Discover 7 of the most magnificent Iceland waterfalls in winter.
These remain accessible and offer winter wonderlands with flowing sections and frozen ones.
They are all worth a visit! Let's admire them...
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Magnificent Iceland waterfalls in Winter
How many waterfalls in Iceland?
That number depends on how you count. Some websites state 10000, others 200... A 50cm drop in a river can be considered a waterfall. Let's just say there are many.
If you count significant waterfalls worth visiting and that you can reach in Summer, then we can list 30 to 35 Icelandic falls. That number falls in Winter as roads are not cleared and hikes become impossible with the snow.
7 falls easy to reach in Winter
In this article, I am introducing the 7 most famous waterfalls to visit in Winter as they remain easy to access.
Most of them can be visited on a day trip from Reykjavik (see my list of the best winter tours) except Godafoss, because it is in North Iceland.
Normally roads are cleared quite quickly to reach them. But because of unstable conditions, roads may be closed at the last minute in case of snow and wind - always check out the status on road.is.
All 7 of them can be found in my guide to help you easily plan you Iceland Winter road trip:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
- 115+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Skogafoss in Winter
Why visit?
- Skogafoss is a giant shower curtain waterfall
- It is 60m high (197ft) and 25m wide (82ft)!
- If it is sunny, you might be lucky and see a rainbow across it.
- You can admire if from afar, from almost under it, and from above thanks to a staircase (with 350 stairs) up to a viewing platform.
Does Skogafoss freeze?
The flow of water is very impressive.
Skogafoss has such a high volume that it does not freeze in Winter.
Location & winter Access
- On the South Coast - along Road 1
- Reykjavik to Skogafoss = 2h drive
- Vik to Skogafoss = 30min
- If you don't want to drive, you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik - see tour options
- Easy to walk to the waterfall, but 350 slippery stairs to the platform
- As it is a very touristic spot, they clear the marked walking paths - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add to your shoes at any time
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Skogafoss in Winter article.
Where to stay nearby?
The village right by the waterfall is called Skogar.
- If you want to stay within walking distance of the waterfall - check out the Skogafoss hotel or check out the Skogar hotel
- If you don't mind staying a little bit further - drive west (5 min drive), the Garage Guesthouse is in a stunning location - check out photos and prices
Seljalandsfoss in Winter
Why visit?
- It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland because there is a walking path behind it. However, that path is closed in Winter.
- Despite that fact, it is still a wonderful stop to see the 60m (197ft) high drop with the half cave behind.
- And you can enjoy it from various angles including a little bridge over the river where the water flows.
Location & winter Access
- Located on the Icelandic South Coast - 5 min drive from the Ring Road
- Reykjavík to Seljalandsfoss - 1h40 drive in good conditions
- Vik to Seljalandsfoss - 1h drive in good conditions
- If you don't want to drive, you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik - see tour options
- The paths can get quite icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add to your shoes at any time.
- Closest carpark for a fee
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Seljalandsfoss in Winter article.
Neighbour
You can walk from Seljalandsfoss, along the ancient cliff to another waterfall.
This one is hidden inside the cliff. It is called Gljufrafoss ou Gljubrabui.
It is a nice really short walk that will offer more perspectives on Seljalandsfoss.
Where to stay nearby?
Gullfoss in Winter
Why visit?
- Gullfoss is one of the most visited Icelandic waterfalls in Iceland, because it is on the Golden Circle
- It is quite an impressive sight as the water first cascades over small stairs before dropping and rushing into a canyon
- Plus, they have made a fantastic job at setting up several viewing point at the top and the bottom
- Make sure to walk the top paths for the magnificent view of the canyon, that you can see in the picture below.
- The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 140 m³/s in the summertime and 80 to 110 m³/s in the wintertime. Quite impressive... This is why it is worth visiting it!
Location & winter Access
- North East of Reykjavik, on the Golden Circle, Road 35
- Reykjavik to Gullfoss = 2h drive
- If you don't want to drive, you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik - see tour options
- The path and staircase are well maintained
- Easier to park at the top carpark
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Gullfoss in Winter article.
