The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Europe

Waterfalls might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Europe, but it has plenty of impressive ones. All across the continent, you can find stunning waterfalls from the famous waterfalls of Plitvice to lesser-known gems, Europe has lots to offer waterfall chasers.

Waterfalls are more than just which is tallest, it’s also about the experience you have there. Sometimes it’s about the journey, other times it’s about the scenery around it, and sometimes it really is because its the biggest out there. Here are the best waterfall experiences you can get in Europe.

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The Best European Waterfalls

Latefossen, Norway

By Adriana of Czech the World

Låtefossen is an amazing 95-meter tall waterfall in south-west Norway. It consists of two separate streams flowing down from the lake Lotevatnet. What makes this waterfall truly special is that it falls directly under the road. You will get wet when walking over the bridge and you can even wash your car a little bit. The old stone bridge with six arches is very beautiful and looks very nice in the pictures.

If you want to truly experience the massive flow of the waterfall, I recommend hiking up along the waterfall. The hiking path begins at the right side of the bridge and you can walk approximately to one-third of the waterfall. Just be careful to not fall down to the waterfall.

Låtefossen is definitely one of the best places to visit in South Norway. It’s very easily reachable by car and is situated pretty close to the world-famous Trolltunga trek, which makes it a nice stop even if you don’t have much time.

Krka National Park, Croatia

By Lara of Both Feet On The Road

The Krka National Park is the second most visited park in Croatia, and after you’ve seen the stunning pictures of the park and the waterfalls, I’m sure you will understand why!

There are a total of seven waterfalls in the park, but the main attraction is the Skradsinki buk falls, a series of 17 cascades. Their stunning surroundings in combination with the fact that you are still allowed to swim in the falls is what makes them such a popular destination. The second most popular waterfalls in Krka National Park are the Roski Slap waterfalls. A series of 12 waterfalls over 450 meters.The other five waterfalls are less visited, though not any less beautiful.

However, due to the large size of the Krka National Park, it is not possible to visit all sites in one visit (without a car, which you can rent at the entrance). So my best advice is to pick which waterfalls you definitely want to visit and pick the entrance that is closest (there are 5 official entrances).

There are plenty of organized day trips to Krka from major tourist destinations, such as Zadar, Sibenik, or Split. Alternatively, you could go by bus or rent a car. A ticket to Krka National Park costs 200 KN (about 28 USD) in July and August and drops to 110 KN April to June, and 30 KN November to March.

Reichenbach Falls, Switzerland

By Liliane of My Toronto My World

Switzerland is a land filled with natural beauty with everything from lakes and mountains to spectacular waterfalls. While there are many great waterfalls in the country, one of the best ones to visit is Reichenbach Falls. Located in Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland Region, the falls are easily visited from Interlaken (an easy 30 minute train ride away).

There are a couple of different ways to visit the waterfall. You can hike to it or you can take a funicular. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours from town to the top of the falls and back down. The funicular is a wooden one that carries 24 passengers at a time to a viewing platform for the fall. The funicular takes 7 minutes to ride the 244 meters up to the platform and offers a great view of the town and valley on the way up. You can purchase a return trip on the funicular for 12 Swiss Franc or you can opt to take it either up or down for 8 Swiss Franc. You can book your tickets online or purchase them in person. Do note if you opt to buy in person they only accept cash!

While the falls are stunning, they’re well known and a must-visit for a very unique reason. Reichenbach Falls is most well known for being the site where Sherlock Holmes faces his enemy Moriarty and ultimately both go over the fall. There’s a plaque on the side of the fall acknowledging the character and the famous fall. If you’re interested in Sherlock Holmes, Meiringen is a great place to visit as there is also a museum dedicated to the famous detective.

Gorge of Ponte Alto, Italy

By Heather of Raulerson Girls Travel

Chasing waterfalls in Europe is a fantastic way to spend your vacation. And one of the best waterfalls in Europe happens to be found in Trento, Italy. You can reach the Orrido (Italian for ‘horrific’ – loud rushing waterfalls) easily by public transportation from the Trento city center (less than 30-minutes by bus). To view and experience the waterfalls at L’Orrido di Ponte Alto (Gorge of Ponte Alto), you must schedule a tour with a guide. 

