Oxararfoss: The Centuries’ Year Old Man-made Waterfall in Iceland

Iceland is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, some of which hold quite prestigious global titles, such as “second-most powerful in Europe.” And while Oxararfoss Waterfall is one of the waterfalls in Iceland that is considered a must-visit spot, this one differs from most others found here in the Land of Fire and Ice.

This article will introduce you to Oxararfoss Waterfall and its unique origin story and give you all the information you’ll need to plan your visit. So, without further ado, let’s do a deep dive into this incredible marvel.

Where is Oxararfoss Waterfall in Iceland?

Oxararfoss is located in one of our most famous and historically relevant sites, Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest Iceland. While pretty close to the capital city of Reykjavik (just over 50 kilometers or an hour’s drive), making it possible to visit as a day outing, Thingvellir is also one of the very first stops along our popular Golden Circle route, making it a great addition to a road trip itinerary.

What Makes Oxararfoss Waterfall So Special?

When it comes to Oxararfoss Waterfall, it’s really not the size that counts since this waterfall clocks in at only 6 meters wide and 13 meters tall compared to some of our other waterfalls here on the island, reaching heights of over 60 meters. Tumbling over the rocky moss-covered cliffs of Almannagja Gorge to an even rockier pool below, Oxararfoss Waterfall is of great geological and historical importance:

• The waterfall marks the eastern boundary of the Eurasian and North American divide as the tectonic plates push apart (this divide is continuously growing larger as time goes by).

• Oxararfoss is one of the few famous waterfalls in Iceland that is technically hand-made. It has been discovered that the Oxara River water was redirected into the ravine so it could gather in the smaller rock pools below. This was so Iceland’s first parliament members who gathered at Althingi (Iceland’s first parliament and the reason why the park is called Thingvellir) during the 10th century could use the water. Adjusting the river’s flow may have also helped with erosion control and land management, preventing riverbank wear and managing the surrounding land more effectively.

• Reaching Oxararfoss Waterfall will require a short walk. Or you can opt to hike the slightly longer but scenic trail. If you experience some deja vu along the way as if you’ve been there before, you probably have – courtesy of your TV screen. That’s because the waterfall and its beautiful setting were too gorgeous to ignore, even for Hollywood, and the Oxararfoss Waterfall trail was featured on the popular series Game of Thrones.

Myths and Legends Surrounding Oxararfoss Waterfall

In typical Icelandic style, there are many myths and legends surrounding the waterfall and its immediate surroundings. These are just a few:

The Home of the Hidden Folk

It is said that Icelandic Elves have made their homes in the nooks and crannies of the rocks and cliffs surrounding Oxararfoss Waterfall. Locals tell tales of interactions with these incredible beings (or Hidden Folk, as they are called here).

They’re also said to play mischievous tricks on people. Just ensure that you treat their territory with respect when visiting because most locals will warn you that an Elve’s wrath is nothing to joke about. Their tricks can quickly turn into terrorizing.

Party Budget Savings on New Years

Another local legend (or is it perhaps just wishful thinking?) says that the water of Oxararfoss Waterfall turns into wine when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Needless to say, if the legend is true, it can definitely help with that New Year’s party budget.

Unfortunately, the other half of the legend is not such great news. See, the red wine (which is said to predict prosperity for the year ahead) can also be red blood! If that’s the case, the year will be filled with conflict and war. We don’t know about you, but we’ll stay on the positive side, grab our wine glasses, and hope for the best.

The Murder of a Mythical Creature

The origin of Oxararfoss Waterfall’s name is the origin of its water: the Oxara River. The name Oxara River roughly translates into “Axe River”. This stems from a local legend that tells the story of a troll who used to terrorize anybody who visited the area.

Eventually, a young man in the community simply had enough and murdered the troll using his axe. The story gets quite graphic, detailing how the axe got lodged deep into the troll’s back, after which he floated down the river and was later found in the very spot Oxararfoss Waterfall is today.

How to Get to Oxararfoss Waterfall in Iceland

Most people visit Oxararfoss Waterfall in one of two ways:

By Booking a Spot on a Tour

You will find many tour operators and local guides who can get you to Oxararfoss Waterfall via one of their tours. Granted, it’ll more than likely be a tour of Thingvellir National Park with Oxararfoss included rather than a dedicated tour just to see the waterfall. Tours to Thingvellir come in all shapes and sizes.

They can be dedicated day tours or part of combination day tours which include a number of Icelandic attractions. Or they can be multi-day holiday tours during which many sites and regions are explored throughout the country. Alternatively, you’ll also have the option of requesting a private and customized tour. Whichever of these tour options take your fancy, most will depart from the capital city of Reykjavik.

By Driving Themselves

In our opinion, this is the best way to explore the island – in complete control of your time and itinerary. Driving to Oxararfoss Waterfall is easy, whether you plan on doing so as a day trip or as part of a Golden Circle road trip. Either way, you’ll start your journey from Reykjavik:

• Get onto Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road) and head north towards Mosfellsbær.

• After about 12 kilometers, you will pass Mosfellsbær and turn right onto Road 36 (Pingvallavegur Road).

• Continue on this road for roughly 25 minutes till you see the turn-off sign to Oxararfoss.

• Take the turn-off – this will lead you all the way to the entrance of Thingvellir National Park.

• From here, you will have the choice of either parking at Parking 3 (the easiest and quickest way of reaching the waterfall), Parking 2 (which will just add a little bit of extra walking time through the park but is still pretty easy and quick), or the Visitor’s Center (the latter being the best option if you’re planning on taking the longer hiking trail to Oxararfoss).

