Best Waterfalls in Europe: 12 Stunning Spots

Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls, ranging from thunderous glacial torrents to gentle, multi-tiered cascades flowing through lush valleys. Whether you’re drawn to the sheer force of Dettifoss in Iceland, the historic Cascata delle Marmore in Italy, or the fairytale setting of Plitvice Waterfalls in Croatia, each of these European waterfalls offers something unique.

Some are easily accessible from main roads, while others reward hikers with stunning, secluded views. This guide explores the best waterfalls in Europe, with insider tips on when to visit, how to experience them, and what makes each one special.

1. Krimml Waterfalls, Salzburg, Austria

Krimml Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Europe, with a total drop of 380 meters (1,247 feet) across three cascades. Located in Hohe Tauern National Park, it’s fed by glacial meltwater from the Krimmler Ache River, which peaks in summer. A 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) trail with viewing platforms follows the falls, offering progressively better perspectives as you ascend. The lowest viewpoint is easily accessible, while the upper platform requires a 1.5-hour uphill hike. For those who want to explore further, the trail continues toward Krimmler Achental, a scenic alpine valley.

Insider Tips

For a less crowded experience, visit early in the morning or late afternoon when day-trippers leave. If visiting in July or August, consider taking the Krimml Waterfall Taxi to skip the steepest section of the hike. The WasserWelten Krimml museum near the entrance explains the waterfall’s impact on health and its connection to air ionization.

Best time to go

The best time to visit is May to October, when snowmelt ensures peak water flow. July and August have the highest volume but also the largest crowds. The falls partially freeze in winter, creating a unique icy landscape, though accessibility is limited.

2. Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe by volume, with an impressive width of 150 meters (492 feet) and a drop of 23 meters (75 feet). Located near the German border, it’s one of the top Switzerland waterfalls to visit, especially in summer when the snowmelt boosts water flow. The best way to experience it is from the Schloss Laufen side, where trails and platforms bring you to the roaring edge. For an up-close adventure, take a boat ride to the central rock, where you can climb a staircase to a tiny viewpoint surrounded by rushing water.

Insider Tips

Arrive before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid the busiest midday hours. For a unique view, head to Schloss Wörth, where fewer people gather, or visit when the falls are lit up in the evening.

Best time to go

The best times are June and July when melting Alpine snow makes the falls thunderous. If you prefer fewer crowds, early spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) still offer strong flows without the peak-season rush. Winter gives the falls an icy, dramatic look, but boat trips may not run.

3. Vøringsfossen, Eidfjord, Norway

Vøringsfossen is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, with a total drop of 182 meters (597 feet), including a dramatic 145-meter (476-foot) free-fall. It’s located near Hardangervidda National Park, a popular area for hiking. The best view is from the Vøringsfossen Skywalk, a platform with a suspended bridge that crosses the canyon for a dizzying perspective. If you want a more immersive experience, hike down into the Måbødalen valley, where you can see the falls from below.

Insider Tips

Most visitors stop at the main viewpoint, but for a quieter and more unique perspective, take the old road through Måbødalen. The 45-minute hike down gives you a rare, crowd-free angle of the falls.

Best time to go

Visit between June and September, when the snowmelt ensures the strongest flow. Due to heavy snow, the road to the main viewpoint is often closed in winter.

4. Plitvice Waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Waterfalls isn’t just one waterfall—it’s a network of over 90 cascades spread across 16 interconnected lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The most famous waterfalls are Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), the tallest in Croatia at 256 feet (78 meters), and the Lower Lakes' cascading falls, creating a surreal, layered effect. Visitors can explore via wooden walkways directly over the water or electric boats connecting different parts of the park.

Insider Tips

Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds, especially in summer. If visiting in peak season, choose Entrance 2, which is less crowded than Entrance 1. Autumn is stunning, with colorful foliage reflecting in the lakes.

Best time to go

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of water levels and fewer crowds. July and August have stunning colors but get crowded. The waterfalls partially freeze in winter, creating a different but magical experience.

5. Cascata delle Marmore, Umbria, Italy

Cascata delle Marmore is one of the world’s tallest man-made waterfalls, standing 541 feet (165 meters). It was originally built by the ancient Romans in 271 BCE when they diverted the Velino River to prevent flooding. Today, this European waterfall is controlled by a dam and is “turned on” at scheduled times, creating a dramatic surge of water that crashes down the limestone cliffs. The best views are from Belvedere Inferiore (Lower Viewpoint), where you can see the full force of the falls, or Belvedere Superiore (Upper Viewpoint) for a top-down perspective. There are multiple hiking trails, including one that leads to a hidden balcony directly behind the waterfall for a unique, misty experience.

