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Kirkjufell mountain

SnæfellsnesMountainFree entryOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated November 2026
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell
KIRKJUFELL IN SHORT

Kirkjufell ("Church Mountain") is a 463-metre, cone-shaped mountain on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about 2 km west of Grundarfjörður, with the small waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss beside it. It is about 180 km, or 2.5 hours, from Reykjavík, free to see with a parking fee at the waterfall car park, open all year, and most people spend 30–45 minutes there. It is a stop on most Snæfellsnes day tours from Reykjavík.

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Quick factsHistoryGetting thereWaterfallHikingNear hereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell stands on its own on the shore just west of Grundarfjörður, which is why it catches the eye: most Icelandic mountains sit in a range, but this one rises straight out of flat farmland with the sea on one side. Its shape, wide at the base and narrowing to a point, comes from layers of basalt and softer rock that have eroded at different rates.

It is one of the most photographed places in Iceland, usually framed with Kirkjufellsfoss in front. The falls are only a few metres high, but running water, the mountain behind and, from late September to early April, the chance of Northern Lights overhead make this a standard stop on any trip around the peninsula. Fans of Game of Thrones may know it as the "arrowhead" mountain seen in the series.

A short path from the car park crosses a footbridge to the waterfall viewpoints in a few minutes. Climbing the mountain is a different matter: the route is steep and exposed, with loose rock, and there have been fatal accidents, so it is only for experienced climbers with a local guide. A walk around the base of the mountain takes about 3–4 hours. Another way to see it up close is from the water on our kayaking tour from Grundarfjörður.

Quick facts

Height463 m
RegionSnæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
From ReykjavíkAbout 180 km, around 2.5 hours by car
From GrundarfjörðurAbout 2 km, a few minutes by car
EntryFree
ParkingFee at the Kirkjufellsfoss car park, paid through the Parka app; plates read by camera
Opening hoursOpen all year, day and night
Time needed30–45 minutes for the viewpoints and falls
ClimbingSteep and dangerous; experienced climbers with a guide only, never in winter

A landmark long before photography

Local farmers are said to have used Kirkjufell as a landmark and weather marker for centuries, watching how cloud gathered around the peak to judge an approaching storm. Its Icelandic name comes from its resemblance, from some angles, to a church steeple.

The mountain's modern fame is more recent: its appearance in television and film brought international attention, and the short walk from the road to a dramatic view is a big part of why it has become one of the most-shared images of Iceland.

How to get to Kirkjufell

On a guided tourOur Snæfellsnes Peninsula small-group tour from Reykjavík (about 12 hours, all year, up to 18 people) ends the day at Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss after Ytri Tunga, Búðir, Arnarstapi, Lóndrangar and Djúpalónssandur, so you see the whole peninsula without the long drive. For your own guide and start time, book the Snæfellsnes Private Tour from Reykjavík (about 8 hours, all entry fees included). With more time, the 2-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour visits Kirkjufell on the morning of day 2 after a night in Borgarnes, and in winter gives a chance of Northern Lights.
By carTake Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then Route 54 west onto Snæfellsnes and over the peninsula to Grundarfjörður. The car park is on Route 54 just west of town. Roads are paved and usually open in winter, but can be icy and windy.
By public transportThere is no practical year-round bus to the viewpoint, so a rental car or a tour is the way to visit.
ParkingThe car park by Kirkjufellsfoss charges a parking fee through the Parka app, with number plates read by camera. It fills up around midday in summer.

Pay the parking fee in the Parka app or on parka.is on the day; unpaid parking is billed to the car's registered owner, which for rental cars usually means an added handling fee.

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall

Kirkjufellsfoss is a short walk from the mountain, on the river Kirkjufellsá. It is not a big waterfall. The water drops in three short steps, and the gentle flow gives it a soft, calm look.

A path loops around the falls and over a small bridge, so you can see them from several angles. The classic view is from the far side, below the falls, looking back with Kirkjufell rising behind the water.

For that photo, stand on the path where you can fit both the waterfall and the mountain in the frame. A slow shutter speed on a tripod turns the water silky. The light is at its best around sunrise and sunset, when warm tones set off the blue sky or the snow.

Hiking Kirkjufell

There is a route to the top, but it is a serious scramble, not a walk.

DifficultyVery challenging. The path is steep, with rocky sections where you need your hands, loose rock and long drops. It is for fit, experienced mountain hikers only, and a local guide is strongly advised.
Time and heightThe summit is 463 metres above sea level. Allow about 3–4 hours for the round trip.
When not to goNever in rain, wind, snow or ice, when the slopes turn wet and slippery. The landowners close the mountain to hikers in winter; the first closure ran from November to mid-June, after three fatal accidents in four years. Respect the signs.
The viewFrom the top you look over Grundarfjörður, the bay and the islands of Breiðafjörður. The waterfall viewpoints are the safe alternative, and the mountain looks better from below anyway.

