golden circle
Faxi Waterfall (Tungufljót)
About Faxi Waterfall (Tungufljót)
A wide, gentle waterfall on the Golden Circle route with a salmon ladder and peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape adds to the dramatic setting, making it a rewarding stop for photographers and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the sound of cascading water and the mist that catches the light on sunny days, sometimes creating beautiful rainbows. Faxi is often overlooked in the rush to reach Gullfoss and Geysir, yet it has a charm all its own. Unlike the thundering power of Gullfoss, Faxi is gentle and approachable — a wide curtain of water spilling over a basalt ledge into a calm pool below. A salmon ladder built into the falls allows fish to migrate upstream, and on summer days you can watch salmon leaping through the rushing water. It is a peaceful, family-friendly stop that offers a quieter side of Iceland's waterfall wonders. Visitor Information: This site is located in the Golden Circle, Iceland. As a waterfall, it provides visitors with a distinctive experience of Iceland's remarkable natural and cultural heritage. What to Expect: - A unique waterfall experience in one of Iceland's most scenic regions - Opportunities for photography and exploration - Connection to Iceland's natural landscape and cultural heritage - Accessible during the main tourist season (June-September) - Can be combined with other nearby attractions in the Golden Circle Best Time to Visit: The site is most accessible during summer months (June-August) when daylight hours are longest and weather is mildest. However, each season offers its own unique character — winter brings possible Northern Lights, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Nearby: Explore other attractions in the Golden Circle to make the most of your visit to this beautiful region of Iceland.
🐉 The Hidden People
Icelandic folklore tells of the huldufólk — hidden people who live in rocks, hills, and cliffs throughout the country. According to tradition, the hidden people are descended from the children that Eve hid from God when he visited her home. Ashamed that she had not washed them, Eve hid the dirty children and presented only the clean ones. When God discovered the deception, he declared that those who were hidden from him would be hidden from humanity. The huldufólk live in a world parallel to our own, occasionally visible to those with second sight. Even today, surveys show that a significant percentage of Icelanders either believe in or refuse to deny the existence of the hidden people, and their presence is considered when planning construction projects across the country.
📖 History of Faxi Waterfall (Tungufljót)
This site has been a landmark in the Golden Circle for centuries, known to early Icelandic settlers who traveled these routes. The waterfall's name appears in historical records and local folklore, reflecting its importance to the communities that lived nearby. During the settlement era (874-930 AD), waterfalls like this served as natural boundaries between farmsteads and were often referenced in land claims recorded in the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements). Through the centuries, the waterfall has been a source of fresh water, a gathering place, and a symbol of the raw power of Icelandic nature. Modern visitors can now access the site easily, but the waterfall remains as awe-inspiring as it was to the first settlers who beheld it over a thousand years ago.
✈️ Why Visit
A peaceful, wide waterfall with a salmon ladder — watch salmon leap upstream in summer.
💡 Did You Know?
Faxi has Iceland's first hydroelectric power station (1907), which still operates today using water from the falls.
Key Facts
Height: 7 m, Width: 80 m
Salmon ladder for migrating fish
On Golden Circle route
Historic hydroelectric station (1907)
Picnic areas and easy access
💎 Hidden Gems
Early Morning Visit
Visit this attraction at sunrise or early morning for the most magical light and fewer crowds.
The morning light creates stunning rainbows in the mist, and you may have the waterfall entirely to yourself.
Nearby Trails
Explore the lesser-known walking trails around this attraction that most tourists skip.
These trails offer unique perspectives of the waterfall and surrounding landscape that you won't find in guidebooks.
Winter Transformation
this attraction takes on an entirely different character in winter when partially frozen.
The ice formations create a spectacular natural sculpture, and the contrast with the flowing water is breathtaking.
🕐 Best Time
Summer (June-August) for the best light and access; winter for frozen beauty
🚗 Access
Most waterfalls are accessible from Ring Road or short trails. Parking available nearby.
⏱ Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this waterfall free to visit?▾
Most waterfalls in Iceland are free to visit, though some may have a small parking fee.
Can I visit this waterfall in winter?▾
Yes, most waterfalls are accessible year-round, though surrounding paths may be icy in winter. Wear proper footwear with good grip.
Is there parking near the waterfall?▾
Most popular waterfalls have dedicated parking areas. Some charge a small parking fee.
How long does it take to visit?▾
Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much time you want to spend photographing and exploring the area.
📍 GPS Location
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🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.