30 of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Europe

Waterfalls are one of the things we always have to stop for on our road trips. I just love seeing waterfalls. Luckily there are lots of waterfalls in Europe and I haven’t seen all of them yet. I’ve asked fellow travel bloggers to name the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. We’ve collected 30 of them here.

Waterfalls in Europe

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are travertine waterfalls. There are over 90 waterfalls in total between the 16 lakes. During thousands of years the Korana river flowed and deposited, which formed dams of travertine. These formed the lakes, grottos and waterfalls we see today.

The Plitvice Lakes are inside the national park Plitvička Jezera, in the middle of Croatia roughly. It’s near the town of Grabovac, where a great campsite with kids is.

The waterfalls are mesmerizing and really beautiful to see. We loved walking past them on the different routes throughout the park. The Plitvice Lakes are on the UNESCO world heritance list. It’s one of the top highlights in a country that has so many. It’s high up on my list of most amazing waterfalls in Europe.

There’s an entrance fee for the National Park, it differs per season, varying from 80 to 300 kuna for adults and 35 to 120 kuna for 7 till 18 years old. Parking will cost you an additional 7 kuna.

Trümmelbach Falls, Switzerland

Contributed by Jurga from Full Suitcase.

Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland, are Europe’s largest underground waterfalls. If you are looking for a really unique waterfall to visit, Trümmelbach Falls will not disappoint! It’s like no other waterfall we have ever seen!

In fact, there is not one, but 10 connecting waterfalls here, tumbling down with an incredible power of 20,000 liters of water per second. As you walk through the tunnels inside the mountain and in the dark, the roaring water leaves an ever-lasting impression. This is truly one of the most special waterfalls in the world!

It’s impossible to describe the power of these unique waterfalls or how it feels to be there. It’s really something that you have to experience first-hand. 

There is a small fee to visit the falls. They are accessible via a series of tunnels, walkways, and staircases. There is also an elevator that can take you up for the biggest part of the journey, but you need to be able to do quite some stairs in order to see the falls from close by. For more practical information and tips, check out this guide to visiting Trümmelbach Falls.

Triberg Falls, Germany

Contributed by Mark from Wyld Family Travel.

Located high on the Black Forest of Germany are the Triberg waterfalls.  At 163 meters high the falls are one of the highest in Germany. The falls are popular with both tourists and locals alike. After wandering the town of Triberg and looking at all the cuckoo clocks a visit to the waterfalls are a must. You can make your way walking through the town or you can drive there and make the short walk to the waterfalls from the car park. You can hear the rushing of the water well before you get there.

The first section is accessible from walking platforms that get you very close to the falls. There are plenty of places to stop and take the perfect picture before walking through the forest up to the higher viewing platforms giving you views from above and below the falls. The falls are made up of a number of drops as the water cascades down the hill through the forest.

After you have had enough time at the falls and in the beautiful forest that surrounds it, have a look for the hungry little squirrels that call the Triberg waterfalls home. (You can purchase some peanuts at the entry to feed them) They happily take the peanuts from your hand if you are patient enough.

Triberg Waterfalls are stunning and a great day trip from Freiberg into the Black Forest.

Krimml Waterfalls, Austria

Contributed by Martina from PlacesofJuma.

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe is located in Austria: The Krimml Waterfalls. This mighty force of nature is located in the province of Salzburg and is a popular destination for day trips and on a Austria road trip. This attraction is famous for its drop height of 380 meters, that makes the Krimml Falls to one of the highest falls in Europe. 

Really beautiful is the waterfall-trail, a 100-year-old hiking trail that meanders along the waterfall over serpentines. One enjoys again and again gigantic views of this natural wonder. But not only hiking is recommended here. The waterfall is also said to have a healing effect, especially for respiratory diseases.

The Krimml Waterfalls open between May and the end of October. In winter you can only visit the lower section of the waterfall, but the waterfall path remains closed. During the Christmas season, beautiful torchlight walks are offered.

The ticket office does not open until 8:00 a.m., but those who come before that time can still get in. The entrance to the waterfall hiking trail costs 4,- Euro per person. There is also a combi-ticket, which includes the Krimml Water Worlds, another lovely attraction in that area.

