About This Experience

Öxarárfoss is a waterfall with an unusual origin story. The Öxará river was actually diverted by 10th-century settlers to flow through the Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir, providing fresh water for the annual parliament gatherings. The river now drops about 20 metres over a basalt ledge into the rift valley — a waterfall that exists because humans redirected a river over a thousand years ago.

The setting is what makes it. You're standing in the Almannagjá rift, the visible boundary of the North American tectonic plate, with sheer rock walls on either side. The waterfall pours into this gap, collecting in a pool surrounded by dark basalt rubble. In winter, the falls partially freeze into a blue-white ice formation that photographers travel specifically to see.

We walked here during our Golden Circle drive, and the combination of the geological drama (tectonic plates literally pulling apart) and the human history (Iceland's parliament, the Althing, was founded right here in 930 AD) gives the place a weight that most waterfalls don't have.

What to Expect

From the main Þingvellir car park (P1), the walk to Öxarárfoss takes about 15-20 minutes along the Almannagjá rift path. The trail is well-maintained with boardwalks and steps. You pass through the rift gorge itself — the towering cliff face on your left is the edge of the North American plate.

The waterfall is visible from the path, and a viewing area lets you get close. In summer, the pool is clear enough to see the rocky bottom. In winter, ice formations can build up dramatically around the falls.

The walk continues past the falls deeper into the rift valley if you want to extend the hike. The full Almannagjá path takes about 40 minutes end to end.

Practical Tips

• Part of the Almannagjá rift walk at Þingvellir — a natural extension of any Golden Circle visit
• 15-20 minute walk from car park P1 on a well-maintained path
• Beautiful in all seasons; winter ice formations are especially photogenic
• Þingvellir parking costs 750 ISK per car
• Combine with the visitor centre for context on the Althing parliament history
• The drive from Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes via Route 36
• Morning visits are quieter; tour buses arrive from mid-morning
• The trail can be icy in winter — bring traction devices if visiting November to March