Best for
Easy stop + fish ladder
Watch salmon jumping June–September.
Faxi Waterfall (Vatnsleysufoss)
A wide, gentle 7-meter cascade on the Tungufljót river with a salmon fish ladder, sometimes called the 'mini Gullfoss' of the Golden Circle.
Region
South Iceland (Golden Circle)
Easy access. Picnic areas. Fish ladder for salmon.
Quick Answer
Faxi, officially named Vatnsleysufoss, is a wide, gentle waterfall on the Tungufljót river in the Golden Circle area. Sometimes called the 'mini Gullfoss,' it stretches about 80 meters wide and drops 7 meters. A fish ladder lets Atlantic salmon migrate upstream, and there are picnic areas near the parking. It makes a relaxed stop on the Golden Circle route.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Faxi is gentle and accessible, but stay behind the viewing area for safety.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Very easy (roadside)
Short walk from parking. Picnic tables available.
Pro tip
Detour on Golden Circle
Quick stop between Geysir and Gullfoss that many tours skip.
What to Expect at Faxi
- A wide, gentle cascade stretching 80 meters across
- Fish ladder where salmon jump upstream (summer)
- Peaceful picnic areas with views of the waterfall
Nearby Attractions to Faxi
- Gullfoss (short drive on Route 35)
- Geysir geothermal area (Golden Circle)
- Þingvellir National Park (Golden Circle)
How to Get to Faxi
- Located on a short detour from Route 35 (Golden Circle)
- About 110 km east of Reykjavik (1.5 hours drive)
- Between Geysir and Gullfoss on the Golden Circle route
- Small parking area right next to the waterfall
- Very short, flat walk to the viewing area
Best Time to Visit Faxi
- Year-round: accessible in all seasons
- June–September: watch salmon jumping the fish ladder
- Summer has the longest daylight and warmest conditions
- Golden Circle tours often skip Faxi, so it stays quiet
- Winter: road to Faxi usually stays open and maintained
Parking reference, checked 10 September 2026: Parka Faxi, area 8212. The eight-hour fee is a parking period, not permission to stay overnight.
Planning help
Faxi FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall and wide is Faxi?
Faxi (also known as Vatnsleysufoss) is about 7 meters (23 feet) tall and approximately 80 meters (262 feet) wide. It is a broad, gentle cascade on the Tungufljót river.
What is the official name of Faxi?
The waterfall's official name is Vatnsleysufoss, but it is commonly known as Faxi. It is sometimes called the 'mini Gullfoss' due to its location near the Golden Circle.
What is the fish ladder at Faxi?
Faxi has a fish ladder (salmon ladder) that allows Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream past the waterfall. You can sometimes see salmon jumping during the season (June–September).
Is Faxi on the Golden Circle?
Faxi is in the Golden Circle area, an easy side trip between Geysir and Gullfoss. It's a short detour from Route 35.
Is Faxi free to visit?
Parking is paid. Parka’s Faxi page lists an eight-hour parking period with toilet facilities included. Choose your vehicle category for the current charge. Online payment is accepted up to 24 hours after leaving; the parking area does not permit overnight stays.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.