Hey fellow wanderers! 🌍 Have you ever heard about the Faxi waterfall in Iceland? Well, it’s kind of like the hidden gem of the Golden Circle. You might know it by different names like Faxifoss or Vatnsleysufoss, but one thing’s for sure — it’s a waterfall worth checking out!
Tucked away in the southwestern part of Iceland, Faxi Waterfall is often overshadowed by its bigger sibling, Gullfoss. But hey, don’t let the size fool you! This bad boy is fed by glaciers and streams, packing a punch at 80 meters wide and 7 meters high. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, I can be subtle and majestic at the same time!”
Planning a DIY Golden Circle road trip?
Do yourself a favor and swing by Faxi. Just 12 km from the Geysir hot spring area and 20 km from Gullfoss, it’s the perfect pitstop for some waterfall therapy.
How do I get to Faxi waterfall?
Finding Faxi is a breeze. Take a little detour from the Golden Circle, follow Route 35 from south Geysir, and voilà! Look out for the sign pointing to Vid Faxa, follow the road, and boom, you’re at the falls. A short walk, a picnic table, and you’ve got yourself a front-row seat to nature’s magic show.
The waterfall is located on a private estate. As a result, parking lot access is fee-based. You may stroll to a viewpoint with a good view of the waterfall from the parking lot. Watch the volume of water surge from the mountains and tumble over the edge for a second. Because of the violence, you can also see the vapors clearly.
The trail descends until you reach the river, where you can see the water well. You can get closer to the waterfall so that, for instance, you can snap beautiful shots. The salmon ladder can also be seen up close.
Now, let me spill the tea on this spot. Imagine this wide waterfall blending into the flat farmlands. Tungufljot River, where Faxi does its thing, is like 300 ft. wide! There’s even a fish ladder (fancy, right?) where about 400 salmons do their thing every year. Oh, and there’s a little hidden part of the waterfall marked as Vatnsleysufoss — a little bonus for your hiking adventures.
But that’s not all! There’s a whole bunch of activities waiting for you. Hike around, spot some Icelandic horses, and if you’re there in summer, catch a glimpse of various birds doing their bird thing. Hungry? Hit up Vid Faxa, a nearby restaurant, and feast your eyes on the scenic view while munching on some grub.
Thinking of pictures for the ‘Gram? Faxi’s got your back. Fish ladder, adjacent waterfall segment, lower level stroll — pick your vibe, and let the camera roll.
And guess what? The fun doesn’t stop at Faxi. There’s a whole trail of awesome waiting for you. Fancy a spa day? Laugarvatn Fontana Spa is calling your name. History buff? Check out the eco-village Solheimar or the historical settlement of Skálholt. Feeling adventurous? Snorkel in Silfra or rev up the excitement with some snowmobiling on Langjokull.
Parking at Faxi waterfall
Camping at Faxi waterfall
How is this waterfall in winter?
So, next time you’re cruising through the Golden Circle, make a pitstop at Faxi Waterfall. It’s a reminder that even the corners of Iceland are filled with surprises and a whole lot of natural charm. Happy exploring!
