Kirkjufell, Iceland: How to See the Most Photographed Mountain

Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed landmarks in Iceland—and once you see it, you’ll understand why. This striking, standalone mountain rises 463 meters (1,519 feet) above sea level and towers over the quiet fishing town of Grundarfjörður, which has a population of around 900 people. It’s located on the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region often described as “Iceland in miniature” for its dramatic mix of mountains, coastline, and lava fields. 

With its perfectly shaped peak and steep slopes, Kirkjufell has earned a place on lists of the world’s most beautiful mountains.  

Its name means “Church Mountain,” a connection to its resemblance to a steeple. The mountain becomes even more photogenic when paired with nearby Kirkjufellsfoss—an elegant, multi-tiered waterfall that flows right in front of it. The view of the falls with the mountain in the background is one of Iceland’s most iconic scenes, especially when the northern lights or midnight sun light up the sky.  

Kirkjufell is easy to visit year-round, and it’s a favorite stop for photographers, road trippers, and anyone touring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Whether you’re catching the golden light at sunset or hiking around its base, this mountain lives up to the hype. 

Kirkjufell is made up of layered rock shaped by both volcanic activity and glaciers over millions of years. At its base, you’ll find Tertiary lava—dark volcanic rock that’s around 5 to 10 million years old. As you move up the mountain, the rock layers get younger, with sandstone and Quaternary lava dating back about 700,000 years. 

At the very top is a layer of tuff, a soft volcanic rock known in Icelandic as móberg. This material is common across the country and forms when volcanic ash fuses together during eruptions.  

Interestingly, the top layer of Kirkjufell matches that of the nearby mountain Klakki. Geologists believe these peaks were once part of the same ridge, but advancing glaciers carved out the fjord of Grundarfjörður between them—separating Kirkjufell from its original formation over thousands of years. 

• Kirkjufell was once nicknamed “Sukkertoppen” (The Sugar Top) by Danish sailors because it resembled the cone-shaped sugar loaves that were imported to Iceland at the time. 

• During Iceland’s settlement period, the mountain is believed to have been called Firðafjall, a name that later changed to Kirkjufell. 

• Kirkjufell is surrounded by other peaks, including Hálsvaðall, Stöðin, and Mýrarhyrna. 

• It’s considered one of the steepest mountains in Iceland, with sharp slopes and a pointed peak. 

• The mountain is made up of several layers of lava and sedimentary rock, formed during different geological periods. 

• Fossils have been found near the top, offering clues about the ancient environment that once existed here. 

As you drive from Grundarfjörður toward Kirkjufell, you’ll quickly spot the stunning Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Technically, it’s not just one—but three small waterfalls flowing in the same river, all sharing the same name for simplicity. 

They’re part of the Kirkjufellsá river—named, like much in the area, after the region’s favorite mountain. You’ll notice that nearly everything here connects back to Kirkjufell, one way or another. 

In summer, when the weather warms up, you might even see local kids, teenagers, and the occasional brave adult jumping into the water to cool off. In winter, though, that’s a hard no—icy conditions make it risky and not worth attempting.  

The waterfall is very easy to visit. There’s a small parking lot nearby and a walking path that takes you right up to it. If you’re already visiting Kirkjufell, this quick stop is absolutely worth it. 

Kirkjufell is located at the North Coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, West Iceland. It is about 183 km (113 mi) away from the capital Reykjavík and about 107 km (66,4 mi) away from Borgarnes on the Ring Road. Kirkjufell is then 379 km (235,5 mi) away from Akureyri.

GPS Coordinates: 64.9417° N, 23.3069° W

Kirkjufell may look inviting, but hiking to the summit isn’t for everyone. The climb is steep, exposed, and includes rope sections—not a casual walk. It’s about 7.9 km (4.9 mi) round trip and takes at least 3 hours, depending on your pace and the conditions. 

If you’re staying in Grundarfjörður, some cabins have informal access points. But for the public trail, you’ll need to park at the Kirkjufellsfoss lot and begin the hike from the south ridge. Be aware: the trail isn’t clearly marked. Some paths lead to dead ends, and even well-worn ones can be misleading. Route-finding is part of the challenge. 

The real difficulty begins after the halfway point. You’ll come across three rope-assisted sections—one around 5 meters (16 feet), another roughly 5.5 meters (18 feet), and a final one near 9 meters (30 feet). These areas require scrambling and a good head for heights. They’re not technical climbs, but they’re not suitable for beginners either. If you’re not experienced or comfortable with heights, this isn’t the hike for you. 

Weather makes a huge difference. Kirkjufell gets slippery fast when it rains—or worse, after snowmelt. Temperatures can drop quickly, and sudden hail or wind gusts are common even in summer. If the weather starts turning, it’s best to turn back. 

If you’re not a seasoned climber, walking the base of Kirkjufell is a much better idea. It’s safe, scenic, and gives you plenty of great angles to photograph the mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss in the foreground. There’s no need to scramble up dangerous slopes to enjoy one of the most iconic sights in Iceland. 

