The highest waterfalls in Europe: where are they, descriptions, photos

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:48

Since ancient times, people, looking at the waterfalls, composed legends that only with the help of higher powers could such majestic and frightening wonders of nature appear. And until now, the power of the waterfall, the rumble of falling streams of water, the cloud of small drops of water, in which the rays of the sun are reflected, make one think about the power of nature.

The highest waterfall in Europe is called Vinnufossen. It is located in Norway, a country of beautiful fiords, ski resorts and numerous waterfalls. By the way, the six highest waterfalls in the world are located in Norway.

Where the waterfall is located

The highest waterfall in Europe falls from Mount Vinnufjellet, on top of which is the large Vinnuforna glacier. The waterfall originates from it. The waters of this giant rush down from a height of 860 meters, creating an unforgettable sight. This glacial waterfall is said to be the centerpiece of a large cascade formed on the rock.

The highest waterfall in Europe is located in the municipality of Sunndal, in the vicinity of the village of Sunndalsera. It has exceptionally beautiful untouched nature, close to the Dovrefjell National Park and the popular Troll Wall, the highest vertical wall in Europe.

Beauty and coolness

Vinnufossen consists of several cascades, the height of the largest step is 420 meters. Reaching the level of coniferous forest, the waterfall splits into several separate streams. Only when approaching the lower part, all the individual streams merge together again. Before splitting into four streams, Vinnufossen reaches a maximum width of 150 meters.

Due to falling from a great height, the highest waterfall in Europe is always surrounded by a cloud of tiny water droplets, forming a kind of water tail. Its length can reach one hundred and seventy meters, it is one of the longest plumes of waterfalls in the world.

You can already feel the smallest droplets in the air five minutes from the waterfall. As the cloud of water drops gets closer, the water that originates from the mountain glacier is cool even on a hot afternoon.

Not only in the mountains

The word "waterfall" habitually represents high mountains, from the slopes of which a stream of water breaks. However, this is not always the case, there are flat waterfalls, the beauty of which is no less exciting.

The largest and highest flat waterfall in Europe is located in northern Switzerland. Its name is consonant with the name of the Rhine River, of which it is one of the decorations.

Thisa small waterfall, its length is about 370 meters. It starts rather gently, only on the last cascades the violence of the elements begins. Usually in tourist brochures, it is the last cascades that are called the Rhine Falls.

The waters fall from a height of 23 meters, in the full-flowing period the width of the waterfall reaches 150 meters. Scientists believe that the formation of the waterfall ended in the last ice age, about 14,000-17,000 years ago. Under the turbulent waters in the channel of the waterfall, well-preserved rock formations are clearly visible, which were once the banks of an ancient river.

For tourists seeking to see this highest waterfall in Europe, where you can take amazing photos, several viewing platforms are equipped. The most impressive one is located on a vertical rock right in the center of the waterfall. You can get to it only by boat, the views of the waterfall from this point are simply mesmerizing. For thrill-seekers, excursion trips are carried out on boats that sail up to the waterfall itself.

Waterfalls of our country

One of the highest waterfalls in Europe and the highest in Russia, Talnikoviy waterfall, is located on the Putorana plateau, a kind of "lost world" of Siberia. These places have not yet been studied much, nature here retains its originality.

It is interesting that for a long time scientists could not accurately measure the height of the Talnikovy waterfall, the figures ranged from 482 to 700 meters. The reason for this was the poor knowledge of the place, the waterfall was described by himdiscovered by Mikhail Afanasiev at a time when there was very little water in it. The water flow of the Talnikovy waterfall reaches its maximum height in summer, in July and August, it was then that the maximum height of the waterfall was recorded. The rest of the time, it either dries up due to drought, or completely freezes from Siberian frosts.

Unique waterfalls of Ossetia

In the mountains of North Ossetia, in the valley of the mountain river Midagrabindon, Midagrabin waterfalls are located. On the one hand, the valley is blocked by a formidable barrier of vertical rocks, from which waterfalls fall down. Standing in the valley and watching eight magnificent streams of water fall off the rocks is an unforgettable sight.

Among them is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. In Ossetia, this is a multi-cascade waterfall Big Zeygalan, originating from hanging glaciers at the top. Guides ask tourists not to come close to the water wall, sometimes the elements break massive blocks of ice along with the water.

Geologists believe that the height of the fall of the water of this waterfall is 750 meters, Big Zeygalan is the fifth high- altitude waterfall in the world and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

The most full-flowing and beautiful Big Zeygalan becomes in the middle of summer, when glaciers intensively melt. If you visit the waterfall on a clear sunny day, you can see how the smallest droplets of mist reflect the iridescent glow.

Tourist Tips

Whatever waterfall you are going tovisit, there are a few general rules that will make the trip comfortable and safe.

Even in places with developed tourist infrastructure and comfortable paths, it is better to wear sports shoes with flat soles. It is always humid near the waterfalls, the surface of the rocks is wet. You also need to not be too lazy and take a warm waterproof jacket with you, mist can be quite cold.

It is better not to visit the waterfalls after heavy rains, the flow of water will be muddy and dirty, and this will not bring pleasure.