If you enjoy natural wonders and winter hiking, you’ll enjoy the world’s most stunning waterfalls that are even more impressive in winter. Visiting the waterfalls in winter gives you a chance to view them without throngs of crowds, so you can have a truly enchanting experience. Take a look at the best winter waterfalls in the world to plan your trip.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is known for its glaciers and ocean falls. The runoff from the melting glaciers forms beds in the ice, which travel along the icy surface and fall into the sea. It’s not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet, but it’s also a unique experience that few people will have the luck of seeing in person. To see the falls for yourself, you have to travel halfway to the North Pole from Norway and take a boat to get to the spot.
Aldeyjarfoss, Iceland
The iconic Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in Iceland is one of the most beautiful sights in the country, but it’s even better in winter. In winter, the waterfall is framed by snow-covered rocks and spray freezes near the walls at the edge of the waterfall, giving the entire area a stunning white hue. Though the falls aren’t accessible by vehicle in winter, you can brave a winter hike along the Skjalfandafljot River for spectacular scenery and a challenging outdoor experience to reach the waterfall and take unforgettable photos.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Located on the border of New York and Ontario, Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination for most travellers. It’s not only one of the best cities to visit in winter, but the 3 waterfalls are at their most beautiful, thanks to the abundance of shimmering ice that surrounds the falls. At the base, layers of snow and ice cover the water as it hits the river, and the trees and rock near the falls become frozen and snow-covered, framing the falls for excellent photo opportunities.
Niagara Falls at sunrise
High Falls Gorge, New York
Located in the Adirondack Mountains, the High Falls Gorge is one of the most popular waterfall areas in the region and offers fun winter hiking. In winter, you can hike along the Ausable Gorge to see the water cascading over the ancient granite cliffs of Whiteface Mountain. With ice and snow covering virtually every surface of the ancient gorge, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for stunning, scenic photography. You can also snowshoe in the park in winter to get up close to the falls.
Rifle Falls, Colorado
Located in Rifle Falls State Park in Colorado, Rifle Falls is a stunning waterfall that attracts outdoor adventurers from all over. The falls cover limestone caves that are popular for spelunking, though in winter, the entire area is covered with snow and takes on a quiet atmosphere. The park has winter trails that lead to the frozen falls and take you right up close for photos. If you’re daring, the falls are also popular with ice climbers, and the Rifle Falls have specific ice climbing routes for winter.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the United States and a notable landmark in Oregon. Though the waterfall is popular for spring and winter, it turns to ice in winter and provides incredible scenery with few crowds. You can view the falls from the base or climb the Bensen Bridge for unique vantage points for photos and seeing the falls. You can also hike on the trails surrounding the falls to see other smaller falls in the area.
Multnomah Falls
Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina
Looking Glass Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Asheville, and during winter, it’s free from crowds and covered in ice and snow that create a serene wilderness scene. If you want to see the falls, you can travel by road and check it out through the trees, or you could hike the falls to enjoy the winter scenery in the forest along the way. In winter, frozen water accumulates on the side and creates a mirror effect in the sunlight.
Dettifoss, Iceland
Located in the Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland, Dettifoss is regarded as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. It empties into the Fjollum river, which flows from a glacier in Northeast Iceland. In winter, Dettifoss is covered with snow and ice on black rock, which requires winter hiking gear like crampons. Many outdoor enthusiasts travel to Dettifoss in winter, so there are plenty of trails that are marked for safety to help you reach the falls over treacherous terrain.
Dettifoss, Iceland
Get ready for your trip with Expedia
Now that you know what to expect from these stunning waterfalls, you can plan your trip. Take a look at Iceland vacations, Norway vacations, or other destinations on Expedia to plan your adventure to one of these beautiful falls!
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