Faxi Waterfall — Iceland
A wide, horseshoe-shaped Icelandic waterfall where Atlantic salmon leap upstream — a rare blend of cascading water and leaping wildlife.
About this spectacle
Faxi (also known as Faxi or Vatnsleysufoss) is a broad, horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Tungufljót river in Iceland's Golden Circle area. Unlike the thundering violence of Gullfoss nearby, Faxi spreads wide and relatively shallow, offering a calm, approachable curtain of white water that tumbles over a basalt ledge. Salmon leap dramatically through the cascade during their upstream runs, making this one of the few Icelandic waterfalls where wildlife and water spectacle combine in a single frame. The surrounding valley is green and open, with volcanic uplands visible in the distance. Visitors can walk close to the water's edge, feeling the cool spray and hearing the steady roar without barriers or crowds. The ambience is peaceful rather than overwhelming, making Faxi a rewarding stop for photographers seeking wide compositional options and softer light reflected off the broad water surface.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Jul — Sep
Getting there
Nearest airport: KEF. Nearest city: Selfoss.
Booking options
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