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Water & Ice · Southern Region, Iceland

Faxi Waterfall — Iceland

A wide, horseshoe-shaped Icelandic waterfall where Atlantic salmon leap upstream — a rare blend of cascading water and leaping wildlife.

When
Jan — Dec, peak Jul — Sep
Best viewing
A short walk to a broad, accessible waterfall with close-up views of leaping salmon during the migration season. Quiet, open surroundings with no significant barriers to the water.
Category
Water & Ice
Status
In season

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.

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