Urriðafoss is a year-round destination. It is easy to reach on good roads and conveniently located to combine with other visitor attractions and landmarks on Iceland’s scenic South Coast. This gorgeous, voluminous waterfall should definitely be on your itinerary, so in this article we’ve put together a guide to visiting Urriðafoss in winter with all the information you need to make your trip successful.
Why Should You Visit Urriðafoss in Winter?
While a winter trip to Iceland can be a bit of a gamble, taking a risk on the weather can pay off. If you’re lucky, a sunny winter’s day can deliver soft light and blue skies that are the ideal complement to a snow-dusted landscape – simply beautiful. In a place as raw and untouched as Urriðafoss, that’s nothing short of magical.
Winter also sees significantly lower visitor numbers than peak season. While that won’t trouble you in an underrated spot like Urriðafoss, you may want to combine this hidden gem with destinations in the south of Iceland that see far greater visitor numbers. If that’s your intention, traveling in low season means you’ll enjoy such locations without the crowds.
Is it Possible to See the Northern Lights at Urriðafoss?
To view the Northern Lights anywhere in Iceland you need to achieve a combination of four things:
It needs to be dark
Clear skies are a must
Solar activity is essential
You have to be able to access it
Urriðafoss is a great location for viewing the aurora. Time your visit for between late August and April as summer’s Midnight Sun means the skies never get dark enough. Check the Icelandic Met Office’s website both for the cloud cover and also the Kp index; it’s also worth signing up to local social media pages that alert members to promising conditions.
Choosing somewhere like Urriðafoss is a smart move: easy to access on a well-maintained road and a good-sized car park. Photographers will be satisfied with the foreground interest that’s achieved with a wintry waterfall scene, while the orientation is perfect for a unobstructed view towards the north.
What Kind of Weather Can You Expect if You Visit Urriðafoss in Low Season?
Iceland is well known for its changeable weather; even in summer you can’t rely on it being warm and sunny. In the south of the country it can get very windy and so if you’re planning to visit Urriðafoss in winter this is definitely something you should consider. There’s little point bringing an umbrella, for example.
Temperatures can be relatively mild compared to some places at this latitude as the surrounding ocean moderates Iceland’s climate. However, when you factor in wind chill, it can feel cold, particularly after the sun goes down. Keep your schedule flexible and take a look at the Icelandic Met Office’s weather forecast to identify which day might deliver the best weather.
What Should You Wear to Urriðafoss in Winter?
As with any outdoor activity in Iceland in winter, wearing the right clothing is essential to your comfort and safety. Firstly, start with some good quality base layers; thermally-efficient merino wool is a popular choice. You want to aim to trap warm air by your skin, so ensure moisture is wicked away by picking breathable fabrics.
Layer up on top of that; over your fleece you’ll need a well-performing water- and windproof jacket that copes well with the wind and potentially rain. If wet weather is forecast – or simply to keep the spray ay bay – you’ll also want waterproof trousers. Choose thick socks, a close-fitting hat (such as a beanie), gloves and scarf or snood to keep your face, fingers and toes warm.
Wearing the right footwear is really important. You should pick a hiking boot with a good tread and ankle support. In winter, the spray from Iceland’s waterfalls means that the surroundings often get slick with ice as it freezes as temperatures fall. You may wish to carry a pair of crampons to pull over the soles of your boots to give you extra grip in such conditions.
How Do You Get to Urriðafoss and What Kind of Vehicle is Best?
Getting to Urriðafoss is easy, no matter what time of year you plan to visit. Whether you approach from the east or from the west, you’ll be using Route 1, Iceland’s ring road, for much of the way. For instance it’s about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and about 20 minutes more if you start your journey in Vik.
The turn off to Urriðafoss is located about halfway between Selfoss and Hella; from there it’s just a few minutes’ drive to the parking lot along Urriðafossvegur. If you’re self-driving in winter, the ring road is tarmacked and suitable for 2WD cars. However, you may prefer to rent a 4x4 to give you better traction on icy or snowy surfaces, particularly in windy conditions.
