If you’re looking to experience one of Iceland’s most iconic views, look no further than Kirkjufell Mountain. Whether you’re a landscape photographer hoping to snap the perfect shot or just someone looking for a jaw-dropping view, Kirkjufell offers it all. Ready to learn why it’s worth the visit? Let’s dive in!
What is Kirkjufell Mountain?
Kirkjufell, which means “Church Mountain” in Icelandic, is an iconic peak located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Standing 463 metres tall, it’s not particularly tall but it’s one of Iceland’s steepest mountains and its distinctive shape makes it one of the most visited Icelandic landmarks.
But what really sets Kirkjufell apart isn’t just its shape. The surrounding landscape is nothing short of spectacular, with the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall next to the mountain and a dramatic coastline.
Why is Kirkjufell Worth Visiting?
Here’s the thing about Kirkjufell: it’s not just another mountain, it’s the mountain! The landscape here is truly something out of a fairytale, with its towering peak and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall creating the perfect picture-perfect scene. If you’re into photography (or just want a killer Instagram shot), this is the place. It’s also a fantastic place for hiking, kayaking and horse riding during the summer months.
How to Get to Kirkjufell Mountain
Getting to Kirkjufell is easier than you might think! Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive (approx. 180 km) from Reykjavik, so it’s the perfect day trip if you’re based in the capital. Simply hop on Route 1 (the Ring Road) and head west until you reach the town of Grundarfjörður. From there, just follow the signs to Kirkjufell. When you get there, you’ll find the Kirkjufell car park on the left side of the road (driving from Grundarfjörður). As with many other tourist hotspots in Iceland, there’s a parking fee of 1,000 Icelandic Krönur which can either be paid on site or online.
Driving in Iceland is pretty straightforward, but make sure to check road conditions if you’re visiting in the winter – snow can make things a bit tricky! If you’re not into driving, there are also guided tours available from Reykjavik that will take you on a scenic journey to Kirkjufell and other nearby attractions.
The Best Time to Visit Kirkjufell
While Kirkjufell is stunning year-round, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. The scenery and the things you can do in and around the area are completely different in every season.
Kirkjufell In Summer
During the summer months (June to August), the lush greenery and surrounding landscapes are in full bloom, making for some seriously beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect time for hiking in the area, or even having a go at horse riding or kayaking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try climbing Kirkjufell.
Climbing Kirkjufell in Summer
If you’re an experienced adventurer and fancy a challenge beyond the usual Icelandic experience, climbing Kirkjufell is a thrilling option. However, it’s not as easy as you might think!
It’s a relatively short climb that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the terrain can be very tricky. The trail is steep and can be slippery, making it more of a scramble than a hike. The rocks can be loose, and there are areas where the slope gets particularly sharp, so you should only consider doing this if you’re comfortable with rugged terrain and have some climbing or scrambling experience.
Even then, make sure you don’t go alone and you might consider booking a guide to take you up if you’re not too confident. And don’t even think about climbing Kirkjufell during the autumn or winter months.
While the climb itself can be tough, the views from the summit are absolutely worth it. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean, and even the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall from above. It’s an incredible experience if you love a good challenge and want to see Kirkjufell from a completely different perspective.
Kirkjufell In Winter
In winter (September to March), Kirkjufell becomes a winter wonderland covered in a thick blanket of snow as far as the eye can see. The waterfall freezes over too, creating a beautiful ice sculpture that works as a fantastic foreground for your photos. And if you’re really lucky, you might even get to see the Northern Lights dancing above the mountain. Just be sure to wrap up – winter temperatures in Iceland can be pretty chilly!
Photography At Kirkjufell
Alright, let’s talk photos. If you’re into photography (or just want to get that perfect selfie), Kirkjufell is a dream come true. The landscape itself is so picturesque that it’s difficult to get a bad photo, even on a rainy day. However, if you’re like me and like to do a bit of research before you get there, here are a few of my favourite photo spots at Kirkjufell:
- Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall: It’s probably the obvious one, but it’s too perfect to ignore. Lining up the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall and Kirkjufell creates an iconic shot. However, it’s the photo that everyone gets so be sure to mix things up a bit. Be sure to try some long exposures and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your composition!
- The Top of the Hill: If you follow the water a little further up the hill, you’ll find another couple of smaller steps in the river. Framing them can be a little tricky as you’ll likely have to shoot a panoramic, but the photo is so much more unique. Trust me, the hike up there is well worth it!
- The Bay: From the car park, cross the road and start walking towards Grundarfjörður. You’ll soon start to notice how much the shape of the mountain changes as you get further away. Head towards the sea and try to find some calm water or a small puddle that you can use for a reflection.
Other Things to Do Near Kirkjufell
Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Kirkjufell, there’s plenty more to explore in the surrounding area. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is packed with so many other amazing spots to check out, like the sea stacks at Lóndrangar, Vatnshellir Cave or the Black Church in Budir. You could easily spend a few days exploring the area, so be sure to plan plenty of time for all the little detours!
FAQs About Kirkjufell
Here are some of the most common questions asked about Kirkjufell mountain and the surroundings:
Yes, Kirkjufell can get busy, especially during the peak tourist seasons in summer (June to August) and during the winter months when people come to see the Northern Lights. As one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, it attracts visitors from all over the world. To avoid the crowds, get there early in the morning or later in the evening. During the off-peak seasons (late autumn or early spring), the area is a bit quieter so you’ll get a much more peaceful experience.
Yes, staying near Kirkjufell is well worth it, especially if you’re keen to be there early or late to avoid the crowds. The small town of Grundarfjörður, just a few kilometres away, is home to several little guesthouses and hotels, so it’s an excellent base for exploring the Kirkjufell and the rest of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Yes, Kirkjufell is family-friendly. The area around Kirkjufell is easily accessible, with a well-maintained path leading to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which is a fun and easy walk for families. That said, it’s not a great place for kids to run around as the terrain around the waterfall can be a bit rugger. It also gets very icy in winter, so take care if you’re visiting with children.
