Öxarárfoss Waterfall: The Gate to Iceland's Nature Beauty

What’s Öxarárfoss?

Öxarárfoss is a waterfall in Þingvellir National Park, in Southwest Iceland. It’s different from most Icelandic waterfalls because it is actually man-made. In the 10th century, Icelanders altered the Öxará River’s course to flow over the Almannagjá rift, creating Öxarárfoss. They did this to bring water to the Althing, the world’s oldest parliament, which was established in 930 AD. The waterfall is 13 meters (44 feet) tall and about 6 meters (20 feet) wide. It flows into a rocky pool surrounded by tall cliffs along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It’s a spot where human work and nature mix, and it’s a big part of Iceland’s Golden Circle route.

Why is Öxarárfoss Worth a Visit?

Öxarárfoss isn’t just a waterfall—it shows you Iceland’s history, geology, and culture. This waterfall was formed in the 10th century to supply water to the Althing, the world’s oldest parliament, so it’s tied to the Viking Age when significant decisions were made. Additionally, it sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two massive sections of the Earth’s crust—the North American and Eurasian plates—are slowly moving apart. Standing near the Almannagjá gorge, you can witness the Earth’s power as the water cascades over this divide.

For me, the main reason it's worth a visit is that it's super accessible. It’s probably the easiest waterfall to visit in Iceland. First, it’s only 40 kilometers from Reykjavík, making it a simple trip by rental car or tour. Second, it’s located within Thingvellir National Park, one of the three stops on the Golden Circle route everyone takes. Third, it’s just a 30-minute walk from the park's entrance to the waterfall, and the walk is stunning. I would say it’s the gateway to Iceland’s natural beauty. It’s not the most impressive waterfall, but it’s a great start.

It’s special for other reasons as well. If you’ve seen Game of Thrones, you might know it as the “Bloody Gate,” and music fans may recognize it from the cover of Nine Inch Nails’ album The Fragile. It looks great all year: green and bright in summer, icy and serene in winter. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or pop culture, Öxarárfoss is definitely worth a visit.

Öxarárfoss Facts & Features

Öxarárfoss has some neat details that make it stand out. Here’s what you should know.

Height and Width

Öxarárfoss is 13 meters (44 feet) tall and about 6 meters (20 feet) wide. It drops in two steps over the Almannagjá gorge into a pool with big, smooth rocks. In winter, the pool often freezes, which looks awesome in photos.

Meaning of the Name

“Öxarárfoss” means “Waterfall of the Ax River.” It’s named after the Öxará River, but there’s also a story about a troll killed with an ax near the waterfall. That’s where the “ax” comes from, giving it a fun twist.

Man-Made Waterfall

Most waterfalls in Iceland are natural, but Öxarárfoss was created by humans in the 10th century. The Vikings diverted the river to supply water to the Althing, demonstrating how they used to collaborate with nature.

Folklore and Legends

Old Icelandic tales say that on New Year’s Eve at midnight, the waterfall turns red—either with wine for good luck or blood for bad news. It’s a fun story that makes the place feel a little mysterious.

Media Appearances

Öxarárfoss has been in music and TV. It’s on the cover of Nine Inch Nails’ album The Fragile, and it was the “Bloody Gate” in Game of Thrones. That’s made it pretty famous.

Where’s Öxarárfoss and How to Get There

Öxarárfoss is in Þingvellir National Park, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Reykjavík. It’s part of the Golden Circle, the go-to road trip route in the country.

Driving Directions

Take the Ring Road (Route 1) toward Mosfellsbaer, then turn onto Þingvallavegur Road (Route 36). Drive for about 25 minutes and follow the signs to the park entrance. It’s a simple, pretty drive.

Parking and Access

There’s parking close to the waterfall. From there, it’s a short, easy 30-minute walk to reach it. The park’s Service Center at Almannagjá Gorge has access points too, so it’s easy to get to. Accessing the park is free, but the parking costs 1000 ISK (7.35 USD) per vehicle.