  
  

Using GPS? Here’s the waterfall location:

What to Expect When Taking the Longer Hiking Trail to Oxararfoss

The trail starts at the Visitor Center and is a good choice for those looking for a short, leisurely hike or avid birdwatchers looking to tick off another species on their birding checklist. The trail is a 4-kilometer loop trail and is considered easy.  If all goes well, the hike shouldn’t take you more than 1.5 hours.

Don’t forget to bring sturdy hiking boots, along with water- and windproof clothing, no matter the season. Trails can be icy or slippery.

Practical Information for Visiting

Below, you will find some essential visitor information about Oxararfoss:

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Oxararfoss Waterfall?

Visiting Oxararfoss Waterfall is free, but you will need to pay a small parking fee of about 1000 ISK ($7.35/€6.75).

How Easily Accessible is Oxararfoss Waterfall?

The short walking trail to Oxararfoss makes the waterfall accessible to practically all ages. The longer hiking trail, however, even though it’s fairly easy, can still prove challenging for smaller kids and the elderly in your party.

The short, 10-minute walking trail from Parking 3 consists of a wide gravel pathway that also makes it possible for those in a wheelchair to access the falls. That’s also why you’ll find designated handicapped parking spaces, providing ample space for those with wheelchairs to get in, get out, and get organized for their adventure in the park.

What Amenities and Facilities Can Be Found at Oxararfoss Waterfall?

Although you won’t find bathroom facilities at Oxararfoss, you will find plenty all over the park, so you won’t need to worry about finding yourself in a possible pickle (so to speak). You will find restrooms at all the parking spots at Oxararfoss; Parking 1, 2, and 3.

As mentioned, you will also find the Visitor Center at Parking 1. Here, you get detailed information regarding the park and its attractions, walk through a few educational exhibitions, and grab some maps of the area.

If you’re looking for a quick snack or light lunch before or after your visit to Oxararfoss, you’ll find a cafeteria near Parking 3.

The Best Time to Visit Oxararfoss Waterfall

When exactly the best time to visit Oxararfoss Waterfall is, is debatable. Since Thingvellir National Park is open all year round, you’ll need to decide when to visit based on a few factors surrounding personal preferences, the type of experience you’re expecting at the waterfall and here on the island, as well as your budget:

The Weather and Daylight Hours

Visiting or hiking to Oxararfoss Waterfall is an outdoor outing, so the weather will play a big role. Many prefer visiting during the warmer months, especially summer when you’ll have some of the best weather the island has to offer, as well as plenty of daylight hours for a jam-packed trip itinerary.

But then there are those who want to experience the magic of the winter season as the landscape lies covered in a blanket of snow and the waterfall with its icy tentacles dangling over the cliff looks like it’s frozen in time. Just keep in mind that during this time, the walkways and trails can be icy and wet, so you’ll need waterproof hiking boots with good grip to ensure you don’t slip.

Crowds and Pricing

Just take note that summer is our peak season here in Iceland, bringing with it peak season crowds and pricing. While the pricing issue won’t affect you much during your visit to Thingvellir and Oxararfoss, it definitely will on the rest of your trip.

What you will have to deal with at Thingvellir and Oxararfoss, though, is the additional foot traffic. If these are things you would like to avoid, we suggest you plan your trip for one of our shoulder months (April, May, September, or October), when you’ll still get some of the pros of summer but without most of its biggest cons.

Tour Availability

If you’re planning on visiting Oxararfoss via a tour, the tour dates and availability will dictate when you come. Just remember that summer is peak season, and tours tend to book up fast. So, you’ll need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Seasonal Experiences and Activities

Your visit to Oxararfoss will also be dictated by other experiences or activities you have on your Iceland bucket list. For example, if you would like to see the Northern Lights, the colder months, especially winter, should be your go-to. If you’d like to experience the Midnight Sun, you’ll need to plan your trip for mid-summer (16 to 29 June, to be exact).

For activities such as ice cave exploring and skiing, you’ll need to visit during the winter season. But for activities such as kayaking, you’ll need to visit during the warmer months.

If you’re in for a photography session, consider starting at Almannagjá Gorge, where the depth and scale of the cliffs are especially dramatic in the soft, low-angle light of early morning or late afternoon. Sunrise and sunset offer stunning lighting effects across the valley, with warm tones highlighting the textures of lava fields and casting reflections on the Öxará River.

Other Things to Do Near Oxararfoss

Want to add a few extra attractions and activities to your Oxararfoss trip itinerary? Then the following come highly recommended:

• Go hiking on one of the many other trails in Thingvellir.

• Explore the Lögberg law rock for a richer historical experience.

• Dive or snorkel the Silfra Fissure.

• Snowmobile across Langjökull Glacier.

• Take a dip in the warm, healing waters of Laugarvatn Fontana.

• Visit Fridheimar Tomato Farm (and taste their tomato beer!).

• Check out Helgufoss Waterfall.

Oxararfoss as Part of Your Thingvellir Adventure

Located so close to the capital city and being one of the first stops along the Golden Circle route, there really is no excuse to miss out on Thingvellir National Park and all its wonders – including the unique Oxararfoss.

The best way to explore Thingvellir if you want to remain the captain of your own adventure will be to rent a car in Iceland and cruise your way through the incredible landscape yourself, stopping whenever and wherever you want (as long as it’s at a designated parking spot!) So, check out Oxararfoss and let us know what you thought of Iceland’s man-made waterfall that was once only designated for the parliamentary elite.