As we leave behind a turbulent decade and embark on a brand new one we find ourselves asking the question; 'What's the best thing about being alive?' and the resounding response from all at SWHQ was 'nature - and the chance to enjoy it'.

Gazing at a waterfall can be a mesmerising, sometimes frightening, one-of-a-kind experience and lucky for us Europe is full of incredible ones. The biggest and most powerful being the Icelandic 'Fosses' along with many other well-known Scandinavian falls. But there are also smaller, underrated falls that are by no means less majestic - you just need to know where to find them.

So, based on discovering tranquil places that offer a deeper connection to nature and perhaps a spot of wild swimming, here is the Salt-Water Europe list of Waterfalls to visit in the next decade.

St Nectan's Glen, Cornwall

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An idyllic woodland walk brings you to this sacred spot. St Nectan's, a spectacular 60 foot waterfall, pours through a hole in the rocks into a swimmable pool, the Kieve. Some say the water here has healing powers and numerous ribbons, crystals and prayers adorn the foliage and rocks near the waterfall. There's also a tearoom in the summertime. Heavenly.

Parc de Saint-Pons, Gémelos, France

This waterfall in the pristine Parc de Saint-Pons near Marseille in Southern France is a bit off the beaten track for most tourists. A two hour hike will take you to a wide set of falls, wider than they are high. The water descends over mossy stones and spills in to the River Fauge below. The nearby Abbaye de Saint-Pons dates back to the 13th century and was abandoned in the 15th which all adds to the feeling that you have stepped back in time.

Mulafossur, Vargar Island

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If waterfalls that leap off cliffs and chuck themselves into the sea below are your thing, then this one is for you. A charming set of islands located midway between mainland Europe and Iceland, the Faroes are an excellent choice for a hiking trip in totally unspoilt nature. Garsaladur used to be one of the most isolated villages in the Faroes but in 2004 a tunnel was built through the mountains to create better access. The falls which cascade over the high sea cliffs are a spectacular sight.

Poço de Alagoinha, Azores islands

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In Portugal's under-the-radar Azores Islands the multiple waterfalls at Poço de Alagoinha gently flow down a verdant mountainside into a serene green lagoon. It's a hike to get there and accessible only on foot but chasing the waterfalls is half the fun!

With all the different National Parks scattered around Europe and the varied and beautiful scenery on this continent, we have endless opportunities to enjoy nature. What's your favourite European waterfall?

And which of our waterproof Salties would you take with you to explore these paradises of nature?

See all our styles here.

Happy New Decade!

From the team at Salt-Water Europe x

 

 

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