If you’re driving around Iceland’s Ring Road, there are certainly some long stretches between A and B. While the landscape is almost always enchanting, sometimes it’s worth it to take a shortcut. In Eastern Iceland there is a pass which shaves off over an hour and almost 40 miles, it is the gravel track mountain road Öxi, meaning Axe, numbered Road 939. 
This isn’t just a shortcut, but an entire adventure. Öxi has a grade of 17%, so it is very steep and exhilarating. Driving a 2WD Toyota Yaris, I was more than thankful to be driving down the hill than up, as this trip was done going around the country clockwise. On a clear day the views along this road are impeccable, lush green Jurassic like cliffs teeming with waterfalls of the Berufjarðará River. There were so many jaw dropping sights along the way, but I couldn’t bare to drive past Folaldafoss, the gorgeous waterfall seen right from the road.
The parking was easy and it was good to take a break from the intensity of the drive. The view right from the pull off was fantastic, but noticing a short herd path I couldn’t help but hop the rocks over the stream to get a closer look. Be cautious as the trail is rocky and muddy in some spots, running right next to the river.
A small cascade of five feet was flowing strong as we drew closer to the falls.
The waterfall passes through a gap and crashes 54 feet in a remarkably turquoise pool.
Watching the water continue its course into the valley, with no one else around is entirely meditative.
After no more than fifteen minutes of hiking, return with a new sense of elation from this hidden gem. In the picnic area there is a monument to the man we have to thank for this road, Hjálmar Guðmundsson.
A local resident of the nearby town Berufirði, he had a great incentive to build this road and save time!
Good to know:
+This road is regularly gated and closed by snowfall