Beautiful and cool: These are the seven most spectacular waterfalls in Europe

Thundering masses of water, white spray, fine spray mist, plays of light and imposing rocky landscapes: We are magically drawn to waterfalls. They demonstrate the tremendous forces as well as the beauty and diversity of nature. Not to forget the meditative effect of the constantly rushing and foaming water, which creates a feeling of inner peace. We feature seven must-visit waterfalls in Europe – from Iceland to Croatia.

1. Norway: Wow like Vøringsfossen

The waterfall paradise on the European continent is called Norway. In the mountainous country in Scandinavia there are many impressive cascades: highlights are the three highest waterfalls as well as the waterfall with the most water in Europe and the valley of the waterfalls. In western Norway, roughly on the connecting line between Oslo and Bergen, lies Vøringsfossen, at an altitude of around 700 meters in the mountains.

The waterfall, which plunges more than 183 meters, is considered one of the most beautiful and popular in the country. It has also been easily accessible since 2020: the one-hour hike leads over a suspension bridge and boulders up and down through the mountains to a new viewing platform. Here at the latest everyone catches their breath when the gigantic masses of water tumble down from the Hardangervidda plateau into the valley.

2. Iceland: Legendary view through the Seljalandsfoss

In the extreme north-west of Europe, the island state of Iceland lures with wonderful water features: geysers, hot springs and countless waterfalls. “Foss” means waterfall in Icelandic. Deciding which one is the most impressive is difficult. Because in the region of the Snæfellsnes National Park, six waterfalls form the spectacle of Dynjandi. With a total height of 100 meters, it is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. The Goðafoss is also called “Waterfall of the Gods” and is reminiscent of the Niagara Falls.

The Seljalandsfoss in the south of the island is considered one of the most beautiful on our planet. As difficult as its name may sound, everyone knows the origin of the 66 meter high Seljalandsfoss: It is fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, whose ash-rich eruptions in 2010 paralyzed air traffic over northern and central Europe. Explorers and adventurers who enjoy hiking can walk around the waterfall and walk along the rocks at the back – and look through the huge veil of water at the vastness of Iceland. In the evening at the blue hour, the colors of the water shine so intensely that the surroundings look like a fairytale landscape.

3. Germany: Cool cow escape waterfalls

Garmisch-Partenkirchen not only boasts the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze, but also some other natural wonders such as the Partnachklamm or the Höllentalklamm. But only very few know about the Kuhaway waterfalls in the Ester mountains near Farchant. With a total drop of around 270 meters, the three Kuhaway falls are among the highest in Germany. Her funny name is explained differently.

On the one hand, it is considered a derivation of “Kuhflack”, i.e. from the place where the cows liked to stay in the shade in summer. On the other hand, it could come from the Romans – from the Latin term confluctum, the confluence with the Loisach. The water of the majestic natural spectacle comes from a plateau between the Bavarian mountains Krottenkopf and Simetsberg, where it springs from several karst springs. This insider tip can be reached on a one-hour hike along the forest adventure trail – a highlight for the whole family.

4. Austria: Crass natural remedy – the Krimml Waterfalls

Here in the Salzburger Land, in the municipality of Zell am See, more precisely in the Hohe Tauern National Park in Hochkrimml, superlatives just rain down: The Krimml Waterfalls are considered the largest in Europe, the most impressive in the Alps and one of the ten most popular sights in Austria. The Krimmler Ache falls 380 meters over three waterfall levels – surrounded by a wild and romantic mountain landscape.

This spectacle not only takes the breath away of every visitor, but also enables people with health problems to breathe freely again. Because the extraordinarily fine spray mist is attested that its tiny and negatively electrically charged water droplets can alleviate symptoms of hay fever, allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Incidentally, the full-body moisturization also provides tingling refreshment – on viewing platforms at different heights. After the highest level, there is a hike through the high valley to the 600-year-old Krimmler Tauernhaus – with a view of the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding three-thousanders such as the Großvenediger.

5. Croatia: Winnetous Waterfalls

The Plitvice Lakes National Park in the hilly karst region in the heart of Croatia fascinates with 16 lakes and even more waterfalls. Winnetou also loved the wildly romantic surroundings – several films by Karl May were filmed here, such as “Schatz im Silbersee”. The most spectacular waterfall can be reached from the entrance of the Unesco World Heritage Park towards Lake Galovac.

The path leads past numerous small cascades to the Veliki Slap, which means something like “Big Waterfall”. At around 78 meters, the Veliki Slap is also the largest waterfall in Croatia. Located in the lowest reaches of the Turquoise Lakes, its roar and gurgle can be heard from afar.

6. South Tyrol: Stuller and Stieber in the Passer Gorge

The valley, which stretches north from Meran in the direction of the Timmelsjoch, has it all: the South Tyrolean folk hero Andreas Hofer was born in the Passeier Valley and there are gigantic waterfalls in the Passer Gorge. A three-hour hike through the gorge, which is well developed with bridges and footbridges, leads via the village of Moos to the imposing Stuller waterfalls.

The falls fall in two cascades over vertical rock faces down to the Passer. With drop heights of 230 and 112 meters, they are among the highest waterfalls in Europe. If you don’t want to go that far, you can take a footpath from Moos to the wooden viewing bridges at the Stieber waterfall. Here the Pfeldererbach rushes first over a 19 meter high, then 18 meter high step into the Passer.

7. Switzerland: record-breaking – the Rhine Falls

The height alone does not make it, it depends on the water masses. That is the reason why the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen can call themselves Europe’s largest waterfall – with a drop of only 23 meters. At peak times, however, record-breaking water volumes of up to 1,000 cubic meters per second tumble down the High Rhine over a width of 150 metres.

Best of all, visitors can get very close to the spectacle – by boat or on a guided canoe tour. If you don’t want to get wet, go to the viewing terrace at Schloss Laufen and enjoy the unique scenery from there.