Things to do near Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell is one of many sights on Snæfellsnes. These are easy to add to the same trip.

1. GrundarfjörðurThe closest town, a fishing village with restaurants, cafés and places to stay. A handy base for this side of the peninsula.
2. Snæfellsjökull National ParkWest of Kirkjufell, around the glacier-topped volcano from Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Hiking trails, lava fields and coastal views.
3. Búðir churchThe small black-painted church on the south coast, plain and stark against the lava field. A favourite with photographers.
4. Djúpalónssandur beachA black beach with strange rock formations and the scattered remains of a shipwreck. An eerie stretch of coast to explore.
5. Arnarstapi and HellnarTwo neighbouring coastal villages known for sea cliffs, sea stacks and rock arches, linked by a scenic walking trail.

Best time to visit Kirkjufell

Summer (June–August)Long daylight, green fields and the midnight sun setting behind the peak in June and July. The car park is busiest around midday.
Autumn and springSofter light, fewer visitors and the first or last chances of Northern Lights. Paths can be wet and muddy.
Winter (November–March)Snow on the peak and, on clear dark nights, a good chance of the Northern Lights over the mountain. Days are short, the path to the falls can be icy, and winds can be strong.

Check road conditions on umferdin.is and the aurora forecast on vedur.is before an evening visit in winter.

Safety and practical tips

  • Arrive early morning or in the evening in summer for a quieter car park and softer light.
  • For the classic photo, stand on the far side of the waterfall with Kirkjufell behind it.
  • Do not attempt to climb Kirkjufell without experience, proper gear, good weather and a local guide. People have died on the route.
  • Wear shoes with grip; the path to the falls can be muddy or icy.
  • Bring ice grips in winter; the footbridge and steps freeze.
  • Keep to the marked paths and behind the ropes to protect the grass and moss.
  • Pay parking in the Parka app before you leave the car park.

Facilities and accessibility

Facilities at the car park are limited. Public toilets are at Grundarfjörður harbour (Nesvegur 2, small fee), open 9:00–19:00 in summer and 9:00–17:00 in winter, and the town has cafés, a shop and fuel.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

ArnarstapiArnarstapiCoastal cliffs and a walking path to HellnarDjúpalónssandurDjúpalónssandurBlack pebble beach with an old shipwreckStykkishólmurStykkishólmurHarbour town on the north coastBúðirBúðirBlack church on a lava fieldBerserkjahraunBerserkjahraunMoss-covered lava field with a saga story

Where to stay near Kirkjufell

Grundarfjörður, a few minutes away, has the widest choice of hotels and guesthouses on this part of the peninsula, and Stykkishólmur, about 40 minutes east, is another good base. Hotels on Snæfellsnes can be added to your trip in our trip planner. Our 8-Day Tour Around Iceland also stops at Kirkjufell on day 7.

Kirkjufell FAQ

Is it free to visit Kirkjufell?

Yes, there is no entrance fee. A parking fee applies at the Kirkjufellsfoss car park, paid through the Parka app.

How far is Kirkjufell from Reykjavík?

About 180 km, or around 2.5 hours by car. Our Snæfellsnes day tours from Reykjavík include it.

Can you climb Kirkjufell?

Only experienced climbers should try, with a local guide and in good summer weather. The route is steep and exposed, and there have been fatal accidents.

How long do you need at Kirkjufell?

30–45 minutes for the waterfall viewpoints and photos. A walk around the base of the mountain takes about 3–4 hours.

Is Kirkjufellsfoss the same as Kirkjufell?

No. Kirkjufell is the mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss is the small waterfall beside it, usually in the foreground of photos.

Can you see the Northern Lights at Kirkjufell?

Yes, on clear, dark nights from about late September to early April. Our 2-Day Snæfellsnes tour gives an evening chance in winter.

Was Kirkjufell in Game of Thrones?

Yes. It appears in the series as the arrowhead-shaped mountain seen beyond the Wall.

See Kirkjufell with a local

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

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small Group TourDAY TOURSnæfellsnes Peninsula Small Group TourFrom 17,074 ISK per personSnæfellsnes Private TourPRIVATESnæfellsnes Private TourFrom 150,000 ISK per group2 Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula TourMULTI-DAY2 Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula TourFrom 69,990 ISK per personKirkjufell Kayaking TourDAY TOURKirkjufell Kayaking TourFrom 14,900 ISK per person8 Day Tour Around IcelandMULTI-DAY8 Day Tour Around IcelandFrom 389,990 ISK per personSnæfellsnes PeninsulaSHORE EXCURSIONSnæfellsnes PeninsulaFrom 150,000 ISK per group
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