The Fersina River carved the Gorge of Ponte Alto over thousands of years, but over 500 years ago, engineers built a simple hydraulics dam out of boulders that created these spectacular waterfalls. The canyon separates two mountains only by 4km. The first set of waterfalls can be seen from a wooden pathway. The main waterfall has a 40-meter drop. The second waterfall is further down the gorge with over a 100-meter drop. And you can stand directly over the waterfall’s edge to look straight down. Beware it can be a bit dizzying with the water gushing over the dam into black nothingness. The highlight of the tour though is the opportunity to go behind the largest waterfall. Be prepared for fun, thrills, and getting a bit wet when you visit the Gorge of Ponte Alto.

Salto del Usero, Spain

By Paulina of Visit Southern Spain

One of the prettiest waterfalls in Europe is the Salto del Usero in Bullas near Murcia. This waterfall is not very known outside Spain, however, it’s a great option for things to do in Murcia, Spain as an outdoor lover.
During the summer the waterfall is used as inland beach as it has lower temperatures and small beaches next to the river. It’s thus perfect if you want to escape the summer heat in Southern Spain.

The erosion of the river bed has given rise to an unusual vault-like structure, with water plunging down to the bottom in a 3- to 4-meter-high cascade. 

You can access to the Salto del Usero by routes and handrails situated around the river. You can depart from Bullas village. There are plenty of other hiking trails nearby, thus it’s perfect if you want to combine the waterfall with a day hike.

Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland

By Kathi of Watch Me See

From the tall cliffs of the coast to the hidden valleys in the mountains, Scotland is a fantastic destination to go chasing waterfalls. One of my favourite waterfalls in Scotland is Grey Mare’s Tail in Kinlochleven, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Tucked away at the end of Loch Leven near Glencoe, the falls of Grey Mare’s Tail are among the tallest waterfalls in the country. The water tumbles down the narrow gorge for almost 50m and forms multiple cascades. A short, but steep trail leads from the village of Kinlochleven into the forest. First, visit the foot of the waterfall to view it from below and feel the power of the spray, particularly during or after rainfall. Then, continue on the trail to climb to the top of Grey Mare’s Tail and enjoy the views across Loch Leven and the Mamore mountain range.

Adrenaline junkies can get an even closer look at the waterfall by booking a climbing tour with Vertical Descents on Scotland’s only Via Ferrata. The route climbs up the steep rock wall beside the waterfall, crosses over it on steel cables, and ends with an exhilarating zip line across the rapid river. The perfect adventure!

Note: There is also a Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall near Moffat which is also well worth a visit.

Cascades du Hérisson, France

By Elisa of France Bucket List

Waterfall passionates will love the Cascades du Hérisson, in the Jura. The Jura mountains are located in Eastern France, close to the border with Switzerland, and more specifically in the French region of Bourgogne-Franche Comté.

The Cascades du Hérisson (Hedgehog Waterfalls in French) is a series of beautiful waterfalls, all different and unique. The waterfalls are all linked by a well-marked trail and it is a popular half-day trip in the area.

The trail is well kept and with handrails but this is a humid area, often on the shade, and the floor is slippery most of the time so good walking shoes are a must. Also, the height difference between the first and the last waterfall on the trail is important so it is recommended to be fit.

When to visit the Cascades du Hérisson? We recommend exploring the waterfalls and the Jura on a road trip during the fall, ideally after a couple of days of rain to see the waterfalls at full power. Visiting the waterfalls during the summer can be a bit disappointing as they have less water plus the area is crowded with tourists.

South Coast of Iceland

By Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

Iceland’s South Coast is the perfect place to visit for waterfall lovers. Rather than just a single waterfall that makes the list, the number of great waterfalls in this region makes it a top place to visit for waterfalls in Europe. In just a single day trip from Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, you can see some of the best waterfalls in Iceland.

