Top Waterfalls in the Winter to Visit in Iceland

From roaring giants to hidden falls framed in snow, each reveals a different side of Iceland’s winter landscapes. With fewer crowds and the thrill of icy adventures, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Ready to plan your trip to Iceland? Here are the top waterfalls to see this winter.

While you’re here, check out our Iceland adventure tours for a more unforgettable experience!

Iceland is a land of waterfalls, with thousands scattered across its volcanic landscapes. While they impress year-round, winter turns them into something extraordinary. Snow-dusted cliffs, glittering icicles, and frozen spray transform the scenery into a frozen wonderland. Some waterfalls partly freeze, forming surreal ice sculptures, while others thunder on, more dramatic against the stillness. Moreover, trails are quieter, pastel sunrises linger over icy cliffs, and the Northern Lights may shimmer above the falls. 

In winter, Iceland’s waterfalls become icy wonders, and each shows a different side of the country’s frozen beauty. Here are the top waterfalls to see this season.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and the crown jewel of the Golden Circle. In winter, its two-tiered cascade plunges between snow-covered cliffs, while frozen spray forms glittering ice along the canyon walls. On clear nights, it can be a magical spot to watch the Northern Lights over the frozen landscape.

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and photogenic waterfalls, dropping 60 m (197 ft) in a perfect curtain. In winter, snowy cliffs and icy spray transform the scene into a sparkling wonder. Its wide-open setting makes it especially striking under a pastel sky.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is famous for the path that leads behind its curtain of water. In winter, that route is usually closed, but the front view framed by snow and icicles is breathtaking. Just a few minutes’ walk away, Gljúfrabúi hides in a narrow canyon, where light filtering through the gap creates a magical icy scene.

Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods,” is one of North Iceland’s most beautiful and historic sites. Legend has it that pagan idols were thrown into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity. In winter, its horseshoe-shaped cascade is edged with ice, while turquoise water flowing through the frozen surroundings creates a striking scene.

Hraunfossar is unlike any other waterfall in Iceland: dozens of streams seep through lava fields into the Hvítá River. In winter, snowy lava rocks frame the bright blue water in a striking contrast. A short walk away, Barnafoss rushes through a rocky channel, its icy current adding a sense of force to the gentler lava falls.

Kirkjufellsfoss is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, set beneath the triangular Kirkjufell mountain. In winter, the snowy peak and partly frozen falls create a postcard-perfect scene. On clear nights, the Northern Lights often dance overhead, making it a favorite spot for winter photographers.

Svartifoss, in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, is framed by striking black basalt columns that give it its name, “Black Falls.” In winter, snow and icicles transform the cliffs into a frozen cathedral, with the dark lava contrasting against the white ice and flowing water.

Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, plunging 45 m (148 ft) into a rugged canyon. In winter, the mist freezes on the cliffs, creating a surreal, icy landscape. Just upstream, Selfoss (not to be confused with the town in South Iceland) offers a softer contrast with its wide horseshoe of cascades, combining raw force and quiet beauty in one stop.

For a stress-free way to see Iceland’s frozen wonders, join the 9-Day Iceland Ring Road Winter Group Adventure. This guided itinerary combines the country’s top waterfalls with glacier landscapes, black-sand beaches, geothermal sites, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. The journey includes the Golden Circle with Gullfoss, the South Coast with Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and North Iceland’s Dettifoss on the Diamond Circle.

Want fewer or more days? Explore our extensive range of Ring Road tours.

Exploring Iceland’s waterfalls in winter is unforgettable, but conditions can be challenging. Keep these tips in mind:

For more tips, read our guides on packing for winter and getting around Iceland.

Iceland’s waterfalls in the winter offer a new kind of beauty, from snow-framed icons on the Golden Circle and South Coast to the icy power of northern cascades. Visiting them in the colder months means fewer crowds, dramatic frozen scenery, and even the chance of seeing the winter northern lights above the falls. Whether on a guided tour or self-drive, bundle up, plan wisely, and prepare for one of Iceland’s most unforgettable winter adventures.

Don’t let your Iceland adventure end here—explore our winter tours and Northern Lights tour packages for even more unforgettable experiences.

Yes. Most major waterfalls are easily accessible year-round, though trails may be icy.

Partly. Smaller falls may freeze, but larger ones usually continue to flow with icy edges.

All year. Winter brings snow and ice; summer offers green landscapes and stronger glacial flow.

Partly. The edges freeze, but the main cascade stays powerful.

No. The path to this beautiful waterfall is usually closed due to ice and slippery conditions.