Faxi waterfall

A broad fall on Tungufljót

Tungufljót is a spring-fed tributary of Hvítá rather than a glacial river. Its average flow at Faxi is approximately 40.8 cubic metres per second, although rainfall, snowmelt and seasonal conditions can change both its volume and appearance. During spring runoff the river may become less clear and the waterfall heavier, while at lower flow more of the structure beneath the water becomes visible.

Faxi extends across most of the river in a continuous, slightly curved line. There is no narrow gorge to concentrate the water and no great vertical drop. Instead, its form is read from bank to bank: the breadth of the river, the even line of the fall and the movement of water continuing downstream through open country.

This horizontal character is what separates Faxi from nearby Gullfoss. The two waterfalls belong to the same wider river system, because Tungufljót eventually joins Hvítá, but they are not formed on the same river and do not share the same visual character. Gullfoss is a glacial river plunging into a canyon; Faxi is a broad step in a spring-fed river flowing through farmland.

The fish ladder and the salmon river

Faxi was once a complete barrier to migratory fish moving upstream in Tungufljót. A fish ladder opened beside the waterfall in 1975 and was later improved, creating a route past the falls and opening almost 30 kilometres of habitat farther upriver.

The ladder is visible beside the waterfall. It is not simply an incidental structure: it explains Faxi’s place within a living river system and the long relationship between the river, its fish stocks and the people who use the surrounding land. Salmon and trout moving upstream must negotiate a series of smaller steps rather than attempting to pass the main waterfall.

For visitors, the ladder also provides an unusual opportunity to see how a natural obstacle has been adapted without removing the waterfall itself. Whether fish can be seen depends on the season, water conditions and luck, but the structure remains an important part of the site even when no fish are visible.

The name Faxi

The waterfall is also called Faxafoss. Its name is often explained as a reference to a horse’s mane, with the broad white line of falling water compared with flowing hair. A recorded account of the place name, however, attributes Faxi to the Icelandic-Canadian poet Stephan G. Stephansson.

The name suits the waterfall, whatever image first inspired it. Faxi is wide, low and continuous, and its identity depends less on a single point of impact than on the full line of water crossing the river.

Visiting Faxi

Access is from Route 35 by a short private road. The waterfall is on private land and an access or parking charge is collected. Because prices and operating arrangements may change, visitors should check the current information before travelling rather than relying on an old published amount.

The access road is not maintained in winter, so Faxi should not be described as reliably accessible throughout the year. Snow, ice and changing road conditions may prevent or complicate access even when the main Golden Circle roads remain open.

Viewpoints and paths give access to the river and the fish ladder. Remain on the established visitor routes and respect any barriers or local instructions. The river is powerful even though the waterfall is not high, and wet or icy surfaces near the banks require care. Drone flights are not permitted.

• • Faxi is approximately seven metres high and roughly 80 metres wide.
  • The waterfall lies on Tungufljót, a spring-fed tributary of Hvítá.
  • Average river flow at Faxi is approximately 40.8 cubic metres per second.
  • The fish ladder opened in 1975 and gave migratory fish access to almost 30 kilometres of habitat above the waterfall.
  • Faxi is also known as Faxafoss.
  • One place-name account attributes the name Faxi to poet Stephan G. Stephansson.