant, a waterfall cascades down a cliff. Norway feels like it was built just for waterfall lovers.

🌏 Asia – India (Yep, Really)

This one surprised me. I thought China would take the crown with all its mountains and size. But nope India leads in the waterfall count.

From the mighty Jog Falls in Karnataka to the dreamy Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya (a place that’s been on my list forever), India is packed with variety. Some waterfalls hide in thick forests. Others roar during monsoon season.

What makes India stand out? It’s the mix. Different climates, landscapes, and seasons all adding up to one epic waterfall collection. China’s got some stunning ones too, like Huangguoshu Falls. But India just edges ahead.

🌎 North America – United States

The U.S. doesn’t just have a lot of waterfalls it has all kinds. Big, small, loud, calm. It’s a waterfall playground.

Think Niagara Falls on the East Coast. Next, visualize California’s Yosemite Falls, which are located high in the Sierra Nevada. Totally different vibes, both amazing.

One of my best memories? Enjoying a cup of hot coffee near Oregon’s Multnomah Falls. Mist in the air. Trees glowing green. Pure magic. Or Havasu Falls in Arizona where turquoise water flows through a red canyon. Unreal.

Whether you love famous names or quiet spots deep in the woods, the U.S. has it all.

In a Nutshell

• Europe? Norway. No doubt.
• Asia? India takes the lead.
• North America? The U.S. has the most variety.

Chasing waterfalls? You should beat these three nations. You’ll want to see them for yourself, I promise.

My Favorite Waterfalls and Bucket List Destinations

When I think about the places that have truly moved me or the ones I dream about constantly it always comes back to waterfalls. There’s something magical about standing near a roaring cascade, feeling the mist on your skin, and just being reminded of how small and alive you are. Whether I’ve seen them up close or pinned them to my vision board, these waterfalls hold a special place in my heart.

1. Yosemite Falls, USA – A Soul-Stirring Moment I’ll Never Forget

Yosemite Falls was my first real “wow” moment with waterfalls. I visited in late spring, right when the snowmelt was feeding the falls at full force. The sound was thunderous. The view? Unreal. Water spilled from the sky like it was coming straight from the clouds.

Quick tip: If you’re planning a trip, aim for May or early June the flow is strongest then. Wear sturdy shoes because the misty paths get slick, and bring a light jacket. That mountain air chills fast, even in sunshine.

Answer in a nutshell: Yosemite Falls is one of the best times to see nature at full power go in spring, bring layers, and prepare to be humbled.

2. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil – High on My Bucket List

I haven’t been to Iguazu yet, but it’s at the top of my travel goals. Every time I see a video, it takes my breath away. Over 270 separate waterfalls? That’s not just a waterfall it’s a watery symphony.

What I love most is that it’s not just about the falls. The surrounding jungle adds that Indiana Jones-level thrill. I imagine standing on one of the walkways, watching the Devil’s Throat section roar like a beast.

Pro tip: Best time to visit? March to May or August to September less rain, fewer crowds, and more manageable heat.

Snippet-worthy insight: Iguazu Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth and a must-see for anyone chasing nature’s raw energy.

3. Langfossen, Norway – My Dream Spot to Witness Nature’s Grace

Langfossen is the kind of place that lives in my imagination rent-free. It’s a waterfall that literally flows right into a fjord how cool is that? It drops over 600 meters (almost 2,000 feet) and keeps flowing without ever really stopping. It’s like Norway’s way of saying, “Here, have some beauty with your breakfast.”

I’ve never been, but I’ve watched enough drone videos to know this: when I do go, I’ll bring a waterproof jacket, wide-angle lens, and about ten memory cards. You can’t rush this kind of place. I’d probably just sit there, let the sound wash over me, and feel the peace sink in.

Short answer: Langfossen is one of Norway’s most stunning waterfalls, pouring straight into a fjord perfect for a slow, scenic adventure.

🧳 Travel Tips for Waterfall Lovers

Timing matters: For most falls, spring or early summer is best snowmelt fuels the flow and the landscapes are lush.

Best gear to pack: Waterproof shoes, a light rain jacket, and a microfiber towel (mist gets everywhere).

Photo gear: Bring a wide-angle lens and a lens cloth. Water spray fogs things up fast.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who loves raw, untouched nature and dreams of chasing waterfalls in places most people only dream about, then Norway is absolutely your kind of adventure. However, if accessibility, tropical vibes, or year-round warm weather is more your thing, you might want to explore places like Brazil or the Philippines instead. Based on my experience, Norway offers something deeply humbling waterfalls that feel like Earth’s quietest wonders. Just pack your rain gear, an open heart, and a sense of awe you’ll need all three.

Frequently Asked Questions