Iceland has many striking landscapes, but Kirkjufell stands out. This oddly shaped mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula draws photographers and travelers from around the world.
Here's what you need to know before you visit.
Key Takeaways
Kirkjufell is a 463-meter mountain on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its church-steeple shape
The best view pairs the mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, especially at sunset or during northern lights months
While climbing to the top is dangerous, a safer 6.5 km trail goes around the base
Visit between September and April for Northern Lights or between June and August for milder weather
The mountain is easy to reach, located 2.5 hours from Reykjavík with a parking area
What Is Kirkjufell?
Kirkjufell is a 463-meter (1,519-feet) tall mountain on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its name means "Church Mountain" in Icelandic because its cone shape looks like a church steeple. The mountain stands by itself on the north coast near the fishing town of Grundarfjörður, with the Atlantic Ocean behind it.
What makes Kirkjufell special is how it stands alone and has such a clean shape. Unlike mountains that form in groups, Kirkjufell is all by itself, making it look good in photos from any angle. Its steep sides go up to a pointed top, creating that outline that people instantly recognize as Iceland.
The mountain became famous worldwide when it appeared as the "Arrowhead Mountain" in the TV show Game of Thrones, but photographers and nature fans loved it long before that. When seen with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, it creates Iceland's most famous scene.
Formation & Geology
Kirkjufell acquired its distinctive shape and isolated location from millions of years of rock and ice erosion. The mountain formed through volcanic activity and then ice carving that gave it its current look.
During the last Ice Age (about 10,000 years ago), Kirkjufell was what scientists call a nunatak, a peak that stuck up above the ice while glaciers covered everything else around it. Think of it as a mountain island poking through a sea of ice. Because it rose above the glaciers, it wasn't completely worn away. Instead, the ice carved at its sides, shaping its cone form while scraping the lower land flat.
The mountain's layers show Iceland's story over time:
The bottom has dark lava flows from 5-10 million years ago
The middle has layers of newer lava and sandstone from about 700,000 years ago
The top is made of packed volcanic ash
You can see these different layers as bands of colors and textures on the mountain. The darker bands are usually lava, while lighter layers show times when sediment built up between volcanic events.
Scientists think the ash layer at Kirkjufell's top matches a similar layer on a nearby ridge called Mt. Klakki, suggesting they were once joined before glaciers cut out the fjord between them.
The mountain has various minerals, mainly iron, which rusts to make reddish tints in some rock layers. Though it contains volcanic rock, Kirkjufell itself is not a volcano. It's just the tough leftover of old lava flows that stayed while the land around it wore away.
Today, the mountain still weathers and changes, but slowly. Small rocks sometimes fall, especially during spring thaws, gradually changing its shape over hundreds of years.
Location & How to Get There
Reaching Kirkjufell is pretty simple, making it easy for most travelers to visit.
Kirkjufell is near the small fishing town of Grundarfjörður on the northern coast of Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. It's approximately 180 km (110 miles) from Reykjavík, making it close enough for a day trip.
By camper
The easiest way to reach Kirkjufell is by camper (or car), which takes about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík:
Take the Ring Road (Route 1) north through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel
Continue to Borgarnes
At the roundabout, turn onto Route 54 and follow it west
You'll see the mountain as you get close to Grundarfjörður
The road is paved and suitable for any car in summer. In winter, a 4x4 is better as roads can get icy. There's a small parking lot right off Route 54, about 2 km west of Grundarfjörður, which costs 1000 ISK. From there, it's a short walk to see the mountain.
By Tour
If you don't want to drive, many companies offer day tours from Reykjavík that include Kirkjufell and other popular spots on Snæfellsnes. These typically cost between $100 and $ 150 per person and last approximately 11-12 hours.
Public Transport
Public transportation to Kirkjufell is limited and not ideal for most visitors. There's no direct bus, and you'd need to make several changes.
From Reykjavik, you’d need to catch three different buses to reach Grundarfjörður, although the traveling time is not that bad: 3 hours and 15 minutes altogether.
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There's more to do at Kirkjufell than just take pictures. Here's how to get the most from your visit.
Photography at Kirkjufellsfoss
The classic view of Kirkjufell is from the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. This small, pretty waterfall with three levels makes a perfect foreground for the mountain. A short path from the parking lot leads to viewing spots where you can capture this scene.
For the best photos:
Visit during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) when soft light hits the mountain
Use a wide-angle lens to get both the waterfall and mountain
A tripod and filter can help you get those smooth water long exposures
Hiking Around the Base
While climbing to the top is dangerous and not a good idea for most visitors, a nice 6.5 km (4 mile) trail circles the base of Kirkjufell. This mostly flat loop takes approximately 2 hours and offers different views of the mountain from all sides.
The trail passes through fields and along the shore, offering views of Breiðafjörður Bay and its surrounding area. Most people can handle this trail, and it offers great photo spots without the risks associated with climbing.
Northern Lights Viewing
If you visit between September and April, Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's best spots for watching the aurora. The mountain forms a dark shape against the dancing lights, and there's minimal light pollution in the area.
To improve your chances:
Check the aurora forecast (on websites like vedur.is)
Go on a clear night with few clouds
Dress very warmly - you might be outside for hours
Bring a tripod and camera that can do long exposures
Midnight Sun Photography
During summer (June-July), the sun barely sets in Iceland, creating what people call the Midnight Sun. This gives you a chance to photograph Kirkjufell in golden light at odd hours, often with fewer people around.
Tips & Key Information
Planning a good visit to Kirkjufell takes some preparation. Here's what you should know about weather, timing, and what to bring.