Krka Falls, Croatia

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Another travertine waterfall system, and again in Croatia. In this area there are lots of height differences which make for the lakes and waterfalls. There are 7 waterfalls in total. The largest of them all is Skradinski Buk. Skradinski Buk is one of the largest travertine waterfalls in Europe.

Skradinski Buk is more than 100 meters wide and has a length of 400 meters. It consists of 17 traps, which spans 47 meters in height. This can all be admired on an 1 hour hike around the waterfall. There are lots of viewing points with amazing views.

The 7 waterfalls are located within Krka National Park, which is close to Šibenik. Šibenik is on the coast in between Zadar and Split.

The waterfalls are beautiful and a unique feature is that you could  swim near Skradinski Buk in the Summer. With the heat in the Summer this is the perfect way to cool down and see the falls from even closer.

Krka National Park has an entrance fee that differs per season. Varying from 30 to 200 kuna for adults and 20 to 120 kuna for 7 till 18 years old.

Risco Waterfall, Madeira

Contributed by Alexandrina from Earthosea.

Risco waterfall is located in the Rabacal valley on Madeira island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the biggest waterfalls on the island and is falling from 100 meters high. The waterfall has two parts – Risco waterfall and Lagoa do Vento. Risco waterfall is the lower part of the waterfall and Lagoa do Vento is the higher part, which is above Risco.

Getting to the waterfall is quite easy, as it goes through Levada das 25 Fontes hiking trail. The hiking trail is following an ancient irrigation system built on the island to supply the southern parts with fresh water. Around it, there is lush evergreen vegetation and most of the species are endemic. The hiking trail to the waterfall takes around 3 hours to get to the Risco waterfall and Lagoa do Vento. However, the climb to Lagoa do Vento can be quite hard, thus you better be prepared for it.

Just an hour hike from Risco waterfall is 25 Fontes waterfall, which is also in the Rabacal valley. It is another must-see spot on this beautiful island. It is a cave-like waterfall, as it is surrounded by huge boulders covered with lush vegetation.

Getting to Risco waterfall is absolutely free, but it requires quite a lot of effort, which will pay off with jaw-dropping views. It is good to be well-equipped, as the path can be quite muddy and slippery. 

Dettifoss, Iceland

Contributed by Kenny from Knycx Journeying.

Dettifoss is located in the Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. In terms of water volume, Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with an average water flow of over 193 cubic meters per second! Watching the water cascading down the cliff is an amazing sight – the water drop creates a deafening noise that could be heard in a distance, and the surrounding rocks shake that you could feel them vibrate with a touch of your hand. 

The waterfall is about 100 meters wide, and like many waterfalls in Iceland, visitors can take a pleasant walk along the trails on both sides of the falls and take a close look at the falls. Both the east and west sides of the falls give you a nice view, however, they are not connected by a bridge and it takes time to travel from one side to the other by car. While the road that leads to the east side could be too rocky to drive, consider sticking with the west side of the falls. 

Dynjandi Falls, Iceland

Contributed by Greta from Greta’s Travels.

If you’re looking for the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, then Dynjandi Falls in Iceland has to feature on your list. It’s considered one of the best waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s easy to see why. 

Dynjandi Falls is in the Westfjords of Iceland, the most rural region in Iceland. With only 7,000 people living in a 22,000km squared area, it is also known as Iceland’s “best kept secret”! Both Dynjandi and the Westfjords are off the main tourist radar, meaning Dynjandi is still a relatively untouched beauty.

Compared to some of the waterfalls in the Golden Circle, which receive thousands of visitors a day, here you can admire the beauty and power of nature away from the crowds. 

Dynjandi is actually composed of seven waterfalls. Dynjandi is the name of the biggest one, which flows from the top of the fjords and then forms the six smaller waterfalls before reaching the sea. Each waterfall has its own name but they are known collectively as Dynjandi Falls.

Entrance to Dynjandi is free. There’s a big car park just below the falls, and a well marked trail that will take you all the way to the base of the biggest waterfall, with a couple viewing platforms along the way.

