Photo: Anders Peter

Öxarárfoss

A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park

Öxarárfoss is a captivating waterfall located in Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The falls are fed by the Öxará River, which was historically redirected to flow through the rift valley to provide water for the ancient parliamentary site of Alþingi. Dropping roughly 20 meters over a rocky cliff face, the waterfall cascades into a boulder-filled pool at the base of Almannagjá gorge, a dramatic tear in the earth’s crust. It’s easily accessible via a short walk from the main park trail and is especially picturesque in winter, when the rocks are dusted with snow and the falls partly freeze. With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Öxarárfoss is a must-see within Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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