Tour Option

If driving isn’t your thing, many Golden Circle tours stop at Þingvellir and Öxarárfoss. Book a tour and let someone else take you there.

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Best Time to Visit Öxarárfoss

Öxarárfoss is a great stop any time of the year, as it is ver easy to get to. Each season has its pros and cons, though.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is warm and busy, with long days. The park is green and great for hiking, but it’s way more crowded than in winter and the shoulder seasons. Thingvellir was the third most-visited spot in Iceland in 2024. So yeah, expect big crowds.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is cold and quiet, with fewer visitors. The waterfall can freeze, making it look incredible for photos. It’s also a good time for ice climbers who know what they’re doing.

Spring and Fall

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) aren’t as crowded. The weather’s decent, and you’ll see new plants in spring or nice colors in fall.

What to Wear When Visiting Öxarárfoss

Iceland’s weather can switch fast, so here’s what to wear:

• Layers: Start with a dry base layer, add a warm sweater, and top it with a waterproof jacket.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof boots. In winter, add crampons for ice.
• Accessories: Bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf—winds can get chilly even in summer.
• Winter Extras: If it’s super cold, use thermal underwear, a heavy jacket, and extra socks.
• Rain Gear: A rain poncho or waterproof pants are handy if it rains.

Surrounding Sites & Things to Do There

Öxarárfoss is a great spot to start exploring the Golden Circle and Þingvellir National Park. Besides the popular places, there are some cool hidden spots nearby. Here’s what you can check out:

Silfra Fissure

A short walk from Öxarárfoss, Silfra Fissure is where you can snorkel or dive between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The water is super clear—you can see over 100 meters! It’s cold (around 2°C), so you’ll need a dry suit, but it’s a fun and fantastic experience. This is probably the top spot for diving in the country, but you must have a dry suit certification.

Althing Historical Site

Close to the waterfall, the Althing is where Iceland’s parliament began in 930 AD. You can walk around the old ruins, like the Lögberg (Law Rock), where Viking leaders met. It’s a peaceful spot to discover more about Iceland’s history.

Skogarkotsvegur and Gonguvegur Trail Loop

This 7.6-km loop trail is a quiet hike through Þingvellir’s less-busy areas, such as mossy lava fields and birch forests. You’ll get lovely views of the rift valley and if you’re lucky, you may spot an arctic fox. It’s a great way to enjoy nature without large crowds.

Þingvallakirkja (Thingvellir Church)

About 2.1 km from Öxarárfoss, this small white church is one of Iceland’s oldest, from the 11th century. It’s simple and cute, with turf-roofed houses nearby, and has an old pulpit from 1683 inside. It’s a peaceful place to sit and look around.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Located about 70 km away, Gullfoss is a big, loud waterfall with two tiers. The water cascades into a canyon, and on sunny days, you might see rainbows in the mist. Gullfoss is probably the most famous waterfall in the country, and therefore, it’s the most visited. So much so, that it was the most popular destination in 2024. Still, it’s very much worth the visit.

Geysir Geothermal Area

About an hour’s drive from Öxarárfoss, this spot has Strokkur, a geyser that shoots water up to 30 meters high every few minutes. You’ll also see steaming vents and colorful pools (and experience a strong smell of sulfur). It’s the third stop of the Golden Circle, and is also very popular. It’s not a favorite of mine, but I can’t encourage you not to go.

Conclusion

Öxarárfoss is more than just a quick stop—it’s a place that mixes Iceland’s history, nature, and stories. From its Viking start and unique geology to its winter look and pop culture folklore, it’s got something for everyone. As your local car rental service, we say it’s a must-see on the Golden Circle.

Grab your rental car, hit the road, and make Öxarárfoss a fun part of your Iceland trip. History, nature, and a little magic are waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions About Öxarárfoss