Camping at Faxi Waterfall: Iceland's Best-Kept Golden Circle Secret
Most visitors to Faxi waterfall arrive, take their photos, and drive on. That's understandable — it's a quick stop on the Golden Circle, often squeezed in between Geysir and Gullfoss. But Faxi has a secret that most tourists never find out about: you can actually sleep here.
Right beside the waterfall, on the banks of the Tungufljót river, there's a campsite. And in the long bright evenings of the Icelandic summer, camping at Faxi is a completely different experience from anything the daytime crowds get. The falls are still running at midnight. The light is golden all evening. The coaches are gone. This is what Iceland can feel like when you slow down and actually stay somewhere.
Faxi waterfall stretches 80 metres across the Tungufljót river — one of the widest waterfalls on the Golden Circle.
What Makes Faxi Different from Other Golden Circle Waterfalls
Faxi (also called Faxafoss or Vatnsleysufoss) sits on the Tungufljót river, just off Route 35 on the Golden Circle. It's roughly 12 km from Geysir and 21 km from Gullfoss — close enough to do everything in a day, but far enough off the main road that most people zip straight past.
The waterfall itself is about 80 metres wide and 7 metres tall. That makes it one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland, even if it doesn't have the dramatic height of Gullfoss or Skógafoss. The shape of it — a wide, rolling curtain of white water rather than a single powerful drop — makes it easier to stand close to, to walk around, and to actually experience rather than just photograph from a distance.
The wide, rolling shape of Faxi makes it unusually accessible — you can walk right to the riverbank edge.
Salmon use this river to migrate upstream, and you'll often see them jumping at the base of the falls in summer. The area around the waterfall is lush and green — very different from the black lava landscapes most people associate with Iceland. In June and July especially, the riverbanks are thick with vegetation and wildflowers.
But the biggest thing that sets Faxi apart is this: it has a campsite. And that changes everything about what it's possible to do here.
The Faxi Campsite: What to Expect
The campsite sits directly on the Tungufljót riverbank, just a short walk from the waterfall itself. It's a proper, managed site — not a wild camping spot — with real facilities, and it runs from mid-May through to the end of September.
Location: Biskupstungur, directly beside Faxi waterfall on the Tungufljót river
Season: 20 May – 30 September
Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 105 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes by car)
Distance from Geysir: 12 km
Distance from Gullfoss: 21 km
Facilities: Toilets, hot and cold water, electricity hookups, dog-friendly areas, walking paths, on-site restaurant/coffee house
Age limit: 25 years or accompanied by a parent
The campsite is quiet and well-maintained. There's no covered or sheltered area, so you're camping under the open Icelandic sky — which in summer means a lot of light. Electricity hookups are available for an additional fee, which is useful if you're travelling in a campervan.
A restaurant and coffee house has opened on site in recent years, which is a genuine bonus. After a long day on the Golden Circle, being able to sit down for a meal without driving anywhere is exactly what you want. The coffee house also means you don't need to load up on supplies before you arrive.
The accessible riverbank means you can get remarkably close to the waterfall — but that same openness means younger children need to be watched carefully near the water's edge.
Camping in the Icelandic Midnight Sun
This is the thing that makes camping at Faxi genuinely special, and it's something that no daytime visit can replicate.
In June and July, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. The sun doesn't set — it dips low, turns golden, and then rises again. At Faxi, this means the waterfall is lit in warm evening light at 10pm, at 11pm, at midnight. The crowds have long gone. The car park is quiet. The sound of the falls carries clearly across the still air.
The long Icelandic summer evenings give the waterfall an entirely different quality of light — something daytime visitors never see.
If you're a photographer, the soft evening light at Faxi is extraordinary. The mist from the falls catches the low sunlight in a way that's simply not possible at midday. We've seen customers come back from the Golden Circle with hundreds of photos from Gullfoss and Geysir — and then quietly say that the shots they got at Faxi in the evening light were their favourites of the whole trip.
A sleep mask or blackout eye cover is worth packing. The light genuinely doesn't get dark, and while many people find they adjust after a night or two, the first night under the Icelandic summer sky can be surprisingly wakeful.
Early morning (before 8am) and late evening (after 9pm) are when Faxi is at its best and most peaceful. The day-trip crowds typically arrive between 11am and 4pm. Camp here and you get the falls entirely to yourself at both ends of the day.
Important: Families with Small Children
Faxi is a wonderful place for families — and we say that having been there with kids ourselves. But there's one thing that's important to know before you arrive with young children.