The first stop of the day should be Seljalandsfoss. This massive waterfall is worth visiting because you can easily walk behind it. You’re guaranteed to get a bit soaked from all the mist. Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss is a hidden waterfall known as Gljufrabui and several smaller waterfalls that stream down the cliffside. Gljufrabui is partially obscured by rocks but there is a short trail to reach it.

A short drive from Seljalandsfoss is Skogafoss. Skogafoss is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. At 25m wide and 60m tall, it’s one of the largest waterfalls in the country. You can walk to near the bottom of the falls but there is tons of spray so you may want to stay further away or take the many steps to see above Skogafoss.

Close to Skogafoss is another waterfall you can walk behind, Kvernufoss. While the other waterfalls are easy to reach by driving, Kvernufoss does require a short hike to reach it. Because there is a 30 min hike, there are less people at Kvernufoss than at the very close by Skogafoss.

Because of the number of waterfalls on Iceland’s south coast, it really is the perfect place to visit if you love waterfalls.

25 Fontes Falls, Madeira, Portugal

By Darek and Gosia of Darek and Gosia

Madeira is full of brilliant viewpoints and places attracting landscape photographers. So if you love nature, walking and waterfalls then you really have to visit Madeira island in Portugal to see the stunning 25 Fontes Falls!

This magical places in located in Rabaçal in western part of the Madeira island. This waterfall is a bit hidden and so it’s required to go for a hike in order to get there. After just under one hour of walking you will finally get to this fairy-tale-like place.

The 25 springs (25 Fontes – Vinte e Cinco Fontes) is located at an altitude of 900 m above sea level, which makes is even more spectacular. Water rustles around, after all, the name suggests that there are 25 sources here. The truth is that there are many more, but somehow the number 25 was adopted. Water flows mysteriously from above and it looks a bit like it was flying straight from the sky. An unbelievable place!

By jumping on large stones, you can go closer to the sources and a small lake, where you can even swim during warmer months.

So, are you ready to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe?

Savica Waterfall, Slovenia

By Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan

This is the best-known waterfall in Slovenia and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Naturally, it doesn’t have the power or force of top-class waterfalls like Victoria or Iguazu waterfalls, but its delicate nature as it gently cascades down the rockface is a big part of its charm.

And for Slovenians, it’s also an important part of their literary heritage. “Baptism on the Savica” is a long, epic poem written by France Prešeren, an acclaimed Romantic poet. Children learn parts of this poem by heart in school, so seeing the waterfall in person holds a special appeal for them. But even if you’ve never read the poem, you’ll certainly appreciate the natural beauty of this place.

Located in Triglav National Park near Lake Bohinj, you’ll need to take a short hike along a well-tended path to reach the falls. Keep in mind that this involves climbing roughly 500 steps. Wearing shoes with a good grip is strongly advised, as the path can sometimes get slippery. The main viewing platform is where most people stop for photos, but you can actually keep walking a bit further to get a closer view.

Bagni San Filippo, Italy

By Gabrijela Zec of Under Flowery Sky

Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany is one of many thermal hot springs found in this fairytale-like landscape of Italy. They were formed from the volcanic activities at Monte Amiata, a lesser-known hidden gem in Tuscany. Such a blessedness to take a swim in the middle of nature all year round, for free! While visiting Val d’Orcia, I was eagerly waiting for the opportunity to swim during 5 days of constant rain. It finally happened one sunny morning which turned into a rainy afternoon.

The highlight of Bagni San Filippo is the “White whale”, a fabulous waterfall made of calcium that stands in beauty. The colours and shapes change constantly, especially after rain when they become green and spectacular. This unique waterfall sculpture is like a frozen beauty. The warm water of the pools makes it perfect to enjoy their exquisite blue colours. The thermal mud of the pools can offer you a natural beauty treatment.

The village itself is a lovely place equipped with shops and souvenirs. There is also a spa hotel and wellness centre with a swimming pool and beauty treatments thanks to the abundance of the sulphurous water.

The best option to visit Bagni San Filippo is by car or by taking the train from Chiusi-Chianciano terme and then getting a bus. From Siena, it is 60 km.

