Koprova valley is a 12 km long valley with numerous side valleys. It is situated between the Western and High Tatras under the western slopes of the dominant peak Kriváň (one of the Slovak symbol). Koprova valley and the surroundings of the peak Krivan do remember the old mining tradition, especially associated with gold mining activities.

Hiking trails along Koprova valley allow tourists to admire the waterfalls and lakes. It is possible to ascend to the saddles and to the Kôprovský peak. At the lower part of the forested valley, the trail is created alongside the Kôprovský stream.

View Kmeťov waterfall in Kôprova valley – the highest waterfall in Slovakia in a larger map

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The Nant Llech is a small and peaceful river that meanders its way to the edges of Farewell Rock. It is here that the waters of the river make the 27-meter plunge over the edge of the rock face.

Henrhyd Falls, Wales, UK by Dave Mack

The Henrhyd Falls are very well-known; not just in the UK, but throughout the world as well. Up until just recently, the area was a popular destination for those who lived in the UK and just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of inner city life. However, since the falls appeared at the end of the recently released film, The Dark Knight Rises, more and more visitors from all over the world have made the trek down into the gorge.

To get to the Henrhyd Falls, you will need to park your car and take a steep hike down into the very deep gorge lined with oak and ash trees. There is a small bridge at the bottom which will take you to the opposite side of the Nant Llech. From here, special care must be taken as the path narrows and becomes uneven.

There is only one way down into the gorge and one way out so special care must be taken when choosing to make your way down to see the Henrhyd Falls. The path will take you down to the base of the waterfall and if you continue to follow it, the path will take you behind the falls.

The area that Henrhyd Falls is located in is aptly dubbed the Wales Waterfall Country as there are countless falls that can be found throughout the Brecon Beacons National Park. For someone who is planning on visiting the Henrhyd Waterfall, make sure that you bring the proper footwear for the trek down into the gorge.

Take your time and make sure to check out the many other spectacular water falls that can be found throughout the area before you leave.

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Cascate del Serio, Lombardy, Italy by Marco Chiesa

The source of the Cascate del Serio is from the Serio River which is fed by the Bergamo Alps. It was back in 1931 when the Barbellino Dam was built and created the Lago di Barbellino reservoir. This reservoir is used as a source of energy for the local hydroelectric powerplant. As a result, like many of the waterfalls in Italy, it is only open a few times throughout the year.

It is therefore important that if you plan on visiting the region in order to check out the Cascate del Serio, that you need to prepare accordingly and ensure that you are able to make it to the village on the exact day and time that the floodgates are open and the waterfalls began rushing once again. But just remember, that when the waterfall is turned on, it is only going to be visible for about 30 minutes. As a result of the rarity in which the falls are turned on, you will quickly find out upon arriving to the region that there are many other people interested in seeing this rare event.

Long before the existence of the reservoir and the hydroelectric powerplant, there was a romantic legend that was associated with the waterfalls. The legend of the Cascate del Serio speaks of a local girl who had fallen in love with a shepherd boy who had already been engaged. Not wanting to lose her shepherd, she kidnapped fiancée and locked her away forever. The girl cried out for her loss and those tears created the Cascate del Serio.

Opening hours of Cascate del Serio in 2013

Cascate del Serio is planned to be opened in 2013 as follows:

• Sunday 16th June 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Saturday 20th July 2013 – 22:00 – 22:30
• Sunday 18th August 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Sunday 15th September 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Sunday 6th October 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30

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In the Pyrénées Mountains, there are a number of glaciers which had been slowly receding for centuries. This continuously melting ice has resulted in the creation of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie. It is considered to be one of the tallest waterfalls in France and even one of the largest in all of Europe. During the summer months, when the melting of the glaciers increases, several other waterfalls form nearby.

Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, France by Jens Buurgaard Nielsen

The receding glaciers feed the nearby Spanish Lake of Lago Helago. This particular Lake has no surface outflow such as a stream, river or creek. Instead, the glacial waters of the lake seep into the ground before making their way to the waterfall. As a result, the unique experience afforded to one who visits the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie is definitely a rewarding one.

It is important to point out, that while many popular waterfalls throughout Europe are now turned on and off at specific times of the year as a result of them being harnessed for hydroelectric power, the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie is not. The waterfall itself stays on year-round and while it is used as a source of hydroelectric power, the generators are well below the level of the falls.

The amazing geology and spectacular views afforded to one who visits the region only make the trip more enjoyable. Every year, countless visitors from all over Europe and the world make their way to the area just to view the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie as these waterfalls are definitely one of the finest examples of natural splendour in the world.

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