It’s time for the next article in my seven series. Today I show you some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have visited during my various travels.
I’m a huge fan of waterfalls. And I love all the different types: There’s the plunge, the horsetail, the multi-step, the punchbowl, the fan and much more. All have their unique characteristics. Whenever I get close to a waterfall and can hear the tumbling water I get curious and excited.
1. Krimml
We’ll start in Europe with the multi-tiered Krimml cascade. This is one of the mightiest waterfalls I have visited. Especially in early summer, when the ice of the glacier up in the mountains begins to melt, this waterfall is a roaring beast. But it’s also a beauty. Especially around dawn and in the early morning it’s such a peaceful place despite the thunder of the falls.
It’s a place where I can totally immerse myself in nature. The roar of the waterfall snuffs out all other noise.
2. Wahclella
Next stop is in the USA in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a place I had wanted to visit for a long time because of the hundreds of waterfalls in the area. In 2013 I finally travelled to Oregon and spent a few days in the gorge.
The waterfall I show you here is Wahclella falls, which can be easily reached via a one mile hike. Around noon the sun was just above the falls, creating those nice sun rays in the mist.
3. Cascada la Esperanza
This is one of the more hidden waterfalls. It’s not very popular and is located in a private reserve in the cloud forest of Ecuador. I had to arrange a visit of the reserve with a local guide, otherwise I wouldn’t have found it.
The good thing about this waterfall not being all too popular was that the guide, my girlfriend and I were the only people there. It was fantastic.
4. Hopetoun Falls
Next we head over to Australia. Just one hour drive from the Great Ocean Road you enter the beautiful Otways. Within this woodland area you can find several waterfalls. The one I show you here is called Hopetoun falls. It’s a wonderful setting with rocks and huge ferns surrounding the cascade. It creates the impression of being somewhere deep in the jungle.
5. Whangarei Falls
Also on the other side of the world – at least for me – on New Zealand’s North Island you can visit Whangarei Falls. If you drive towards the Bay of Islands from Auckland there’s a little peninsula called Whangarei Heads, which you should include in your travel itinerary. There are beautiful mountains and wide, scenic beaches, which even in summer aren’t very crowded.
Most of the people driving up north visit only the waterfall though, which admittedly is a very beautiful waterfall. If you head down to the base of the falls you can find some nice viewpoints to photograph the waterfall right from the banks of the river.
6. Stirling Falls
I’m sure most of you have heard of Milford Sound. When I visited back in 2014 I went on a boat ride through the fiord on one morning. It was an awe inspiring experience.
I have to admit that at first I was a bit skeptical about the place. I thought Milford Sound was just too popular and that it would likely not live up to the hype. But man, this place is awesome. The drive there alone is worth the journey. It’s one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited.
During our boat tour we also drove very close to a few waterfalls. This one here is called Stirling Falls and it looked wonderful after a rainy night.
7. Kuang Si
The last waterfall I show you lies in Laos, close to Luang Prabang. I visited during dry season in winter and first I wasn't sure, if the cascade would hold enough water. But the conditions were perfect. While other waterfalls I had visited in Laos were nearly dry, the Kuang Si waterfall was still a beauty.
People even come there to swim in the various pools along the river and it can become quite crowded. So if you want to enjoy the waterfall in relative silence, make sure to get a motorbike or a tuk-tuk and go early in the morning before the masses arrive.
I hope you liked my little selection. Which waterfalls should I visit in the future? What’s the most impressive waterfall you have been to?
And don’t forget to checkout the other articles in this series:
- 7 great photo spots in Prague
- 7 beautiful places to visit in South America
- 7 places to visit and photograph in Rome
- 7 spectacular beaches and coves around the world