1. From the left side of the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. From there, you can easily frame the mountain and the waterfall together. 
2. At the base of the mountain, getting a towering shot or even sometimes a double Kirkjufell with the reflection in the frequently tranquil waters below. 
3. From the hills above the waterfall, you can get a shot of the town and the fjord surrounding the mountain. 
4. From the beach below the gas station, as you are driving into the town, you can see the colorful and authentic houses of Grundarfjörður. 
5. From the bench by the road between the town and Kirkjufell’s nearby farm. 

Plus: A pro tip for Kirkjufell Photography – go wide! 

Kirkja means church in Icelandic but like with most Icelandic words we tend to change them depending on how they are being used at each time.  So the Kirkja mountain became Kirkjufell – Kirkjufell is the Church Mountain. 

There are plenty of accommodation options in the town Grundarfjordur, here we have listed those with the best rating. 

Hostels

• Grundarfjordur HI Hostel

Guesthouses, B&B and Farmstays

• Hellnafell Farmstay
• The Old Post Office Guesthouse
• Guesthouse 43
• Hamrahlíð 9 Guesthouse
• H5 Apartments
• Jf Comfy Stay
• Grund í Grundarfirði

Camping in Grundafjörður will give you an excellent opportunity to view the mountain day and night. The site is located right next to the swimming pool and has wheelchair accessibility, and electricity for campers.

All information for the camping site is provided at the swimming pool reception.

Open: 1st of June to the 7th of October.

Address: Borgarbraut 10, Grundarfjörður.

GPS Coordinates: 64° 55′ 17.494 N, 23° 15′ 31.988 W

Kirkjufell mountain shouldn’t be hiked in winter, but should definitely be admired. The mountain looks incredibly beautiful in its winter coat, and when the snow starts to decorate the hill slopes, there is nothing quite like it. The mountain is often quite striped with snow and layers of rock. 

Just be careful when driving, as the road can be slippery. You will also need to layer up when dressing. Dress smart, go for layers and layers. It is better to be able to take off clothing than to have none to put on. 

Church Mountain under the northern lights? That’s Iceland at its most magical. 

Kirkjufell is already one of the most photogenic places in Iceland. Now imagine adding some swirling green lights to the mix, and your jaw might just drop all the way to Australia. On clear winter nights, it’s not unusual to see the Northern Lights dancing above the peak, especially if you’re staying nearby in Grundarfjörður. Many local restaurants even have photos of the phenomenon proudly displayed on their walls. 

Being farther north than Reykjavík and its surroundings also gives Kirkjufell a slight edge when it comes to aurora viewing. And if you’re based in Grundarfjörður, you won’t have to go far at all—the mountain rises above the town, visible from almost every direction. Just step outside, look up, and hope the sky delivers. 

• Don’t hike to the top unless you’re very experienced. The trail to the summit is steep, tricky, and includes rope sections. It’s not suitable for casual hikers. 
• Don’t attempt the summit in winter. Snow and ice make the trail even more difficult and unsafe during colder months. 
• Don’t wander off the trail. Stick to the marked paths around the base to protect the landscape and avoid getting lost. 
• Don’t miss Kirkjufellsfoss. The waterfall next to the mountain is easy to reach and offers one of the best photo spots in the area. 
• Don’t leave any trash behind. Carry out everything you bring in and help keep the area clean. 
• Don’t camp or park overnight outside designated campsites. Stay in proper campgrounds or accommodation nearby—overnight stays aren’t allowed at the mountain.

Kirkjufell and Game of Thrones – The Arrowhead Mountain 

Kirkjufell mountain was one of the filming locations for seasons 6 and 7 of the popular series Game of Thrones, where it was featured as the “arrowhead mountain” that the Hound and the company of the North of the Wall saw when capturing a wight. 

Kirkjufell and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 

Grundarfjörður the town that Kirkjufell rises above is also on the screen in the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty which stars many places on the Snæfellsnes and the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in the South. 

Grundarfjörður—a sizable town along Road 34, serving as the hub for accommodations and supplies for Kirkjufell hikers. 

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum—a quirky and fascinating museum dedicated to sharks, complete with an authentic boat once used to hunt them. 

Hraunfossar waterfalls—a mesmerizing series of falls of blue glacier water that flow through dark crevasses of solidified lava. 

Barnafoss waterfall—a winding, dramatic cascade surrounded by natural stone formations and considered the "sister" of Hraunfossar. 

Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach—a striking obsidian-colored piece of coastline located at the peninsula’s southwestern tip. 

Búðakirkja black church—A stark and iconic 18th-century wooden church with dark-colored walls set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. 

Ytri-Tunga seal beach—a golden sand coast known for its seal colonies, where these “ocean dogs” can often be seen lounging on the shore. 

Berserkjahraun lava field—one of Iceland’s oldest magma landscapes, home to a lush top layer of moss. 

Vatnshellir cave—an 8,000-year-old lava tube, featuring winding paths and walls encrusted with colorful, solidified magma. 

Gerðuberg cliffs—a row of hexagonal basalt columns, naturally sculpted by the combined forces of volcanic activity and ocean erosion.