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Axlafoss waterfall

HighlandsWaterfallF-road, 4x4Summer only
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
AXLAFOSS IN SHORT

Axlafoss is a small, remote waterfall on the Hólmsá river in the southern Highlands of Iceland, off the F210 mountain road. It is free to visit, but you need a 4x4 vehicle suited to F-roads and it is only accessible in summer. It is a short stop, and the drive is the main effort.

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Quick factsGetting thereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Axlafoss

Axlafoss is one of the quiet waterfalls of the Highlands. It sits in a small canyon and is not visible until you are close to the edge, so it comes as a surprise. It is not big, but the setting is very open, with lava fields, mountains and volcanic hills around.

Its size is reported differently by different sources, from about 8 m to about 12 m. There is no safe way to climb down to the water, so you view it from the rim of the canyon, where there are several viewpoints.

Most people come here for the drive across the empty highland and for the sense of being far from the crowds. It fits well into a day in the Fjallabak area, which has crater lakes, canyons and other waterfalls.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 8 to 12 m (sources differ)
RiverHólmsá
RegionHighlands, south of the Ring Road near Kirkjubæjarklaustur
RoadF-road access. Reached from the F210 mountain road; 4x4 only
River crossingsTwo small, shallow crossings reported
SeasonSummer only, when the highland roads are open
EntryFree
Time needed20 to 30 minutes at the falls, plus a long drive

How to get to Axlafoss

By carYou need a 4x4 vehicle that is allowed on F-roads. From the Ring Road, take Road 208 and then Road 210 into the highlands. Turn off along a short dirt track towards the waterfall, following the blue and yellow sign. Use a map app with coordinates 63.8062, -18.7641.
On a guided tourSuper Jeep and highland tours in the Fjallabak area may include waterfalls like this one. Ask a local operator whether Axlafoss is on the route.
By public transportThere is none. Do not attempt to reach this area in a two-wheel-drive car.

F-roads are open only in summer, usually from about mid-June, depending on snow and the state of the road. Check road.is or umferdin.is before you go, and ask locally about river levels. Rental insurance usually does not cover water damage.

Best time to visit Axlafoss

Summer (mid-June to September)The only realistic time. The highland roads are open, but conditions change quickly, so check before you go.
WinterNot accessible. F-roads are closed and the area is under snow.

Safety and practical tips

  • Only drive here in a 4x4 vehicle that is allowed on F-roads.
  • Check road conditions and river levels before you go, and tell someone your plan.
  • Do not drive off the tracks. Off-road driving damages the highland and is illegal.
  • Stay back from the canyon edge. Do not try to climb down.
  • Bring fuel, food, water and warm clothes. There is no signal in places.
  • Fly a drone only if you follow the rules for the area.

Facilities and accessibility

There are no facilities at the waterfall. The nearest are at highland huts and centres, such as Hólaskjól, which is usually open in summer, and in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

EldgjáEldgjáA huge volcanic fissure and canyon nearbyÓfærufossÓfærufossWaterfall with a natural arch in EldgjáKirkjubæjarklausturKirkjubæjarklausturThe nearest village on the Ring RoadLakagígarLakagígarCrater row from the 1783 eruption
Rauðibotn craterVolcanic crater near the F210

Where to stay near Axlafoss

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the nearest village with hotels and guesthouses. In the highlands, there are huts and campsites, including Hólaskjól in summer.

Axlafoss FAQ

Do I need a 4x4 for Axlafoss?

Yes. It is reached by F-road, which needs a 4x4 vehicle and, in summer only, suitable conditions.

When is Axlafoss open?

There is no gate, but the highland road is only passable in summer.

How high is Axlafoss?

Reports vary from about 8 to 12 m.

Can I walk down to it?

There is no safe way down. You view it from the rim of the small canyon.

Is it free?

Yes.

See Axlafoss with a local

Tours and trips that include Axlafoss, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Private Mælifell Super Jeep TourPRIVATEPrivate Mælifell Super Jeep TourFrom 260,000 ISK per group
More places in HighlandsWaterfalls in Iceland