Finland Waterfalls in Winter 2025

Finland Waterfalls in Winter: Frozen Magic in the Land of Snow

When winter descends upon Finland, the landscape transforms into a kingdom of ice and snow. The forests wear a white cloak, lakes freeze solid, and even the mighty waterfalls surrender to the cold — turning into frozen sculptures of breathtaking beauty.
Finland, often called the land of a thousand lakes, hides within its wilderness some of the most stunning waterfalls in Northern Europe. In winter, these waterfalls freeze mid-flow, creating glittering ice curtains, crystal caves, and dreamlike vistas.
Each one has a unique character, a distinct rhythm, and a fascinating connection with the surrounding Finnish nature.

Let’s start journey through ten of Finland’s most famous waterfalls that shine in winter’s embrace. From the northern wilds of Lapland to the eastern borderlands near Russia, these waterfalls showcase how nature freezes time itself.

• 1. Hepokongas Waterfall – The Jewel of TaivalkoskiLocated in the peaceful wilderness of Taivalkoski in Northern Ostrobothnia, Hepokongas is one of Finland’s tallest waterfalls, with a drop of around 24 meters. During summer, it roars with the energy of melting snow, but in winter, it freezes into a mesmerizing wall of blue ice.
  The surrounding pine forest becomes silent, broken only by the whispering wind. Visitors often find the entire gorge filled with snow, making the icy cascade look like a giant crystal sculpture. Wooden walkways allow safe passage even in winter, and as the sunlight hits the frozen face, it glows in hues of turquoise and white.Photographers adore Hepokongas for its dramatic contrasts — the dark rocks, white snow, and icy blue layers. Ice climbers also come here to challenge themselves, though most visitors simply stand in awe, marveling at nature’s frozen artistry.
• 2. Kiutakongas Waterfall – Wild Energy in Oulanka National ParkNestled deep in the Oulanka National Park near Kuusamo, Kiutakongas is more of a rapid than a vertical fall, yet it holds immense power and beauty. In summer, the Oulankajoki River crashes through red dolomite rocks with thunderous strength. But winter softens its voice — the rapids freeze around the edges, forming icy arches while water continues to rush beneath.The surrounding forest, covered in snow, creates a perfect contrast to the vivid colors of the rocks. Walking trails lead right to the edge of the gorge, and in the stillness of winter, the scene feels both peaceful and powerful.
  If you are lucky, you might spot reindeer tracks nearby or even catch the shimmering Northern Lights above the frozen river.

  Kiutakongas in winter embodies the raw Finnish wilderness — wild, untouched, and eternally beautiful.

• 3. Auttikongas Waterfall – Frozen Harmony near RovaniemiJust 80 kilometers east of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, lies Auttikongas — one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Lapland. The 16-meter-high fall sits within the Auttikongas Nature Reserve, surrounded by ancient pine forests that date back hundreds of years.In winter, the waterfall becomes an icy wonder. Layers of frozen water drape the cliffs, forming natural curtains of blue and white. The air smells of pine and snow, and the silence is broken only by the occasional creak of ice.
  Visitors can walk the circular nature trail that passes through a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of the frozen falls from above.

  Auttikongas is a symbol of balance — where wilderness and tranquility coexist. It is an ideal spot for those who wish to experience Finnish winter nature without venturing too far into the wild.

• 4. Myllykoski Waterfall – The Icon of Oulanka National ParkMyllykoski is one of Finland’s most photographed waterfalls, thanks to the picturesque wooden mill that stands beside it. Found in the Oulanka National Park along the famous Pieni Karhunkierros hiking trail, Myllykoski is both accessible and breathtaking.In winter, the old mill gets covered in snow, and the river partially freezes, forming floating ice disks that spin slowly in the current. Steam rises from the open water as the temperature drops below zero, giving the entire scene an ethereal glow.
  The sound of water gurgling under the ice adds to the magic.

  Many photographers visit Myllykoski to capture the contrast between the rustic wooden structure and the glacial beauty around it. Under the Northern Lights, it becomes one of Lapland’s most enchanting sights.

• 5. Jyrava Waterfall – The Thunder of Oulanka’s HeartA short trek from Myllykoski along the Pieni Karhunkierros trail brings you to Jyrava, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Finland. It stands at around 9 meters high but stretches across a wide section of the river, creating an impressive torrent in summer.In winter, Jyrava freezes into a cascading wall of glittering ice. Snow piles up on the rocks, and the flow slows to a whisper beneath the surface. The surrounding forest, heavy with frost, adds to the fairytale atmosphere.
  Hikers who reach Jyrava in winter often find themselves alone, embraced by silence and beauty.

