Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell Mountain
4.5
About
The mountain is near Grundarfjordur, a teensy-weensy town in west Iceland. With a summit 1,500 feet above sea level, Mount Kirkjufell the biggest landmark in the village of about 900 residents. Kirkjufell stands on snaefellsnes peninsula of its own, a stunning backdrop for the multicolored Icelandic sky.
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More than 3 hours
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4.5
671 reviews
Excellent
427
Very good
188
Average
51
Poor
3
Terrible
2
SWH100
Cardiff, UK1,005 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We arrived at kirkjufell mountain just as the sun was coming down for the day. It was absolutely freezing, but the light was such a perfect blue. I couldn’t stop looking at the mountain as it was so beautiful. We walked down to the waterfall and had the most amazing view from the bottom. It is a spectacular place that almost feels quite magical. The snow and ice definitely added to this feeling. This is a must visit place.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Galina M
Sofia, Bulgaria152 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Kirkjufell is a magical place full of energy. When you see it, the uniqueness of this place takes your breath away. I will never forget the magnificence and vibes of this place.
In fact, Iceland is a magical, beautiful, unique, magnificent, mystical country from which I have unforgettable memories.
In fact, Iceland is a magical, beautiful, unique, magnificent, mystical country from which I have unforgettable memories.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dbinhou7511
Houston, TX1,322 contributions
Jul 2022
Picturesque mountain on the edge of Grundarfjordour. Dominates the landscape and it is something you will want to take pictures of. Don't know about climbing it, but you can get great views from town or by taking the trails to the west.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phillip B
Houston, TX9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Truly unbelievable site. We stopped at the viewpoint at the Kirkjufellsfoss across the road, the parking fee was cheap and it was an easy walk across the waterfall. Truly special place to be. Words don’t really do justice to a place like this, but you won’t regret going there and taking it in yourself. It was worth every second of the long drive from Reykjavik and I hope to go back someday.
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Travel Couple - Chathu & Ishanka
Kalutara, Sri Lanka988 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
A majestic mountain which is referred to as the arrow head mountain in the game of thrones. Although it is seen as an arrow head only in one angle which is from the kirkjufellfoss area. The view from the waterfall is really amazing. And you can take some breathtaking photos from the waterfall including both the waterfall and the mountain in the picture. I've heard that this mountain can be climbed. But we did not try out as it was raining and we did not have time. Would have been a nice activity for a warm summer day.
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mochileradelujo
Medellin, Colombia34 contributions
Oct 2022
The view of the mountain is beautiful. It has some magnetism that you can't stop looking at it. Northern lights over the mountain are beautiful to see.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travellingicelander
2 contributions
Oct 2022
A fatal accident occured on the mountain last week. Do not hike on this mountain unless you have extensive mountaineering experience and gear. Even then, a small slip of foot has you falling to your death. This mountain is only to look at and not to conquer.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victor R
Denver, CO78 contributions
Oct 2022
Just a few minutes drive west of Grundarfjordur, the mountain is really something to behold. Everybody has seen the pictures, but in person it's even more amazing that expected. One day we kayaked across the fjord to the mountain, and the next day we drove and walked it. Parking is across the 54 Highway, but it's one lane each way and lightly-driven, so access to the mountain is easy.
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
angeliki_ts
Heraklion Prefecture, Greece76 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall make a beautiful combination you have to see! You can also have excellent view to the sea from above! Worth visiting if you pass by Snaefellsnes Peninsula!
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rexyten
Mountain View, CA53 contributions
Aug 2022
This place is of course very scenic, but is being trampled to death thanks to social media serfs trying to mimic the "perfect" post photo
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JenY
Ontario, Canada123 contributions
where is the location of the newly added parking lot in September 2019? is it nearby the old parking lot?
Joni M F
Florida818 contributions
We were there in August and found the parking plentiful at the base of the river below the falls. There may have been more parking across the road from the falls.
Hi Jonna. I'm going to be in Iceland and am thinking of hiking around Kirkjufell. I don't think I'm up for climbing to the top as it seems a bit treacherous. Do you know if there are good trails around the mountain and where info about these trails might be?
Thanks!
Steve
Howlo
Buckingham, UK9,423 contributions
There is a good path from the town centre, it'll take you past a lovely waterfall close to the mountain. and the follow the path around the base.
max5524
Ascoli Piceno, Italy31 contributions
Quanto dista dal centro della città
Eleonora C
Salzburg, Austria46 contributions
È in una piccola cittadina di pescatori. Mi ricordo che è molto vicina, raggiungibile in auto in pochissimi minuti.
Jessica A
4 contributions
I'm heading over that way in February how is the hike to the falls in the winter?
Gary S
Coral Gables, FL570 contributions
It really depends upon the weather but certainly not as easy as in the Summer. It being Winter, you'll want to dress appropriately for the cold and winds, and possibly snow.