Insider Tips

Check the water release schedule before visiting, as the falls are most powerful when the dam opens. The best photo spot is Balcone degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Balcony), a hidden terrace inside a cave behind the first cascade. Bring a raincoat—you’ll get soaked!

Best time to go

Spring and early summer (April–June) offer the best mix of water flow and comfortable weather. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and early morning visits help avoid tour groups. The falls run at reduced capacity in winter, and some trails may be slippery.

6. Dettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with an estimated flow of 6,816 cubic feet per second (193 cubic meters per second)—that’s like filling 77 Olympic-sized swimming pools every minute or having the force of a small volcanic eruption crashing down the rocks. The sheer power makes the ground vibrate, and the mist can be seen from a kilometer away. It’s part of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, which originates from the Vatnajökull Glacier. There are two main viewpoints: the east side, which has a rugged trail with closer, more dramatic views, and the west side, which has easier access and panoramic perspectives.

Insider Tips

The east-side trail provides a much closer and more intense view, but it’s rough and can be slippery. The west side has a better parking area and facilities but is more crowded. If you’re visiting in winter, go with a guide—roads can be dangerous, and ice makes trails treacherous.

Best time to go

June to September is best, as roads to Dettifoss are often impassable in winter due to snow and ice. If you want to experience it without crowds, visit at sunrise or late in the evening (thanks to Iceland’s midnight sun).

7. Gavarnie Falls, Occitanie, France

Gavarnie Falls is the highest waterfall in France, dropping 1,385 feet (422 meters) from the Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural amphitheater in the Pyrenees. Fed by glacial meltwater, it’s visible year-round but reaches peak flow in late spring and summer. Unlike many waterfalls, it’s best experienced as part of a scenic hike—the easiest route is a 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) round-trip walk from Gavarnie village. For a more adventurous experience, experienced hikers can climb closer via the Brèche de Roland trail, which leads to a legendary natural rock gateway near the Spanish border.

Insider Tips

The best close-up view is from the Hôtel du Cirque, a small lodge near the falls’ base. Bring binoculars—you might spot golden eagles or ibexes on the cliffs above.

Best time to go

May to October is ideal, with peak water flow in June and July when the snowmelt is strongest. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in September, when the fall colors make the landscape even more spectacular.

8. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales

Tucked away in the Berwyn Mountains, Pistyll Rhaeadr is one of Wales’s most famous waterfalls, with water rushing down a 240-foot (73-meter) rock face covered in moss and ferns. A 10-minute walk from the parking area leads to the base, where you can take in the full height of the falls from a stone bridge. A steeper trail climbs to the top, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills and a quieter place to appreciate the waterfall from above.

Insider Tips

For the best photos, head to the small stone bridge near the base, which perfectly frames the falls.

Best time to go

Autumn and winter’s rainy seasons create the most dramatic water flow, while spring and summer bring lush greenery and wildflowers. To avoid the crowds, arrive early or visit on a weekday.

9. Edessa Waterfalls, Central Macedonia, Greece

Edessa’s waterfalls weren’t always visible—until a 14th-century earthquake forced the Edessaios River above ground, changing the city’s landscape. Today, the waterfalls are the town's centerpiece, with Karanos, the largest cascade, plunging into a misty gorge. A hidden path behind the falls lets visitors experience the rush of water up close, and nearby, the Water Museum showcases how the city has harnessed its rivers for centuries.

Insider Tips

The best time for photos is just before sunset when the light reflects beautifully off the water. Don’t miss the underground watermills, where you can see how the falls powered local industries.

Best time to go

Spring (April–June) is ideal, with strong water flow and blooming gardens. Evenings in summer offer a cooler, quieter experience, while winter can give the falls an icy, dramatic look.

10. Cautley Spout, Cumbria, England

Cautley Spout is a multi-tiered waterfall nestled in the rugged landscape of the Howgill Fells. Water tumbles down a 650-foot (198-meter) rock face in cascades, creating a stair-like effect. The best way to experience it is by hiking the 3-mile (5-kilometer) trail from Sedbergh, which winds through rolling hills before reaching the base of the falls. On a clear day, the view from the top stretches for miles across the countryside.

