Oxararfoss Waterfall: A Man-made Marvel in Iceland

Iceland boasts over 10,000 waterfalls, one more impressive than the next. But Oxararfoss is in a class of its own. In this article, we tell you why this beautiful waterfall is both a man-made and geological marvel and why it’s a must on any Iceland trip itinerary.

Oxararfoss Waterfall: An Overview

Oxararfoss Waterfall is situated in our famous Thingvellir National Park, just 50 kilometers (+/- an hour’s drive) from the capital city of Reykjavik. Oxararfoss may not be the tallest or the widest waterfall here in Iceland, clocking in at just 6 meters high and 13 meters wide.

However, it’s still incredibly picturesque and has a lot of geological and historical importance.

Technically, the spot where the waterfall tumbles over the cliffs of Almannagja Gorge is the eastern boundary of the tectonic divide. This is where two continents – North America and Eurasia – push apart. This continental divide is still growing every year. Oxararfoss is also not the creation of Mother Nature but the creation of men in the 10th century.

This was done by redirecting the Oxara River into the ravine, so the water could collect in rock pools. One of the reasons this was done was so it could be used by those at Althingi (Iceland’s first parliament).

Getting to Oxararfoss

Those who would like to go on a guided tour of Oxararfoss are most likely to do so by booking a tour of Thingvellir, the Golden Circle, or a wide variety of Iceland’s attractions (which usually come in the form of a multi-day tour). If you would like a tour that only explores Oxararfoss, you will have to place a special request with the tour operator or guide for a customized private tour.

But since the waterfall is so close to Reykjavik and conveniently located along the Golden Circle route, most prefer traveling there themselves. Getting to Oxararfoss this way is also pretty easy:

• Head north on the Ring Road (Route 1) towards Mosfellsbær.

• Pass Mosfellsbær.

• Turn right onto Road 36 (Pingvallavegur Road).

• Continue for about 25 minutes till you turn off at the Oxararfoss sign.

• Continue straight since this road will take you through the Thingvellir National Park entrance.

• You will then park in either Parking 2 or 3 or at the Visitor Center, depending on your plans for the day:

• Parking 3 is the quickest way to reach the waterfall and is for those who just want to pop in for a look and a couple of pics.

• Parking 2 is for those who would like to add a little walk through the park before checking out the falls.

• The Visitor Center is for those who want to take the longer Oxararfoss hike. The trail is easy, though, so it’s highly recommended for those who have some time to spare. It’s a 4-kilometer loop road and shouldn’t even take you 1.5 hours.

Admission Fees for Oxararfoss Waterfall

There are no admission fees to Oxararfoss Waterfall, but you will have to pay a parking fee of +/- 1000 ISK ($7.35/€6.75). You can pay this parking fee at one of the machines at the Visitor Center or via Checkit.

Camper Your Way to Oxararfoss

Since Oxararfoss Waterfall is found along the Golden Circle route, many simply add the waterfall as a stop on their road trip itinerary. The most convenient way of road-tripping the Golden Circle and traveling to Oxararfoss (especially if you want to use our breathtaking and extremely affordable camping spots at the Thingvellir Campgrounds) is by renting a campervan in Iceland.

This way, you’re in for the ultimate adventure here in Iceland, with some of our most famous sites at your doorstep (quite literally). So, come and explore the Land of Fire and Ice, dive deeper into our history, be bewildered by our myths and legends, admire our geological phenomenon, stand astounded at our natural wonders, and stand in awe at our man-made marvels like Oxararfoss.