They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are torrential and loud, dumping thousands of gallons of water per second, sending mist hundreds of feet up into the air as water soars over a mountain or cliff edge. Others are more delicate, like a long trickle down smooth rock, creating a vast and mesmerizing maze of trails before pooling below. Whatever the type, waterfalls have awed us for thousands of years — and for good reason.

Niagara Falls, for instance, has been synonymous with honeymooners for more than a century. Since the 19th century, thousands of newlyweds ventured to these iconic falls to ritualize the start of the rest of their lives together. A popular tourist attraction since, Niagara Falls continues to be a sacred site for many. And while these falls deserve the fame, they aren’t the only ones sure to take your breath away.

Iceland alone, for example, boasts more than 10,000 waterfalls, each unique. Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland and purportedly the second-most powerful in Europe, lies in Vatnajökill National Park in northeast Iceland. Its grayish-white water, hailing from the Vatnajökull glacier, roars nearly 150 feet to a canyon below. Viewed from the platform or hiking path, these 330-foot-wide falls, situated on Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, remain etched in the Icelandic landscape, the mother of all waterfalls in the country.

Seljalandsfoss, Iceland © Maksym Topchii | Dreamstime.com

On the opposite side of Iceland, meanwhile, you’ll find Seljalandsfoss, a 200-foot-tall waterfall located right next to Route 1. Distinctive to these falls is the small cave behind it. Like peeking out from the earth’s core, standing within the cave lets you see the waterfall from a different perspective entirely.

Another European island country, Ireland, features a spectacular waterfall. As the second-highest waterfall in the country, Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow continuously flows down the ridges and uneven surface of schist and granite rock. As if having a mind of its own, the water scatters in various lines down the mountain’s edge, traversing nearly 400 feet before dropping into a pool of rocks below. Part of Powerscourt Estate, an upscale hotel and spa five minutes away, this waterfall makes a great sojourn from Dublin, located less than an hour away by car.

In Asia, India holds no shortage of magnificent waterfalls. While the highest, Kunchikal Falls, proves well worth a visit because of its four drops, tiered landscape and staggering 1,493-foot height, Jog Falls also promises unbeatable views. Located in Siddapur Taluk of Uttara Kannada district, this second-highest plunge waterfall in the country transforms during heavy rain into a waterfall with torrential currents. Surrounded by lush greenery amid a background of rolling hills, these cataract and segmented falls send water 830 feet off a cliff.

Seljalandsfoss © Leonid Andronov | Dreamstime.com

Straddling the border between China and Vietnam, Detian Falls (also known as Bản Giốc Falls) is the culmination of thousands of
years of erosion. Swelling each year following summer rains, these falls are separated into three parts by trees and rocks, creating a cascading effect that ends in a thunderous roar as water smashes the cliffs after its near-100-foot fall.

Of course, we cannot cover the world’s most fascinating waterfalls without mentioning Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest. Situated between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this waterfall, named by David Livingstone in the 19th century, plummets down 354 feet. But it’s the falls’ width of more than 5,600 feet that makes it truly awe-inspiring. Water flows from the River Zambezi and hurtles downward to create the world’s largest sheet of falling water. For the most adventurous travelers, between September and December the falls form Devil’s Pool, a natural swimming pool harbored by a rock barrier.

The equally iconic Angel Falls in Venezuela sits at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, as it’s the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall. The inspiration behind Pixar’s film Up, Angel Falls tumbles a whopping 2,648 feet over the edge of the Auyántepui mountain in Canaima National Park. Angel Falls is one of Venezuela’s top attractions, but expect a less-than-ideal route to get there. Because Angel Falls lies within an isolated jungle, reaching this landmark requires a flight from Ciudad Bolívar, Puerto Ordaz or Maiquetia Airport, bringing travelers to Canaima Camp, the starting point for trips to the base of the falls.

Havasu Falls © LuckyPhotographer | Dreamstime.com

Waterfalls appear to form natural borders between countries across the world, as Iguazú Falls between Argentina and Brazil also sits between two nations. Making up the largest waterfall system in the world, these falls divide Iguazú River into two sections, making a staircase-looking landscape across a two-step waterfall. Half of the waterfall flows into Devil’s Throat, a 300-foot-deep canyon. Access the falls from either Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil or Puerto Iguazú in Argentina. In fact, even travel from Paraguay is possible via Ciudad del Este. Iguazú National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil (both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites) share Iguazú Falls.

South America reigns as the continent of extreme waterfalls. The world’s largest single-drop waterfall sits in the central Essequibo Territory of Guyana. The 741-foot Kaieteur Falls has long been a site of significance to indigenous peoples in the region, and the falls continue to draw visitors today from across the globe. Water flows over a series of cascades before dropping over a conglomerate and sandstone cliff. Find the falls in Kaieteur National Park in the middle of the country’s rainforest.

Palouse Falls © Sara Winter | Dreamstime.com

Of course, it doesn’t require venturing to far-away places to witness eye-catching cascades. North America has its fair share of these picturesque water features. Discover the highest-measured waterfall in North America in British Columbia, Canada. James Bruce Falls, found in Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park, carries water from a small snowfield 2,760 feet down a smooth cliff face.

In the northwestern United States, Palouse Falls is the official state waterfall in Washington. Featuring a drop of 200 feet across the upper fall, main drop and lower fall, Palouse lies within a canyon, making for a dramatic scene. Be sure to explore more of the area within Palouse Falls State Park while here.

Ideal to visit in spring, Yosemite Falls in California drops six times across a total 2,425 feet. A scene of ancient legends to the indigenous Ahwahneechee, Yosemite Falls now lies within Yosemite National Park. Nearby trails allow for great views, the most challenging of which (3.6 miles) ascends to the very top.

Nestled amid tropical vegetation on Hawai‘i Island, ‘Akaka Falls isn’t shy to curious eyes, thanks to multiple viewpoints along a looped trail around ‘Akaka Falls State Park. Flowing 442 feet into an eroded gorge below, this waterfall is perfect for families, as it’s tucked less than a half-mile away from the road.

Witness the ultimate contrast of nature’s colors at Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Amid uneven red rocks, Havasu Falls’ own vibrant, blue-green waters capture the raw nature and character of Arizona. You’ll find these falls within Havasupai tribal lands, and it’s even possible to swim behind the falls via a small rock shelter.

And did you know you could glide down a waterfall? Sliding Rock in western North Carolina is perhaps one of the state’s most unique water features, thanks to its smooth and gently sloping rock face, with cold water forming a natural slide. Climb the subtle incline to the top and flow with the water 60 feet to the bottom, where you’ll splash into a refreshing plunge pool.