Waterfalls retain their capacity to thrill and awe. The cascading weight of water, the spray and the all-enveloping noise of a waterfall remain among the most impressive examples of nature at its wildest. Viewed up close, Niagara will reduce even the noisiest child to silent contemplation of its majesty, before they take to the water themselves in the Niagara Falls water park. Here is a list of some of the most majestic waterfalls in the world:
The Cloud that Thunders
Photo: jurvetson / Flickr
Victoria Falls is one of the most impressive sights in Africa. Explorer David Livingstone named them after his Queen, but the local name translates as the “cloud that thunders”. It is an evocative description of the mist-shrouded torrents, of the startling chasm and of the relentless noise from the crashing falls. The width of 5,604 feet makes the Victoria Falls the largest sheet of falling water in the world.
On the Zambian side, visitors can skirt the falls along a trail that offers astounding vistas over the waterfall. On the Knife-Edge Bridge, it’s possible to experience the spray shooting vertically up from the cliff edge and view the permanent rainbows that decorate this wonder of nature.
Niagara Falls is for Everyone
Photo: Artur Staszewski / Flickr
Niagara offers a seductive combination of spectacular nature and man-made entertainment.
The Maid of the Mist boat trips take visitors right under the plummeting water, in the booming impact of the Falls, with drenching spray underlining the physical force of the torrent.
There are countless family attractions on both sides of the Falls, including the chance to experience some unforgettable water-based thrills in the Niagara Falls water park itself.
The Romance of Iguazu
Photo: Rodrigo_Soldon / Flickr
The Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, is a major attraction for wedding parties and honeymooning couples. With two major airports within easy reach of the Falls, Iguazu has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
There are numerous waterfalls and cataracts forming a spectacular chain. The Brazilian side of the falls offers a spectacular walkway along the edge of the canyon. Visitors in Argentina can travel to the edge of the Falls on the Rainforest Ecological Train. The journey continues over the top of the Devil’s Throat, the highest point of Iguazu Falls.
Where the Gods Sleep
Photo: Doxi / Flickr
Europe’s waterfalls can’t compete in terms of size and volume, but the Waterfalls of the Gods in Iceland have a compelling mythology attached. It is said that Goðafoss, in north-central Iceland, is where the old statues of the Norse gods were thrown when Iceland converted to Christianity in 999. It’s a relatively shallow waterfall, but stunningly beautiful against the backdrop of the stark, volcanic Icelandic scenery.
Waterfalls are places of mystery and power, impressive demonstrations of the force and violence of nature. It’s usually worth getting up close and a little wet to appreciate their majesty.
Note: This blog post was written by guest blogger Nick Walz. Nick is an active blogger and writer who likes to share his advice and tips to the online community. One of Nick’s passions is traveling and discovering new places. He has traveled the world and has even seen one of these waterfalls first hand. You can contact him on Twitter @Nick_Walz.
