Kirkjufell, often called "Church Mountain," is one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed mountains.
At 463 meters (1,519 feet) tall, it rises sharply near the town of Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Famous for its distinct triangular shape, the mountain has captured attention worldwide, including being featured in the Game of Thrones TV series.
Geologically, Kirkjufell is made up of layered volcanic rock shaped by erosion during and after the Ice Age. Its dramatic silhouette alongside the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall creates one of the most picturesque scenes in Iceland, renowned particularly under the Northern Lights, midnight sun, or colorful sunsets.
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Scenic beauty
The combination of Kirkjufell with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall offers an extraordinary photo opportunity and is a must-see for many visitors. The mountain’s striking form, reflected in surrounding waters and framed by cascading falls, lends itself to dramatic nature photography. Hiking on the mountain itself is very steep and risky, so it’s recommended to enjoy views from safe vantage points near the waterfall.
Accessibility
Kirkjufell is about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, accessible via Route 54. There is a large parking area near Kirkjufellsfoss, which provides the best access to views of both the waterfall and the mountain.
Cost
There is a paid parking lot near Kirkjufellsfoss that costs about 1,000 ISK ( ca.7 EUR/USD) for a full day as of 2025. This parking area is recommended if you want to walk to the waterfall, which is about a five-minute walk from the lot. However, if you only want to see Kirkjufell from the roadside, free parking spots are available prior to the paid lot along the main road (see map below)
Crowd level
Due to Kirkjufell’s popularity, especially during the summer and Northern Lights seasons, it can get quite busy at the waterfall viewpoint and parking lot. Early mornings or late evenings offer more peaceful experiences, and the mountain can be enjoyed from farther distances to avoid crowds.