Weather
Iceland's weather changes quickly, and Kirkjufell is no exception. A clear sunny day can suddenly turn foggy, rainy, or snowy.
In the summer (June-August), temperatures typically range from 10 °C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Winter (November to March) brings temperatures around freezing and often below, with shorter days and occasional storms.
Always check the weather forecast before you go and be ready for conditions to change quickly.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers something different at Kirkjufell:
Summer (June-August):
Pros: Mild weather, Midnight Sun, green landscapes, longer days
Cons: More tourists, especially around noon
Fall (September-October):
Pros: Fewer crowds, possible northern lights, fall colors
Cons: Cold temperatures, limited daylight, possible road closures
Spring (April-May):
Pros: More daylight, melting snow makes waterfalls stronger
Cons: Muddy trails, unpredictable weather
The best time depends on what matters to you, but many photographers prefer early September, when you can enjoy both decent weather and the Northern Lights.
What to Bring
Camera gear: Wide-angle lens, tripod, filters (for waterfall shots and reducing glare)
Clothing: Waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers, hat, and gloves (even in summer)
Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or shoes
Other essentials: Water bottle, snacks (there are no facilities at the site)
Winter extras: Spikes for your shoes, extra warm layers, headlamp
Photography Tips
Try different angles: The waterfall shot is nice, but walk around to find new views.
Look for reflections: On calm days, small pools near the base can mirror the mountain
Include a person: Adding someone (at a safe distance) shows how big the mountain is
Visit at different times: The mountain looks very different as the light changes
Get some close-ups: Details of the rock or waterfall can go well with your wider shots
Places to Visit Near Kirkjufell
People often call the Snæfellsnes Peninsula "Iceland in miniature" because it has so many different landscapes in a small area. While you're in the region, check out these nearby attractions:
Snæfellsjökull National Park
About 50 minutes west of Kirkjufell is this national park centered around the Snæfellsjökull volcano with its glacier cap. The glacier featured in Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" offers hiking, glacier tours, and breathtaking views.
Arnarstapi and Hellnar
These small fishing villages, located about 40 minutes from Kirkjufell on the southern coast of the peninsula, are connected by a pleasant coastal path that features sea arches, basalt columns, and bird-watching opportunities. The 2.5 km walk between them takes about 1 hour.
Djúpalónssandur
Also about 50 minutes by car from Kirkjufell, this black pebble beach has interesting lava shapes and pieces of a British trawler shipwreck. Try lifting the four strength-testing stones, which fishermen once used to prove they were strong enough for fishing boats.
Berserkjahraun Lava Field
Just 17 minutes east of Grundarfjörður, this 4,000-year-old lava field is covered in moss and tied to Viking legend. According to the medieval Eyrbyggja saga, two berserker warriors built a road through this lava field before meeting a bad end.
Stykkishólmur
This pretty harbor town, about 35 minutes east of Kirkjufell, has colorful houses, a volcano museum, and a ferry to the Westfjords. It's a good place to spend the night if you're exploring the eastern part of Snæfellsnes.
Campsites Near Kirkjufell
For budget travelers or those seeking a closer connection to nature, camping near Kirkjufell is a great overnight option.
Grundarfjörður Campsite
Location: In Grundarfjörður town, 2.5 km (5-minute drive) from Kirkjufell
Facilities: Showers, toilets, electricity, kitchen, playground, and swimming pool
Cost: 1800 ISK per person per night
Highlights: Views of Kirkjufell and the fjord, walking distance to shops and restaurants
Important information: It opens all year round, with fewer services in winter.
Arnarstapi Campsite
Location: Arnarstapi village, 30 km (40-minute drive) from Kirkjufell
Facilities: Showers, toilets, electricity
Cost: 2000 ISK per person per night
Highlights: Coastal location near hiking trails and a restaurant
Important information: Open from the end of May to September
Kirkjufell offers a mix of easy access and raw natural beauty. Whether you're a photographer looking for the perfect shot, a Game of Thrones fan looking for filming locations, or just a traveler seeking Iceland's iconic landscapes, this mountain won't disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkjufell
Climbing to the top of Kirkjufell is very dangerous and not good for casual visitors. The route has steep, slippery sections with rope-assisted climbs and significant drop-offs. Several people have died in accidents on the mountain in recent years. The climb is off-limits from November through mid-June due to ice and snow.
Instead, enjoy the safer but still beautiful hiking path around the base of the mountain. This 6.5 km loop offers good views without the risk.
Yes! Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's best northern lights viewing spots when conditions are right. The best time to see the aurora is between September and April, when nights are dark enough. You need clear skies and solar activity (check aurora forecasts). The mountain makes a striking dark shape against the dancing lights.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at Kirkjufell, which is enough time to see the mountain from different angles, photograph the waterfall, and take a short walk. If you want to hike the full base loop, add another 2 hours. Photographers often stay longer, waiting for good light or the Northern Lights.
Ideally, make Kirkjufell part of a full-day exploration of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Yes. Winter turns Kirkjufell into a snow-covered wonderland, with partly frozen waterfalls and the chance to see northern lights. But winter visits need more preparation:
Check road conditions before traveling (road.is)
Consider a 4x4 vehicle or guided tour
Dress very warmly in layers
Bring spikes for your shoes for walking paths
Plan around limited daylight (as little as 4-5 hours in December)
There are no facilities (restrooms, food, etc.) at the Kirkjufell site itself. The nearest services are in Grundarfjörður town, about 5 minutes away by car. Plan ahead, especially if visiting outside business hours when shops may be closed.
