In winter, Iceland’s waterfalls take on a fairytale quality. Sparkling icicles, ice stalactites, frozen mists… but always with running water, the winter experience is fascinating.
Here are 7 waterfalls to see in Iceland in winter that are accessible without too much difficulty.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
About Iceland’s waterfalls in winter
Access to Iceland’s waterfalls in winter
Iceland has many magnificent waterfalls. In winter conditions, they can be even more enchanting, with ice and contrasting colors.
But with snow and ice, access to many is very difficult in winter: by road or on foot.
Here we’ve collected the 7 cascades that are still easily accessible and, in our opinion, well worth a visit in winter. They are one of the must-see places in Iceland in winter.
Easily accessible waterfalls map
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Access conditions
These waterfalls can be seen with just a short walk from the parking lots on well-maintained paths.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
1. Kirkjufellsfoss in winter
Why we love it
Kirkjufellsfoss isn’t the most impressive of waterfalls, but it’s one of the most magical places with the Kirkjufell mountain behind it.
In winter, the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall takes on a fairytale appearance. The falls are partially frozen, creating formations of ice and stalactites clinging to the rock face. The voici river is also partially frozen and snow-covered.
It’s a series of two waterfalls over a height of around 16m.
Access and useful tips
- On the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Parking along route 54
- From Reykjavik = 2h30 drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h20 drive
- 5-minute walk from the parking lot to reach the high waterfall
- It’s a great place to see the northern lights.
- No installation at the waterfall, but the town of Grundarfjordur is nearby.
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2. Seljalandsfoss in winter
Why we love it
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls because you can walk behind it.
Unfortunately (but fortunately for our safety) this path is closed in winter.
You can only admire the 60m-high waterfall from the front. It’s already very pretty, with stalactites forming on the parts where the start is less powerful.
In addition, the path along the ancient cliffs is landscaped and takes you to another waterfall hidden in the rock: Gljufrabui.
Access and useful tips
- On Iceland’s south coast
- 5 min detour from Route 1
- From Reykjavik = 1h40 drive
- From Vik = 1h drive
- Waterfall visible from the parking lot
- Then you can walk less than 5 minutes to the foot of the waterfall and then walk along the cliff.
- Pay parking nearby
- Snack bar in parking lot.
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
3. Gljufrabui in winter
Why we love it
Gljufrabui is Seljlandsfoss’ sister waterfall. It is located on the same cliff, but is often overlooked.
It’s a small waterfall partially hidden in a rocky canyon.
You can see it dry from the outside, or if you have waterproof shoes, you can enter this hidden little world.
Access and useful tips
As for Seljalandsfoss above. Less than 10min walk from the main waterfall
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- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
4. Skogafoss in winter
Why we love it
Skogafoss is one of our favorite winter waterfalls.
The cascade is powerful, a curtain of water 60m high and 25m wide.
Because of its power and water volume, it won’t freeze in winter.
We love the different perspectives you can get, and also the contrasts between black rock and white snow.
Access and useful tips
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Close to Route 1
- From Reykjavik = 2h drive
- From Vik = 30min drive
- Waterfall visible from the parking lot
- Easy flat walk to approach the waterfall
- And to get up to the high platform, over 350 steps. Please note that we do not recommend it for people who suffer from vertigo.
- It’s a great place to see the northern lights.
- Bistro next to the parking lot
>> Read more in our article
5. Gullfoss in winter
Why we love it
In winter, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall also takes on a fairytale appearance. Although it never freezes completely due to the immense flow of glacial water, some parts of the cascade are enveloped in ice and snow. Icicle formations cling to the canyon’s rock walls.
The contrast between the still-moving torrent and the icy background creates a striking winter scene.
The average flow of this cascade is still 80 to 110 m³/s in winter. It’s quite impressive…
Access and useful tips
- On the road to the Golden Circle
- North East of Reykjavik, Route 35
- From Reykjavik = 2h drive
- From Haukadalur / Geysir = 10min drive
- A short walk from the parking lots to viewpoints on the upper section
- Metal staircase for descending from different vantage points
- Easier parking, in the upper parking lot
- Restaurant in the building for visitors
- It’s a great place to see the northern lights.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
6. Godafoss in winter
Why we love it
In winter, the Godafoss waterfall is one of the most enchanting, in our opinion.
As the river continues to flow, parts of the waterfall are frozen solid, forming stalactites in white and blue.
The surrounding area is covered in snow, creating a striking contrast with the rushing glacial waters.
Access and useful tips
- In North Iceland
- Direct access along Route 1
- From Akureyri = 40min drive
- From Lake Myvatn = 50min drive
- 10min walk along the river to admire the different viewpoints.
- Petrol station with snack bar
- It’s a great place to see the northern lights.
7. Hraunfossar in winter
Why we love it
Hraunfossar is one of our favorite waterfalls, whether in summer or winter. That’s because it’s so different from all the others in Iceland. Here, thousands of streams flow between the lava rocks.
In winter, the view becomes tricolored: the black of lava, the white of snow and streams, and the intense blue of the glacial river. It’s a magical winter landscape!
Access and useful tips
- On the Silver Circle, inland from the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
- On Route 518
- From Reykjavik = 1h drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h drive
- 5min walk from the parking lot to admire the waterfall
- Restaurant and café above the parking lot
- It’s a great place to see the northern lights.
8. Barnafoss in winter
Why we love it
Barnafoss is a waterfall with a gentle gradient but great power, as the water is trapped in a narrow passage.
In winter, it’s one of the best places to marvel at the blue color of the glacier water.
Once again, we loved the contrasts and power of this waterfall.
Access and useful tips
In the same place as Hraunfossar above, just keep walking for 5 minutes on the open paths.
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Other well-known waterfalls and their winter access: Dettifoss, Aldeyjarfoss…
You may also find photos of other well-known waterfalls in Iceland in winter. Some photographers are prepared to go to great lengths to access these locations in winter.
But it’s more complicated for the classic tourist….
Dettifoss in winter
Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and impressive waterfalls.
Unfortunately, the access roads on either side of the canyon are difficult to access in winter.
The main road 864 leading directly to Dettifoss from the east is usually closed from January to the end of May due to heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions.
Alternative route 862 from the west may remain open, but it is not cleared of snow or ice and requires a 4WD vehicle.
Super Jeep tours are available on certain days to see Dettifoss. They have the necessary equipment. See availability
Aldeyjarfoss in winter
Aldeyjarfoss is one of photographers’ favourite waterfalls.
Access to it already requires a 4WD in summer, so it’s no easier in winter.
The last 5 km are particularly complicated.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