Gullfoss, Iceland

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

A powerfull waterfall that falls down in 2 parts. The river Hvítá, a glacier river, is the source of Gullfoss. The 2 traps of the waterfall are formed by basalt layers. The traps are more or less on a right angle, and so is the gorge with the second trap. The water falls down 32 meters into the gorge.

Gullfoss is part of the famous Golden Circle in Iceland and is a must on 2 days in Iceland. It’s one of the many amazing waterfalls in Europe and Iceland. It’s located in Southwest Iceland. The waterfall can easily be reached and is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland.

Since the water of Gullfoss falls down in a gorge, there’s always a lot of spray. When the sun shines on this, you get beautiful rainbows. This is where the waterfall gets its name from, because Gulfoss means golden waterfall.

There’s no entrance fee for the waterfall, do expect crowds in Summer time.

Hadraw Force, England

Contributed by Kitti from Kitti Around the World.

Hidden behind the historical Green Dragon Inn within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales is England’s largest single drop waterfall: Hardraw Force. The pub is in Hardraw Village and would be easy to miss if you didn’t know what lay behind it.

You access this impressive 30 m (100 ft) waterfall through the pub paying a £4 / £2 adult / child fee to enter the path leading to Hardraw Force. If arriving by car, parking spots are available behind the Inn. Dogs on leads are also welcomed.

The trail follows the Hardraw Beck stream leading to a small gorge where Hardraw Force plunges into the river. What makes Hardraw Force unique is that you can walk behind it and see the waterfall from every angle.

Make sure you check the forecast prior to your visit and wear appropriate clothing. If you’d like to walk behind the waterfall, then you should wear proper walking/hiking shoes as the terrain can be slippery. In addition, you might want to pack a rain jacket if you don’t want to get wet.

After exploring the falls, you can either stop for a picnic in the designated area or have a bite to eat at the pub.

Fanes Waterfalls, Italy

Contributed by Giulia from Traveling Sunglasses.

The trail of the Fanes waterfalls is one of the most popular ones in the Italian Dolomites. On this easy hike there are a number of waterfalls to admire.

Located in North-Eastern Italy, in the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the trail is part of the National Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites. There is no entrance fee to the park.

The first waterfall you will encounter, on the Panoramic trail, is the main attraction of the hike: the majestic Fanes waterfall, with a total of 120 meters of height.

From here, you can walk down into the gorge (climbing gear is necessary). The view from the bottom of the gorge is equally stunning. Then, climb up the gorge next to the lower waterfall. The trail will take you right under the upper waterfall, in an exciting and exhilarating moment.

The so-called Path of Canyons and Waterfalls continues further, zigzagging from side to side of the stream, from waterfall to pool, between the forest and the rocky path. The waterfalls are smaller, but the trail is easier.

This is definitely one of the best hikes in Cortina and in the Dolomites! Here are more details about the Fanes waterfalls hike.

Monasterio de Piedra, Spain

Contributed by Matt from The Travel Blogs.

The Natural Park of Monasterio de Piedra is a large park space with over 20 different waterfalls located between Madrid and Zaragoza in Spain.

Over hundreds of years, local monks from an onsite monastery have channelled the water of the Rio Piedra and crafted some stunning ornamental waterfalls which combined with several natural formations create an enchanting landscape that is a joy to explore.

There is an easy to follow hiking route that takes you past all of the cascades. There is a wonderful mix of large falls and green, moss-covered water flows. But my highlight was walking down from the top of the grand 50m tall Cola de Caballo waterfall along single file carved staircase winds from the top, through the Iris Cave behind the water, and all the way down to the lake at the bottom. Expect to get a little wet.

There is a price to enter the park which is a shade under €15, but for that, you also get to explore the small wine and chocolate museum and the monastery to learn a bit more about the history of the park. It’s certainly enough to keep you occupied for most of the day.

I’d also add that I visited with my wife and 2-year-old. While the trail is certainly do-able, be sure to have a baby carrier. Buggies are a no go and you won’t want to be holding them in your arms the whole way round.