Staubbach Falls, Switzerland

By Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

Staubbach Falls in Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the country. The combination of a cute alpine village and a massive waterfall makes for many great photo opportunities.

At 297m tall, it is the tallest waterfall in Switzerland and one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe. The falls tower over the village of Lauterbrunnen where you can see and hear the falls from.

It is best to visit Staubbach Falls after a rainfall or in early spring when there are meltwaters from the snow. Because of its height, at other times the water often doesn’t reach the rocks below as it is lost as spray.

While it is best to view during the daytime, if you are staying in Lauterbrunnen you will also be able to see Staubbach Falls at night as they are lit up at night.

In addition to Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen Valley is famous for having multiple waterfalls in the valley. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of options in this area that will take you around more waterfalls. This area is thought to be the inspiration behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell, as he hiked in the valley in 1911 while on a trip.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

By Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is one of those places that should be on everyone’s bucket list. There are dozens upon dozens of waterfalls here that flow from the 16 lakes at the park. Visiting Plitvice was a dream come true for me, and it exceeded all of my expectations.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls at Plitvice is Veliki Slap, which is the tallest at 78 m. The sheer amount of waterfalls at Plitvice are what makes it special. As you walk around the boardwalks here you will go over and beside waterfalls. It feels like everywhere you turn is another waterfall.

The waters flowing over the chalk and limestone have created barriers that help to form the waterfalls. Because of the unique geographical and ecological features of the park, Plitvice was named as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Plitvice is a very popular tourist destination so try to visit in the offseason. The waterfalls here are spectacular year-round so a visit in spring (April-May) or autumn (October-November) would be best as you will deal with fewer crowds.

While you can see most of the park in 4 hours, I recommend giving yourself an entire day as it is nice not to have to rush through the park. Even though it is frequently done as a day trip from bigger cities like Zadar, Split, or Zagreb, it’s worth staying in one of the villages around Plitvice. It will give you the opportunity to beat the tour buses and be in the park after they leave. It’s truly a magical experience to have the boardwalk to yourselves.

Kravice Waterfall, Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

The Balkans are full of fantastic waterfalls and Kravice Waterfall located in the heart of Herzegovina part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the best. The water here is crystal clear and very inviting. You can swim in the lake or take a boat to get up close to the waterfall. There are also food options here in the small restaurant. It’s easy to spend a few hours here relaxing. While it can get busy, if you are driving yourself you should be able to avoid tour buses.

For the most spectacular views of Kravice Waterfall, go in the spring when the water flow is highest.

It’s easy to combine a trip to Kravice Waterfall with a visit to Mostar, and both can be done as a day trip from either Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia. Because of it’s proximity to Dubrovnik, it is popular as a day trip option for those that skipping Plitvice Lakes.

St. Nectan’s Glen, United Kingdom

By Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re in the UK and looking for incredible waterfalls, look no further then St Nectan’s Glen. 

This breathtaking series of waterfalls is nestled in a gorge and looks like something out of a fairytale.

To get there, you walk through beautiful woodlands, surrounded by nature and often following the path of the river, before suddenly sighting the magnificent St Nectan’s Kieve.

St Nectan’s Kieve is a 60ft waterfall which falls through a hole in the rock- adding to the drama. It used to be a basin, but the water eventually eroded it into what you see today. 

St Nectan’s Glen is located in Tintagel, Cornwall- really close to the famous Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s cave from King Arthur’s legend.

But many people are unaware of the waterfalls or the glen’s existence- so it’s a lot less crowded and ‘touristy’ than other places in the area- especially in summer.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning and try to be first on the trail so you can experience St Nectan’s Kieve by yourself (and get the best photos!)

Best Places for Waterfall-Lovers to Visit in Europe

There you have it, the best waterfalls to visit in Europe for any waterfall lover. Let me know about your experiences, or if there are some waterfalls missing from this list, in the comments below.

I hope this list gave you some travel inspiration and you added a few places to your Europe bucket list after reading this. Waterfalls are some of my favourite sights to see when on vacation and I always try to find some to add to my itineraries.

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