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, making it 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, making it an easy side trip between Geysir and Gullfoss. It's a short detour from Route 35.

Is Faxi free to visit?

Yes, Faxi is free to visit. There are picnic areas and basic facilities at the site. Parking is available right next to the waterfall.

Faxi Waterfall (Vatnsleysufoss) Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide

A wide, gentle 7-meter cascade on the Tungufljót river with a salmon fish ladder — the 'mini Gullfoss' of the Golden Circle.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Region

South Iceland (Golden Circle)

Easy access. Picnic areas. Fish ladder for salmon.

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. It features a fish ladder that allows Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream, and offers easy access with pleasant picnic areas—a perfect relaxed stop on the Golden Circle route.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Faxi is gentle and accessible—stay behind the viewing area for safety.

Sources to check

Best for

Easy stop + fish ladder

Watch salmon jumping June–September.

Access

Very easy (roadside)

Short walk from parking. Picnic tables available.

Pro tip

Detour on Golden Circle

Quick stop between Geysir and Gullfoss—often missed.

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 and beautiful in all seasons
June–September: watch salmon jumping the fish ladder
Summer offers longest daylight and warmest conditions
Golden Circle tours often skip Faxi—great for quiet visits
Winter: road to Faxi usually stays open and maintained

Planning help

Faxi FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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