Faxi Travel Guide

Faxi — sometimes written Faxifoss — is a wide, low-profile waterfall on the Tungufljót river in southwestern Iceland, roughly 80 kilometres east of Reykjavík. Though it stands only about 7 metres tall, it stretches across approximately 80 metres of riverbed, giving it an unusually broad curtain appearance that many visitors find more approachable and photogenic than Iceland's more famous cascades.

Faxi sits within the same general circuit as the Golden Circle, Iceland's most-travelled tourist route, yet it tends to attract far smaller crowds than Gullfoss or Geysir. This relative quietness makes it a pleasant pause point — somewhere you can stand near the water without jostling for a viewpoint.

The waterfall is also notable for a functioning salmon ladder on its southern bank, built to allow Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream. In the warmer months you can watch fish working their way up, and the surrounding pools are a recognised angling site (a permit is required to fish). A short, well-maintained path runs along the bank and offers views of both the falls and the river valley beyond.

Important clarification on the prompt: Faxi is located in Iceland, not Ireland. The destination described in this guide is Faxi waterfall (Faxifoss), Þingvallahreppur, South Iceland. There is no city or town called Faxi in Ireland.

Visas

Entry requirements for Iceland depend on your nationality. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, which is relevant for travellers arriving from outside the EU/EEA. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Icelandic Directorate of Immigration website for the requirements that apply to your passport.

When to visit

• Summer (June–August): Best overall weather, long daylight hours (near 24-hour daylight in June), and wildflowers along the riverbanks. Most visitors come during this window.
• Spring and autumn: Fewer crowds; autumn coincides with salmon season and offers early chances of seeing the northern lights.
• Winter: Faxi remains accessible most of the time, but road conditions on Route 35 and surrounding roads can be challenging. Check road.is (the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's official travel information site) before setting out.

What to bring

Weather in Iceland changes rapidly regardless of season. Waterproof outer layers, warm mid-layers, and sturdy footwear are advisable even in summer. The spray from the waterfall can make the path damp.

Faxi is not served by public transport directly. Most travellers reach it by private vehicle or rental car while driving the Golden Circle loop from Reykjavík.

By car

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 east and then Route 35 south of Þingvallavatn toward Selfoss. Faxi is signposted off Route 35; the turn is easy to miss at speed, so watch for the Faxifoss sign. The drive from Reykjavík takes approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on stops. Parking is available at the site — verify current capacity and any parking fees locally, as infrastructure can change seasonally.

By organised tour

Several Reykjavík-based tour operators include Faxi as a stop on extended Golden Circle day tours. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. Verify current tour offerings and schedules through providers directly, as itineraries vary.

Nearest hub

Selfoss, roughly 20–25 kilometres to the south, is the largest town in the area and offers fuel, groceries, and services. Flúðir is also close by and has accommodation options.

The Faxi site itself is compact. A short footpath (approximately 10–15 minutes to walk in full) follows the river along the top of the falls and down to viewing points near the salmon ladder. The path is generally well-maintained gravel, though it can be slippery when wet.

There is no shuttle or internal transport — everything is on foot from the car park. Visitors with mobility considerations should verify current path conditions locally, as the terrain near the water's edge is uneven in places.

Watch the waterfall

The primary draw is simply observing Faxifoss itself. The wide curtain of water, shallow enough to show the rocky riverbed beneath in places, is photogenic from multiple angles along the bank. Early morning light in summer can be particularly striking.

Salmon ladder

The salmon ladder on the southern bank is one of the more accessible places in Iceland to watch Atlantic salmon migrating upstream. The season for salmon runs roughly mid-summer into autumn — verify peak activity windows locally or with the Icelandic angling associations.

Fishing

The Tungufljót river is a recognised salmon and trout fishing destination. Fishing is regulated in Iceland and a permit is required. Contact Angling Iceland or local fishing associations for current permit availability, rules, and fees. Do not fish without a valid permit.

Golden Circle connections

Faxi works naturally as a quieter add-on when visiting Geysir (approximately 20 kilometres northeast), Gullfoss waterfall, or Þingvellir National Park. Building it into a Golden Circle day rather than treating it as a standalone destination maximises your time.

There are no cafes, restaurants, or food vendors at the Faxi waterfall site itself. Visitors should plan accordingly.

• Flúðir: The small village of Flúðir, a short drive away, has limited dining and grocery options. Verify what is currently open before relying on it.
• Selfoss: The nearest town with reliable food and grocery options. A reasonable selection of cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants is available here.
• Pack your own: For a half-day visit, packing food and water from Reykjavík or from a supermarket en route is the most practical approach. Clean tap water is freely available throughout Iceland and is safe to drink.

Emergency services

Iceland's general emergency number is 112. The 112 Iceland app is widely recommended for travellers — it allows you to share your GPS location with emergency services directly.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage on Route 35 and at Faxi is generally reasonable by Icelandic rural standards, though it is not guaranteed. Do not assume you will have a strong signal in an emergency.

Facilities

Basic facilities (parking, likely a toilet block) are present at the site. Verify current availability locally, as seasonal changes or maintenance can affect what is open.

Road conditions

Check road.is before driving in Iceland, particularly in shoulder seasons and winter. Some roads in the broader area include F-roads (highland tracks) that require a four-wheel-drive vehicle — Route 35 itself is a paved road suitable for standard cars under normal conditions.

Leave No Trace

Iceland's natural sites are under considerable visitor pressure. Stay on marked paths, do not disturb the riverbanks or vegetation, and take all litter with you.