The campsite sits directly on the banks of the Tungufljót river (the Á). The riverbank is open and accessible, which is part of what makes Faxi so beautiful — but it also means there are no barriers between the camping area and the water.
Small children need to be supervised at all times near the river's edge. The current is strong, especially in early summer when snowmelt increases the water level, and the banks can be slippery close to the water.
This isn't a reason to avoid Faxi with children — it's a reason to be aware and stay close. With sensible supervision it's a fantastic place for kids, who tend to be absolutely mesmerised by the falls.
Kids love Faxi — the wide, accessible falls are endlessly fascinating. Keep them close to the riverbank and the experience is magical.
The walking paths around the site are great for children to explore. The area is lush and green in summer, very different from the barren volcanic landscapes elsewhere in Iceland, and kids tend to love the combination of the powerful waterfall sound, the green grass, and the sense of space.
Getting to Faxi Waterfall by Car
Faxi is only reachable by car — there's no bus service to the campsite. It sits just off Route 35, which is the road that connects Geysir to the south of Iceland and forms part of the Golden Circle route.
From Reykjavík / Keflavík Airport: Take Route 1 east, then join Route 35 north toward Geysir. Faxi is clearly signposted off Route 35, approximately 105 km from Reykjavík (about 1 hour 15 minutes in normal conditions).
From Geysir: Drive south on Route 35 for approximately 12 km. Faxi is signposted on the right.
From Gullfoss: Drive back toward Geysir on Route 35, then continue south for approximately 21 km total.
Road type: All paved — a standard 2WD car is perfectly fine for this route in summer.
The campsite has its own car park, and there's a small additional parking area near the waterfall viewing point. Arriving in the evening to camp means you'll likely find space easily — the daytime visitors have all gone by then.
If you're picking up a car from Keflavík Airport and planning the Golden Circle, Faxi fits naturally as either your first night's stop (arriving via Route 35 from the south) or as a midpoint on a longer loop. Either way, having your own car gives you complete flexibility to stay as long as you want and leave when the light is at its best — something bus tours simply can't offer.
What to Combine with a Faxi Camping Stop
Because Faxi sits right on the Golden Circle, a one or two-night camping stop here gives you easy access to several of Iceland's most iconic attractions.
| Attraction | Distance from Faxi | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Geysir & Strokkur geyser | 12 km | ~12 min |
| Gullfoss waterfall | 21 km | ~20 min |
| Þingvellir National Park | ~55 km | ~45 min |
| Secret Lagoon (Flúðir) | ~20 km | ~20 min |
| Reykjavík city centre | ~105 km | ~1 hr 15 min |
| Keflavík Airport (KEF) | ~130 km | ~1 hr 30 min |
The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is a particular highlight that pairs well with a Faxi camping night. It's one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, fed by natural hot springs, and far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. After a day on the Golden Circle, soaking in the Secret Lagoon before heading back to the campsite for the evening is a very good day indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD car to get to Faxi campsite?
No. The road to Faxi is fully paved and easy in a standard 2WD car throughout the summer season. If you're planning a wider trip that includes the highland interior (F-roads), you'd need a 4WD, but Faxi itself is accessible in any car.
Is Faxi campsite suitable for campervans?
Yes — the site has electricity hookups available for an additional fee, which makes it suitable for campervans and motorhomes as well as tents.
Can I just visit Faxi without camping?
Absolutely. The waterfall is freely accessible year-round and is a popular daytime stop on the Golden Circle. But if you have the option to stay overnight, we'd strongly recommend it — the experience is completely different once the day-trippers leave.
Is Faxi campsite dog-friendly?
Yes — dogs are welcome at the campsite on a lead.
What facilities does Faxi campsite have?
Toilets, hot and cold water, electricity hookups, walking paths, and an on-site restaurant and coffee house. There's no covered or sheltered camping area, so you'll need a proper tent or campervan.
Is it safe to swim near Faxi waterfall?
No. The Tungufljót river runs fast and cold, particularly in early summer when snowmelt is at its highest. Swimming is not safe near the falls or in the river beside the campsite.
How early in the season does the campsite open?
The campsite typically opens around 20 May and closes at the end of September. If you're visiting outside those dates, check directly with the campsite before planning to stay overnight.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Faxi?
In theory, yes — if you're visiting in late August or September when darkness begins to return to Iceland. The campsite has very little light pollution, which makes it a good base for aurora hunting later in the season. Check our Northern Lights car rental guide for more on timing and conditions.
Ready to camp at Faxi?
Pick up your car from Keflavík Airport — no deposit, CDW included, free shuttle from the terminal. The Golden Circle and Faxi campsite are less than 90 minutes away.
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