Insider Tips

Pair the hike with a stop at The Cross Keys Inn, a historic 17th-century temperance inn (alcohol-free) known for its traditional English meals and cozy fireplace. For the best lighting, visit mid-morning, when the sun highlights the waterfall’s rugged rock formations.

Best time to go

The cascades are at their strongest after heavy rain in autumn and winter. Spring and summer are great for hiking, with open trails and lush scenery. Arriving early ensures a quieter experience, as the area is popular with walkers.

11. Krka Waterfalls, Krka National Park, Croatia

Krka Waterfalls is a series of cascading waterfalls and emerald pools within Krka National Park, fed by the Krka River. Unlike the more famous Plitvice Lakes, Krka allows visitors to get closer to the water. The main attraction, Skradinski Buk, features 17 natural steps where water tumbles over limestone formations, creating a stunning amphitheater of flowing water. Visitors can explore via wooden walkways, take a boat ride to the historic Visovac Monastery, or hike to the Roški Slap waterfall further upstream.

Insider Tips

Start your visit from the Lozovac entrance, which is less crowded than Skradin. For a unique perspective, take the boat tour to Visovac Island, home to a Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15th century.

Best time to go

Spring and early summer (April–June) offer the best balance of strong water flow and manageable crowds. July and August are peak seasons, making early morning visits the best option. The waterfalls are quieter in autumn, and the surrounding forests turn golden.

12. Skógafoss, South Coast, Iceland

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, known for its 197-foot (60-meter) drop and impressive width, creating a massive water curtain. Thanks to the fine mist, double rainbows often appear on sunny days. A staircase with over 500 steps leads to a viewpoint at the top, offering a different perspective of the falls and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. You can walk right up to the waterfall at the base—just be prepared to get soaked. Skógafoss also marks the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which leads through stunning highland scenery to Þórsmörk.

Insider Tips

The best time to visit without crowds is early morning or late evening, especially in summer when Iceland has nearly 24-hour daylight. If you’re up for an adventure, follow the river upstream beyond the main waterfall—there are hidden falls along the trail that most visitors miss.

Best time to go

Conditions vary year-round. Winter offers fewer crowds and the chance to see the falls partially frozen, but the trails can be slippery. Spring and summer provide the best flow and access to the hiking trails. Avoid midday if you want to skip the tour bus crowds.

Best Waterfalls in Europe: FAQs

What is the most beautiful waterfall in Europe?

Skógafoss in Iceland is frequently hailed as one of Europe’s most stunning waterfalls. Standing at 60 meters high, it is easily accessible and offers breathtaking views. Its picturesque beauty makes it a favorite spot for photographers and visitors alike, adding to its reputation as one of the most Instagrammable locations in the country.

Which country has the widest waterfall in Europe?

The Venta Rapid in Kuldīga, Latvia, is the widest waterfall in Europe. It spans 249 meters and can reach up to 270 meters during spring floods. Depending on the water level in the Venta River, the waterfall’s height varies between 1.8 and 2.2 meters.

Which is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe?

Dettifoss in Iceland is considered Europe’s second-most powerful waterfall. It boasts an impressive water flow of 193 cubic meters per second, which cascades down a 44-meter drop, creating a breathtaking display of natural power.

Is Rhine Falls the largest waterfall in Europe?

Rhine Falls is indeed the largest waterfall in Europe by volume. Located in Switzerland, it’s a stunning natural attraction where visitors can experience the powerful flow and impressive roar of the water. A visit from Zurich offers a convenient way to witness this breathtaking site.

Which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe?

Dettifoss, situated in Vatnajökull National Park, is considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It stands 150 feet tall and spans 320 feet in width.

Why is swimming not allowed at Krka waterfalls?

Swimming at Krka Waterfalls has been prohibited since January 2021 to protect the area’s natural environment. This measure helps preserve the delicate balance of flora and fauna, ensuring the park’s stunning beauty remains intact for future visitors.

Which waterfalls in Croatia allow swimming?

Krka National Park is a stunning spot in Croatia where you can swim near the waterfalls. Unlike Plitviče Lakes National Park, Krka permits swimming in designated areas, offering a unique experience amidst its beautiful cascades. While there might be queues for the boat rides, the enchanting scenery makes it worthwhile. Entrance fees are reasonable, providing access to one of the country’s most picturesque natural attractions.

Where are the two highest waterfalls in Europe?

The two tallest waterfalls in Europe are Vinnufossen in Norway and Röthbachfall in Germany. Vinnufossen is located in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway and is renowned for its impressive height. Röthbachfall, situated in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany, is the tallest waterfall in the country and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.