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eologists and historians have discovered that hundreds of years ago the Öxará riverbed was rebuilt to divert water into the Almannagjá Gorge. The Öxarárfoss waterfall is therefore somewhat of a man-made waterfall.
Oxararfoss (Öxarárfoss) is a waterfall located in the northern part of Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) in southwest Iceland. It flows out of the Öxará River and has an average width of 6 meters. It is not a particularly large or powerful waterfall, but it is certainly very pretty, as its base is decorated with large smooth rocks.
The waterfall is a good place to start exploring the park’s Thingvellir Instead of driving to the more crowded parking lot at the park headquarters, you can leave your car here and start and end your park walk here.
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eologists and historians have discovered that hundreds of years ago the Öxará riverbed was rebuilt to divert water into the Almannagjá Gorge. The Öxarárfoss waterfall is therefore somewhat of a man-made waterfall.
According to legend, the waterfall has magical abilities and can foretell the future. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, it turns red and the cascade turns into wine or blood. Wine is said to herald prosperity, blood to warn of war.
Öxarárfoss – tips and practical information
- The waterfall can be visited all year round. A convenient path leads to it, and there is a small viewing platform at the waterfall. During the high season, expect a fair number of tourists.
- The waterfall can be visited all year round.
- In winter, the waterfall is completely frozen. In summer it is abundant with water, including that from melting ice.
- To reach the waterfall from the nearest parking lot, you have to walk about 10 minutes. From the main parking lot at the park headquarters, it’s about a 30-minute walk.
How to get to Oxararfoss
Oxararfoss is located in the very popular Thingvellir National Park about 50 km east of Reykjavik. You can get here by road 36.
