Quick Facts
Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 15′ / 5 m
Length of Hike: roadside
The Record
Located along the scenic Road 47, Laxfoss is a series of wide, rocky cascades on the Laxá í Kjós river. The river is renowned internationally as one of Iceland’s premier salmon fishing destinations. The waterfall itself is often a serendipitous discovery for travelers who choose to bypass the Hvalfjörður Tunnel in favor of the coastal route toward larger landmarks like Sjávarfoss or the towering Glymur.
Though it lacks the vertical intensity of the 18-meter-high Þórufoss located further upstream, Laxfoss offers a distinct charm that captures the essence of the Icelandic countryside. It is difficult to miss Laxfoss while driving the winding road parallel to the fjord. With no formal pull-off, the quiet nature of the road allows for a peaceful roadside stop where the focus shifts from a single dramatic drop to the intricate features of the river’s rushing water and the rolling hills of the valley.
While more famous “celebrity” falls exist across the island, this stretch of the river provides a unique opportunity to absorb the surrounding landscape without the crowds. The presence of a man-made salmon ladder near the falls highlights the river’s ecological importance, serving as a piece of the landscape that helps fish navigate the rapids. For those stumbling upon it, Laxfoss serves as a beautiful reminder that Iceland’s smaller, less-traveled sites can be just as captivating as its most famous giants.
Directions
- From the Ring Road (Road 1) coming from Reykjavík, take a right onto Road 47. (It might actually be a roundabout at that point.) Your other option, if you’re not looking for waterfalls, is to continue along the Ring Road, bypassing Road 47. Road 47 leads to Sjávarfoss and Glymur, and you can’t really view them without taking this “detour”.
- After a while, the road will become unpaved (but possible to drive). Just before Road 47 meets Road 48 (which will be to your right), you will cross over Laxá í Kjós. It’s not really a bridge you’re crossing in the conventional sense, as the road stays level as it crosses over the river. It’s pretty impossible to miss the falls unless you’re staring in some other direction.
Waterfall Record 
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