Travel Guide of Kirkjufell in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers
Kirkjufell is a 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður. It is claimed to be the most photographed mountain in the country.
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Pictures and Stories of Kirkjufell from Influencers
20 pictures of Kirkjufell from Jonatan Pie, @canmandawe, Jack Millard and other travelers
- Catching the sunset in Iceland ...click to read more
- Experienced by @@canmandawe | ©Unsplash
- A burst of sunlight crests Kirkjufell, Iceland ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Luke Stackpoole | ©Unsplash
- Fog covers Kirkjufell Mountain ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicholas Kampouris | ©Unsplash
- Waterfalls in Kirkjufell ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicholas Kampouris | ©Unsplash
- Edited with Winter Blues – Lightroom Presets (Artist Series) by Presetbase. This collection of Lightroom presets is inspired by the almost endless ran ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Presetbase Lightroom Presets | ©Unsplash
- Spring nights in Iceland ...click to read more
- Experienced by @ORLANDO HENRIQUES | ©Unsplash
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Reviews of Kirkjufell from Travel Influencers
-Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall is a beautiful combination and worth visiting if you are in the area
-The view from above is excellent, with a great view of the sea
-However, the place is being ruined by social media users who are trampling the area to get the perfect photo
-You can do as much or as little as you want, with a parking lot and modest waterfall next to the mountain
-Hiking portions of the mountain is an option, but not necessary to enjoy the experience
Travelers' favorite tours and activities:
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Kirkjufell Mountain Full Day Tour from Reykjavik - from $134
- Snaefellsnes in a small group tour with home-cooked meal included from Reykjavík - from $186
- Snæfellsnes: Hidden Gem of the West Small-Group Day Trip from Reykjavik - from $144
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Day Trip from Reykjavik - from $153
- Snæfellsnes Eco-Tour with Snaefellsjokull Park from Reykjavik - from $148
How to visit Kirkjufell ?
Why travel there?
Kirkjufell, also known as "Church Mountain," is one of Iceland's most iconic and picturesque landmarks. Situated on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this 463-meter high mountain is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking breathtaking views. The mountain, along with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series Game of Thrones.
How to get there?
Kirkjufell is easily accessible from Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. You can either rent a car and drive the 186 kilometers (approximately 2.5-hour drive) or join a guided tour that will take you to Kirkjufell and other attractions in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
What to book in advance?
If you plan on joining a guided tour to Kirkjufell, it's a good idea to book in advance to secure a spot, especially during the peak travel season (June to August). Additionally, if you plan on staying overnight in the area, you should also book accommodations in advance.
What are the costs?
The cost of visiting Kirkjufell itself is free. However, if you opt for a guided tour, prices typically start at around $100 per person for day tours from Reykjavik. Renting a car will also incur costs such as rental fees, insurance, and fuel.
What are the best things to do?
1. Hiking: There are several hiking trails around Kirkjufell, offering a range of difficulty levels and spectacular views of the mountain and its surroundings.
2. Photography: Kirkjufell is a photographer's dream, especially during sunset or sunrise. The combination of the mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall create a stunning scene.
3. Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for seals, seabirds, and even whales in the surrounding ocean.
Where to eat?
1. Bjargarsteinn Mathus: This cozy restaurant offers delicious seafood and Icelandic cuisine with fantastic views of Kirkjufell.
2. Hraun: Located in the nearby town of Olafsvik, Hraun offers a variety of Icelandic dishes, including their popular fish and chips.
3. Kaffi Emil: A charming café in Grundarfjörður that serves light meals, coffee, and homemade cakes.
Where to stay?
1. Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments: Located in Grundarfjörður, this guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of Kirkjufell.
2. Fosshotel Hellnar: A 3-star hotel situated on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering modern rooms and an on-site restaurant.
3. Mýrar Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option in the nearby town of Olafsvik, offering private rooms and shared facilities.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, consider exploring the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, located within the Snæfellsjökull National Park. This 8,000-year-old lava tube offers a unique subterranean adventure, with guided tours taking visitors through its stunning formations and pitch-black chambers. The cave is approximately a 30-minute drive from Kirkjufell, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary.
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Kirkjufell Mountain is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
It Is one of the many wonderful landscapes of Iceland. Its conical shape is impressive and the waterfalls that surround it offer an enchanting panorama, which makes it one of the most emblematic landscapes of the country. Located on the peninsula of Snaefellsnes, the mountain Kirkjufell is surrounded by beaches, waterfalls and it is often sublimated by rainbows or northern lights...
Photographing Kirkjufell and its waterfalls:
Whatever the weather, the place keeps its magic!
However, be aware that Kirkjufellsfoss is a magnet for photographers - don't expect to be alone!
The best angles:
- With the waterfall: upper or lower part, see the panorama above where you can see both.
- With the reflection on the lake: at the bottom of the waterfall, there is a lake.
Apparently, you can go to higher ground for an interesting perspective without the waterfall. I didn't try it because of the weather
And you can see Kirkjufell from both sides of Highway 54 which runs along the northern coast of the peninsula
Named "sugar peak" by the Danes, its Icelandic name "Kirkjufell" translates as "church mountain"
Its shape reminds a religious building.
The nearby waterfall is called KirkjufellFoss, Foss meaning waterfall in Icelandic.
Because the surrounding scenery is surprising and beautiful, enhanced by beautiful waterfalls, this place is particularly appreciated by photographers, and in all four seasons!
This mountain became famous thanks to the Game of Thrones series in which it is called "Arrow Head Mountain".
About Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls in Iceland:
Foss means waterfall in Icelandic. They are located on the Kirkjufellsá river, which flows from the Sbaefellsjokull glacier above the Helgindur ridge.
The two steps of the waterfall are not very high (it reaches about 5 meters high) but the interest is the combined view with the mountain behind.
They are located on the Kirkjufellsá river which flows from the Snaefellsjokull glacier over the Helgrindur ridge.
The two steps of the waterfall are not very high (they are about 5 meters high) but the interest is the combined view with the mountain behind.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Kirkjufell
The site can be visited in any season!
Road 54 is generally very good also in winter which facilitates access to the site. Kirkjufell offers very different colors from one season to another and fascinates photographers.
Photographers in summer prefer to go there in the evening because the place is ideal to be photographed with the low light of the midnight sun. The site also has a very nice light at sunrise in the early morning.
As you can imagine, in winter, the place is also very popular with photo enthusiasts who want to get a shot with the aurora borealis over the mountain and the small waterfall too!
Globally, and especially in summer, the site is very touristic and there are often a lot of people during the day which can prevent you from taking your pictures without having someone in the picture. Therefore, if possible, you should visit in the evening or early in the morning.
It is located :
To get to Kirkjufell, you will have to go to Grundarfjörður, which is only 3 minutes away by car.
You can easily stay in Grundarfjörður. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you can reach the mountain viewpoint in only five minutes by walking along a small path.
Nothing could be easier!