Where to stay nearby?
- Check out the accommodations around Gullfoss
- Or head to Fludir (see accommodations) or Selfoss (see accommodations) before continuing to the South Coast
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
- Option 1 - Local experts - Iceland has a lot of specificities and offerings by local companies are adapted - compare cars and prices of quality local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
- Option 2 - International Brands - compare offers on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Kirkjufellsfoss in Winter
Why visit
- This waterfall is quite different. It is smaller with 2 stops that are only 5M high (16ft)
- However, the landscape is really a wonderland
- And some parts of the waterfall and river do freeze.
- Plus, the background of the waterfalls is the magnificent Kirkjufell mountain with its strange shape.
- Do not miss it!
Location & winter Access
- Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, on its North coast, road 54
- Reykjavik to Kirkjufell = 2h30
- Borgarnes to Kirkjufell = 1h20
- There is a mountain pass on road 56 to reach the North Coast of the peninsula. The road may be closed in case of snow and wind - check out the status on road.is
- If you don't want to drive, you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik - see tour options
- The area can be windy and slippery.
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Kirkjufell in Winter article.
Where to stay nearby?
If you want to get a chance to see the sunset, the sunrise or the northern lights over Kirkjufell, the best option is to stay in Grundarfjordur, the little town nearby.
I tried 2 of their accommodations:
- Hotel Framnes : The location was great by the water - Check out photos and book
- The Old Post Office Guesthouse was a cheaper option with shared bathroom. It was comfortable, clean and very well located - Check out photos and book
- or Check out the accommodations in Grundarfjordur
Godafoss in Winter - partially frozen Iceland waterfall
Why visit
- This is the waterfall of the Gods!
- It is one of the best waterfalls to see frozen icicles up close - it is magnificent!
- The walking path take you to the top of the waterfall
- It is not high but has a beautiful horseshoe shape
Location & winter Access
- In North Iceland, along Road 1
- Akureyri to Godafoss = 40min drive
- Lake Myvatn to Godafoss = 50min drive
- This waterfall CANNOT be visited on a day trip from Reykjavik.
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Godafoss in Winter article.
Where to stay nearby?
- Right by the waterfall path, next to the gas station, you can find the Fossholl Guesthouse. I found it really practical. I enjoyed the food, and they were welcoming - Check out photos and availability
- Otherwise, stay in Akureyri or Lake Myvatn
Where to stay in Iceland in Winter?
My tips:
- Reykjavik - capital city - see best rated accommodations
- Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see best rated accommodations
- Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see best rated accommodations
- Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri - capital of the North - see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see best rated accommodations
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss in Winter
Why visit
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss offer yet another completely different experience
- Neither a powerful flow nor a huge drop here - Hraunfossar is made of thousands of small cascades appearing out of the lava rocks
- And up stream, Barnafoss is water rushing and swirling into a narrow canyon
- But what makes the location even more special is the intense blue shades of the water.
Location & winter Access
- On the Silver Circle, inland from the Snaefellsnes peninsula - to be combined with Reykholt historical town, the Ice Tunnel and the Vidgelmir lava tube.
- Road 518
- Borgarnes to Hraunfossar = 1h drive
- Reykjavik to Hraunfossar = 2h drive
- If you don't want to drive, you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik - see tour options
- Maintained walking path from the carpark - can get a little icy
- See more photos, a video and learn more visit tips on my Hraunfossar in Winter article.
Where to stay nearby?
- Very close to the waterfall is Hotel Husafell with beautiful rooms and amazing views - Check out photos and availability
- Or you can check out all accommodations in the area of Hraunfossar
Want to see more - the best of Iceland in Winter:
- Best things to do in Iceland in Winter - read article
- 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter - read article
- Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips - read article
- Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip - read article
- Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions - read article
- Driving in Iceland in Winter - read article
Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
- 115+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
And keep track of your own trip!
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