  It is a rewarding sight for anyone exploring Oulanka National Park in the colder months — wild, remote, and deeply peaceful.

• 6. Korkeakoski Waterfall – Eastern Finland’s Tallest WonderSituated near Juankoski, Korkeakoski is considered one of the tallest waterfalls in Eastern Finland, with a drop of over 30 meters. In summer, it rushes with fierce energy, but during winter, it transforms into a mighty frozen tower.Thick ice sheets cover the rocky cliffs, forming natural patterns that glisten under the pale sun. The water sometimes continues to flow inside, making deep rumbling sounds that echo through the canyon. The trails around Korkeakoski are peaceful, and in the stillness of winter, it feels like a secret frozen kingdom.

  Locals often say Korkeakoski looks like a “frozen dragon” in mid-flight — its icy wings stretching along the cliff walls. Whether you visit by day or twilight, it’s a sight that captures the imagination.

• 7. Imatrankoski Rapids – The Historic Frozen PowerIn the town of Imatra near the Russian border, Imatrankoski is not just a natural wonder — it is also a part of Finnish history. This waterfall on the Vuoksi River has been a tourist attraction for centuries, even visited by Russian Tsars and European nobility in the 19th century.Today, the flow of water is controlled by a dam, but during special times, the gates open to recreate the historic spectacle. In winter, even the controlled rapids freeze beautifully, with thick icicles forming along the stone banks.
  The illuminated light shows during winter evenings add a magical glow to the frozen cascade.

  Imatrankoski combines human heritage with natural beauty — a perfect example of how Finland preserves its environment while celebrating its history.

• 8. Rapukoski Waterfall – Hidden Gem of LiesjarviDeep within Liesjarvi National Park lies a small but charming waterfall known as Rapukoski. Unlike the tall waterfalls of Lapland, Rapukoski’s beauty lies in its peaceful surroundings.
  The flow is gentle, weaving through mossy rocks that freeze into tiny sculptures in winter.The snow-covered forest around it feels untouched by time. Animal tracks are common — foxes, hares, and even moose wander here. The frozen stream sparkles under daylight, while in the evening, the forest turns into a soft blue dreamscape.
  Rapukoski is perfect for those seeking serenity rather than adventure — a place to sit, breathe, and listen to the whispers of nature.
• 9. Koivukongas Waterfall – Lapland’s Hidden Ice WallLocated in Posio, Koivukongas is one of Lapland’s lesser-known but most stunning winter destinations. The waterfall itself is not massive in height, but the frozen formations it creates are extraordinary.
  As water seeps through layers of rock, it freezes into multiple crystal curtains that look like chandeliers hanging from the cliffs.During deep winter, the whole area becomes silent — a frozen amphitheater of ice and snow. Adventurers sometimes come here for ice climbing, while photographers capture the pastel hues of the frozen walls under the soft Arctic light.

  Koivukongas offers a glimpse into Finland’s quieter side, where the cold is not a threat but an artist shaping the land.

• 10. Pitsinkongas Waterfall – Near Pallas-Yllastunturi National ParkTucked away in the forests near Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, Pitsinkongas is a small but spectacular waterfall. It’s surrounded by some of Finland’s oldest mountains and untouched taiga forests.
  In summer, it’s a refreshing spot along hiking routes, but in winter, it turns into a pure white fantasy.The fall freezes completely, forming thick vertical ice sheets that glimmer like glass under sunlight. The snow-laden spruce trees and the distant silence create a deep feeling of isolation — in the best way.
  Many visitors describe standing here as being inside a “winter painting.”

  For those exploring western Lapland, Pitsinkongas is an offbeat yet unforgettable stop, a symbol of the Arctic’s quiet strength.

Where Water Meets Ice and Silence Speaks

Finland’s waterfalls in winter are more than natural sights — they are experiences that connect visitors to the very soul of the Arctic. Each fall, from the mighty Hepokongas to the humble Rapukoski, tells a story of transformation, endurance, and peace.
The frozen cascades remind travelers that beauty does not always come with noise and motion — sometimes it is found in stillness, in the way sunlight dances on ice, or in the deep silence of a snowy forest.

Exploring these frozen waterfalls is a journey into Finland’s heart — where nature still rules, and every frozen drop glows with the quiet power of the North.

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