Oxararfoss (Öxarárfoss) is a waterfall in the northern part of Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) in southwest Iceland. It is fed by the Öxará River and is about 6 meters (20 feet) wide on average. It is not a particularly large or powerful waterfall, but it is certainly a very pretty one, as its base is strewn with big smooth boulders.
The waterfall is a good place to start exploring Thingvellir National Park. Instead of driving on to the busier parking lot by the visitor center, you can leave the car here and both start and finish your walk around the park at the 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.
- In winter, the waterfall is completely frozen. In summer it is abundant with water, including that from melting ice.
- From the nearest parking lot, P2 Efri-Vellir, the walk to the waterfall takes about 10 minutes. From the main lot by the visitor center, P1 Hakið, it is about 30 minutes.
How to get to Oxararfoss
Oxararfoss is located in the very popular Thingvellir National Park, about 50 km (30 miles) east of Reykjavik, on the Golden Circle route. You can get here by road 36.