Skógafoss, Iceland

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

The Skógafoss is powered by the river Skógá. The river flows over an cliff, which used to be part of the coast line of Iceland. Since then the coast has moved, but the waterfall stayed in its place. The waterfall makes a drop of 60 meters and has a width of 25 meters.

The waterfall is in the south of the southwest of Iceland. Near the town of Skógar, along the ring road. You can see the waterfall from the road. It’s part of our 2 day road trip in Iceland.

Next to the waterfall is a path with stairs, which you can climb to get a good view of the top of the waterfall and the view towards the coast. Along the path is a viewing platform which brings you close to the waterfall. The top isn’t the only part of the waterfall that you can see up close. So is the bottom. There’s a black beach along the river which brings you close to Skógafoss. This waterfall is high on my list of beautiful waterfalls in Europe.

There’s no entrance fee for Skógafoss.

Rhine Falls, Switzerland

Contributed by Smita from My Faulty Compass.

You don’t really think of waterfalls when you think of Switzerland, but did you know the most powerful waterfall in Europe can be found here?! The Rhine Falls situated on the eponymous river are not only powerful but supremely majestic to behold.

Located in the north of Switzerland, these falls are very easy to reach, both by car and by public transportation. The train station Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall is located right at the castle constructed over the Rhine Falls.

Open throughout the year, Rhine Falls can be accessed with a very small entrance fee (5 CHF) if visiting from the Southern Banks where the castle is located. If you visit the Northern Banks, there is no entrance fee.

Rhine Falls is one of the cheapest attractions to visit in Switzerland, yet one of the most awe-inspiring. There are several viewpoints built over the waterfall and you can get close enough to get sprayed by the water thundering down. You can also take a boat tour to make your way to a small rocky outcrop right in the middle of the waterfall!

A visit to Rhine Falls will need a few hours to really take in the beauty of the waterfall. Combine it with a visit to the nearby town of Schaffhausen and you can make a fun day of it! It’s a great addition to 4 days in Switzerland.

Mealt Falls, Scotland

Contributed by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is well known for its breathtaking landscapes. When you add shapely sea cliffs to the incredible beauty, magic is truly made. That magic is located at Mealt Falls – with a backdrop of the Kilt Rock formation. The viewpoint for the waterfall is located near Elishader and Staffin on the northeast coast of the Isle of Skye. 

There is a parking lot near the falls, so you don’t have to walk far to see them. The falls are about 55 m (180 feet) high and plunge straight down into the Sound of Raasay which is indirectly connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Even if the weather says it’s not going to be blue skies, you can take a chance that it will clear up. The weather in the United Kingdom is very unpredictable. While it was foggy and rainy on our drive to the falls – the view once we got there was gorgeous. There is no cost to visit Mealt Falls so you don’t have to worry about losing money.

If you’re in Scotland, plan on spending at least one day in the Isle of Skye – you won’t regret experiencing the beauty of nature with castles (like Eilean Donan Castle) scattered throughout. See our Scotland road trip itinerary for a day on the Isle of Skye.

Kirkjufellfoss, Iceland

Contributed by Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear.

Located next to the famous Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellfoss is a small waterfall off of the side of Road 54 in Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the western part of Iceland. This picture perfect spot is particularly well known because it provides a perfect foreground for Kirkjufell. 

You can easily walk up to the top of the waterfall using the paved road. There is also an old bridge at the top of the waterfall providing an amazing view of Kirkjufell. One of the coolest things about Kirkjufellfoss is that it actually has three parts that flow down along the same river, all of which are known as Kirkjufellfoss. 

As the waterfall is located on private property, there is no entrance fee. There are also two parking lots located just off of the road. 

Be sure to visit Kirkjufellfoss and Kirkjufell on your next trip to Iceland, there is nothing quite like the waterfalls in Iceland.

Gođafoss, Iceland

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Gođafoss is one of the larger waterfalls in Iceland. It drops down 12 meters off a half round rock face. The fall is 30 meters in width. It’s divided up in  a few parts, because of rocks in the waterfall. The water comes from the Skjálfandafljót.

The waterfall is in Northern Iceland, in the district Mývatn, close to Akureyri. It’s close to the ring road which you can follow along Iceland.

