Grundarfjordur‘s beautiful Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) is said to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position, 463 meters (1.519 feet) above sea level and jutting out into the sea, makes it a focal point for visitors and locals alike. The colors of the mountain change every season, from summer greens to winter whites. Thus, you’ll always get a new perspective on this majestic mountain.
Next to Kirkjufell is the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall that channels the glacial water of Snaefellsjokull glacier. The three pronged waterfall isn’t very tall, but it makes for a beautiful photographing opportunity with the mountain in the background. Close by is another stunning waterfall, Grundarfoss. Both Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss make a dramatic winter backdrop when northern lights dance in the sky.
Photographing Kirkjufell
Here is a challenge for you: try passing Kirkjufell mountain without taking a photo! We bet you won’t be able to resist once you see this picturesque mountain. A couple of angles make the most popular photographs. The first one is by Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall on the left side of the road. The waterfall becomes an ideal foreground for the photo. The second one is on the other side of the main road, where the foreground image is a small lake. On a still day, you can get fantastic photos of Kirkjufell symmetrically reflected on the lake. The results are simply stunning.
Kirkjufell hiking trail and the surrounding area
Surrounded by beaches, Kirkjufell has a lovely walking trail around it that gives different views of the mountain. The surrounding area is full of bird and marine life. During the winter, people have seen orca whales in the fjord.
The nearby town of Grundarfjordur offers accommodation, restaurants, a 9-hole golf course as well as a variety of other outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, ice-climbing and camping.
Can you hike to the top?
Yes, there is a trail. However, the mountain sides are very steep and we advise every caution. This is not an easy hike and takes time. Two areas require a rope climb. Additionally, the mountain is dangerous to scale when wet. The climb is not suited for children or those who are not in good shape. It is also not for people who get vertigo from heights. With this in mind, we do not advise climbing Kirkjufell without a local guide.
Is Kirkjufell Arrowhead mountain in Game of Thrones?
Yes, it is. It appears in Season 7 when our heroes go north of the wall. The mountain was a filming location even though the actors performed on a green screen. We must admit that if you visit Kirkjufell in Iceland, the chance of you either meeting or creating a White Walker is slim to none.
How to get to Mount Kirkjufell?
Kirkjufell is located in Snaefellsnes, close to Grundarfjordur town, which is about a two hour drive from Reykjavik. A 10 minute drive west from Grundarfjordur and down Snaefellsnesvegur Road 54 will lead you to Kirkjufell. Parking there is both easy and free of charge.
GPS: 64.9417° N, 23.3069° W