The name Gođafoss means waterfall of the Gods. It’s got its name in the year 1000 according to legend. In the year 1000 the AlÞing decided to make Christianity the national religion. Thorgeir Thorkelsson, the one behind this, came near this waterfall on his way home. As a token of his change he threw all his pagan idols in the waterfall. Hence the name Gođafoss.

There’s no entrance fee to visit Gođafoss.

Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contributed by Jeanine from Le Wild Explorer.

Kravice Waterfalls is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 28 miles (44 km) outside the city of Mostar. It’s one of the most beautiful natural sites in the country. The waterfalls are a large tufa cascade on the Trebižat River and are 82 feet high. Kravice is a popular site for locals and visitors. Many tourists do visit as a day trip from Mostar as it’s only an hour away by car.

The summer brings large crowds and you’ll see plenty of people enjoying a swim in the refreshing water and families eating at one of the restaurants on-site. There is an entrance fee and it varies between 6-10 marks (about 3-5€) per person depending on when you visit and is open to the public from May until October. There are organized group tours you can take from Mostar, you can rent a car, or take a taxi. 

The waterfalls are a must and one of the best things to do in Mostar, especially if you have a couple of days in the city. This natural wonder is an absolute gem and a special place in Bosnia. Kravice is a beautiful oasis and a unique place in the Balkans.

Kjosfossen, Norway

Contributed by Derek & Mike from Robe Trotting.

One of the most visited destinations in all of Norway is the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall. The water plunges 225 meters down glacial rocks with a lush green landscape on both sides. The longest single drop is 93 meters which makes it a wonder to see up close. One of the most popular ways to visit the site is on the Flam Railway from the port of Flam to the mountain town of Myrdal. The entire train ride is about two hours long with incredible, scenic views of the mountains, snow melt rivers and enchanting nature. The ride is an amazingly steep incline for a tourist train. It’s a stop on the classic cross-country tour, Norway in a Nutshell or the abbreviated tour, Sognefjord in a Nutshell.

The Kjosfossen waterfall even has a small hydroelectric power station that was once used to power the Flam railway. In the summer months you’ll even get a dance from the “woman in the waterfall” every time the train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall. It’s a little tousity, but a nice addition to a beautiful site and one of Europe’s best waterfalls.

St. Nectan’s Glen, England

Contributed by Jamie from Travel Addict.

St. Nectan’s Glen is located near Tintagel in Cornwall and features several waterfalls. The most famous of the waterfalls is known as St. Nectan’s Kieve and it flows through a carved hole within the rock formation and creates a striking view deep within the woodlands. The experience in visiting St. Nectan’s Glen is really lovely and transports you with its otherworldly vibe.

The woodlands leading to St. Nectan’s Glen have free entry but the waterfalls themselves are ticketed and cost £5.95 for a visit. The parking lot has limited parking. An overflow lot owned by a local farmer costs £3.

The walk leading from the car park to the glen is roughly 30 minutes with some incline. The challenging part of the walk is at the Glen itself, as it involves traversing the steep hillside in order to get some truly beautiful views of the waterfalls. Once at the base of the waterfall you’ll also need to cross a shallow stream of runoff water from the pool at the base of the waterfall. It is recommended to bring waterproof shoes.

Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

A single drop waterfall and one of the many in Iceland. A lot of the waterfalls of Europe can be found in Iceland. The drop the Seljalandsfoss makes is 60 meters. It’s one of the insta famous waterfalls in Iceland.

The Seljalandsfoss is on the ring road around the island, and close to it. It’s in the south of the southwest of the island and part of our 2 day road trip in Iceland.

A cool thing of this waterfall is that you walk behind the fall. Seeing a waterfall from the back is really special. You do get wet though, so wear a rain coat.

There’s no entrance fee for Seljalandsfoss.

Aysgarth Falls, England

Contributed by Coralie from Grey Globetrotters.

For one of the prettiest places to find waterfalls in Europe, head for the wild and beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire. While there are many waterfalls to choose from in “God’s Own County”, one of the most popular and most accessible is Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale. Located close to the quaint village of Hawes (best known as the home of Wensleydale cheese), the Aysgarth Falls are at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, about 100 minutes’ drive from the city of York

Following a one-mile course carved over the years by the River Ure through limestone hills, Aysgarth has three beautiful flights of falls to enjoy, all surrounded by woodland and farmland. Pleasant woodland walks make it easy to stroll along to see these falls, although the stones alongside the river can be very slippery, particularly after rainfall!

While it’s free to visit the falls, parking at the nearby Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre is payable. The centre is open daily from April until October, but only at weekends during the colder months. The falls are also accessible by bus from the village of Hawes, making for a lovely day out in North Yorkshire.

Torc Waterfall, Ireland

Contributed by Isabelle from Cultured Voyages.

Torc Waterfall is a 20 metre high cascade waterfall, located just outside the town of Killarney in Ireland. While not the biggest waterfall in Europe, it’s special for other reasons. Torc Waterfall is located inside the world-famous Killarney National Park, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Finding and reaching the waterfall is extremely easy, located just off one of the main paths in the park and indeed, one of the main roads that leads from Killarney town. Hidden within the heart of a dense forest and surrounded by lush, green vegetation it provides a wonderful snapshot of natural Irish landscape. 

You can also hike to the top of the waterfall, via an aptly named path of stones and steps referred to as ‘Cardiac Hill’ for glorious views of the surrounding countryside. The waterfall can be accessed at any time of the day and night and is also completely free to visit.

Gorzifossen, Norway

Contributed by Cazzy from Dream Big, Travel Far.

Gorzifossen Waterfall is located next to the Lyngenfjord bridge located in Northern Norway, and like a lot of great waterfalls in Norway, it requires a small hike to get there. Once you park up at the carpark it’s around an hour’s walk to the waterfall. It’s fairly easy, but you can opt for a longer route that takes around 4 hours if you wish to see the surroundings as well as the waterfall.

The walk itself is beautiful, you wind your way through the mountains, but if visiting in the winter then it’s good to wear waterproof shoes as you’ll probably be walking in the snow. The awesome thing about this waterfall is when it’s frozen over. It looks magnificent and is truly an experience to see. You can even bungee jump off the bridge where the waterfall is located, but that’s not for the faint of heart! Entrance is free to this waterfall and if you visit in winter you will be truly immersed in a winter wonderland.

Aira Force, England

Contributed by Emma from Journey of a Nomadic Family.

Possibly one of the most famous waterfalls in England is Aira Force which is located in Matterdale in The Lake District. It’s located just a short walk from the new Ullswater Pier, Aira Pier and so you can either catch the ferry, The Ullswater Steamer or you can drive and park. 

This staggering beauty falls 70 feet below a stone-built footbridge made all the more famous by the Poet, Wordsworth, who wrote the poem Daffodils after a walk here.  Aira Force is a high cascade which tumbles at great speed down into the valley below you. You can stand above the falls, lean over the bridge are watch the whiteness of the water crash onto the rocks below. The noise is deafening in late autumn when the falls are at their heaviest although in winter they often freeze over and local climbers have permission to climb them. 

The area is owned by the National Trust who charge between £ 5.50-9 for car parking although it is free parking for National Trust members. In the summer these falls are a popular attraction & the car park fills up.  

The picturesque site has a number of smaller falls at the bottom of the site, leading into Aira Beck however if you hike higher you can find the High Force Falls which are flatter and better for paddling. 

Svartifoss, Iceland

Contributed by Agnes from The Van Escape.

Svartifoss is one of the unique waterfalls in South-Iceland.

It is situated in Skaftafell, which belongs to Vatnajökull National Park. Furthermore, it is one of the most famous sights in the park. Skaftafell is a true oasis after driving through the vast black lava sand plains.

There is no entrance fee to the park. But there is a parking fee. So, you must pay a parking fee, which is 600 ISK for regular passenger vehicles and 900 ISK for larger vehicles.

Svartifoss is surrounded by characteristic dark hexagonal basalt columns formed of lava. From these basalts, black columns derive its name – Svartifoss, which means Black Waterfall. The water drops here from only 20 meters, but what attracts tourists is its incredible surroundings. The natural columns surrounding Svartifoss served as the inspiration for architect Guðjón Samúelsson when designing the façade of Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik.

The hike to Svartifoss, starting from the Visitor Centre in Skaftafell, is about 1.5 kilometers. It takes approximately 45 minutes (one way). But it’s easy to hike. Furthermore, the trail is well marked, and the path is wide. On the way to Svartifoss, you come across three other waterfalls; Þjofafoss (Thieves’ Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs’ Fall), and Magnusarfoss (the Falls of Magnus).

Grawa Waterfall, Austria

Contributed by Linda from Travel Tyrol.

The Grawa Waterfall in the Stubai Valley of the Austrian Tyrol is an impressive 85 m wide, making it the broadest waterfall in the Eastern Alps. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, this waterfall also has a drop of over 100 m.

Getting to stand in the healthy spray of the Grawa Waterfall is easy via a well-maintained short hiking trail from the valley road that leads to the Stubai Glacier. A wooden viewing deck with chairs to lounge in gives you time to relax in the “natural air conditioner” which has been proven to be beneficial to your health, especially the respiratory tract.

Visiting the Grawa Waterfall is free of charge, although a parking fee is charged. The waterfall is along the so-called wild water way. Hiking to the top will reward you with a stunning vista of the Sulzenau basin with the Sulzenau mountain hut sitting at the top of the like-named waterfall.

If you’re not in the mood to walk that far, you can simply sit on the terrace of the Grawa Alm and enjoy something to eat and drink while watching the waterfall.

Stuiben Waterfall, Austria

Contributed by Linda from Travel Tyrol.

Not far from where the famous Ötzi the Iceman was discovered, the Stuiben Waterfall plunges 159 m into the Horlach Creek. This makes it the tallest waterfall in the Austrian Tyrol.

The Stuibenfall, is it is known locally, is fed by seven springs in the Stubai Alps. Experiencing the falls in all its facets is made easy via a well-developed trail including an 80-m suspension bridge and 700 steps along the steepest part of the falls.

What makes a visit to the Stuiben Waterfall even more attractive, are the popular Ötzidorf and the Ötz Valley Birds of Prey Park at the start of the waterfall trail on the outskirts of Umhausen in the Ötz Valley. Together, they make for a great family day trip to the Ötz Valley.

Hiking the waterfall trail and enjoying the views from the various platforms is free of charge. For Ötzidorf and the Ötz Valley Birds of Prey Park it works out cheaper to buy a combination ticket.

Sum Waterfall, Slovenia

Contributed by Emma from The World by Emstagram.

The incredible Šum Waterfall is the biggest of three river waterfalls in Slovenia, with its 13 metre high drop from the Radovna River. You can find the waterfall at the end of Vintgar Gorge, a 1.6km gorge through the Hom and Borst hills. Your 60 minute walk through Vintgar Gorge will end at a wooden bridge allowing you to get a birds eye view of the waterfall. Then you can drop down to a wooden platform below, giving you another opportunity to view this amazing waterfall. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you can often see amazing colours across the waterfall.

Vintgar Gorge is a popular site to visit from Lake Bled. There is a car park at there but if you are coming by train, Podhom station is around a 20 minute walk away. There’s a 5€ entry fee to Vintgar Gorge and subsequently to view the waterfall – there are discounts for students and children!

Loenense Waterfall, The Netherlands

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

A man-made waterfall that is being fed by a creek. The creek springs in the forest of Schalter.

The waterfall is in Loenen, close to Apeldoorn on the Veluwe. Not that far from De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

The waterfall is 15 meters high and has stairs on both sides. It’s not one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, but its the highest waterfall in The Netherlands.

There’s no entrance fee and the waterfall is reachable from the parking lot Vrijenberg on the N786.

So that’s our fabulous list of waterfalls in Europe,

From Iceland to Madeira and from Ireland to Bosnia. Europe is full of beautiful waterfalls. Can’t get enough of waterfalls? We’ve done the same for North America waterfalls, South American waterfalls and African waterfalls.

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