Fiona R
Dunfermline, UK35 contributions
Hello, we are going to be visiting here next Summer. My husband is ex mountain rescue and we are both fairly experienced walkers. We will also have our two kids 10&11. We have done a few hilly walks in Scotland with them but nothing involving ropes. We would love to climb this mountain as part of our trip. Would like to know if this would be possible? Can we hire a guide for the trip and how much would this cost (GB) thank you
Storrs2000
Connecticut146 contributions
We didn't see anyone climbing. I read that you need to hire guides. There are plenty of other beautiful places to hike!
patricia g
Boston, MA49 contributions
Hello: I was wondering if it is possible to walk/hike to the mountain and the falls from the town? How far is it from the center of town?
דייויד ה
jerusalem12 contributions
"If "the town" is Grundarfjörður, then absolutely!"
This would be my answer too.
We stayed at the Framnes Hotel, a short walking distance from the mountain.
Hope my information was helpfull.
David
Joy J
Detroit, MI18 contributions
Hi Hoffyig73,
We are visiting Iceland early April. The drive from Rykakvik to Kirkjufell requires 4x4? any gravel road? we are staying one night near Grundarfjörður, Iceland, next night in Borganese. Any other places you would recommend? Thank you very much!
Envir0ment
110 contributions
I drove in a Golf, lol :)
Pretty much everywhere on the coast. Take your time and explore!
mswonderwander
Fresno, CA23 contributions
I would like to visit this general area last week in March. I know one cannot 100% predict the weather and road conditions, but is it likely we can drive from Reykjavik one day to Stykkishólmur one day and back to Reykjavik the next with stops along the way for sightseeing? If so, any other favorite spots along the way?
RCSColumbus
Columbus, OH620 contributions
Helgafell, a small historical and mystical hill just outside Stykkisholmur is worth a stop and the short climb to the top. Views are beautiful and the legend is explained on an information board at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. It's an easy climb up and down and can be accomplished in 30 minutes total. Same is true of Sugandisey, the rock formation in Stykkisholmur harbor. Well worth taking the metal stairs to the top for beautiful views of the fjord. This can also be seen in 30 minutes or less. It's worth lingering at sunset though if you have the chance.
mswonderwander
Fresno, CA23 contributions
Hello,
I would like to visit this general area last week in March. I know one cannot 100% predict the weather and road conditions, but is it likely we can drive from Reykjavik one day to Stykkishólmur one day and back to Reykjavik the next with stops along the way for sightseeing? If so, any other favorite spots along the way?
Brittany_11_10
Los Angeles, CA1,631 contributions
Hi Sheryl, not sure if you got my PM. In any case, here was my answer to your latest question:
Yes, we did the whole RR in January, but I grew up in Alaska, so the road conditions and weather weren't anything I hadn't experienced before. That being said, there are basically no guardrails in Iceland, so a few times when we were in whiteout conditions, crazy wind, and high up on the edge of a cliff, it was a touch... more adventurous :)
If you meant Jokulsarlon, you should be able to make it there and back to Reyk in two days (considering your day set aside from snowmachining).
That being said, it might be kind of rushed. It's almost 400km between Reyk and Jokulsarlon, and there's quite a bit to see along the way. However, you will have more daylight hours, and I suppose you could see some stuff on the way there and some on the way back, since it's a simple out and back.
Also, were you planning a day for the Golden Circle? If not, you might want to consider it. There's heaps to see (waterfalls, geysers, craters, and where the North American and European continents split), but it'll take a good part of a day to see it at all.
In any case, our highlights between Reyk and Jokulsarlon were:
- Selfoss (easy, just off the road).
- Seljalandsfoss (awesome, but may take more time if you decide to go behind it, which I highly recommend. If you do, bring waterproof clothes; you will definitely get soaked).
- Solheimajokull (if you haven't seen a glacier before, or even if you have, I recommend going here. I grew up with a glacier "in my backyard" and still thought this was cool. It's a little bit of a walk in from the parking lot, but there aren't many glaciers in the world you can just walk up to).
- Reynisfjara (Black sand beach, so an easy stop if you just want to "see" it and not really spend much time frolicking around on it).
- DC Plane Wreck (really cool, but I'm not sure you'll have time since it's a 4-mi roundtrip walk).
- Fjadrargljufur (still can't pronounce it--haha, but it was a cool canyon, really pretty, just a bit off the RR).
- petting the many friendly Icelandic ponies :) (There's always time for that).
IrishMc333
Oviedo, FL3 contributions
Is this visit worthy in the month of December?
Pat and Jim H
Columbia, MD USA105 contributions
OMG! It is worth visiting whenever! Most likely too late for your journey, but this is a very special area of Iceland (the peninsula as a whole). See it whenever you can.
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KIRKJUFELL MOUNTAIN (Grundarfjorour) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkjufell Mountain
- We recommend booking Kirkjufell Mountain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 56 Kirkjufell Mountain tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kirkjufell Mountain:
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Kirkjufell Mountain Full Day Tour from Reykjavik (From €114.49)
- Snaefellsnes in a small group tour with home-cooked meal included from Reykjavík (From €188.15)
- Snæfellsnes: Hidden Gem of the West Small-Group Day Trip from Reykjavik (From €139.57)
- Small-Group Snaefellsnes, Mt. Kirkjufell & Black Sand Beach Tour from Reykjavik (From €127.62)
- Snaefellsnes National Park and Natural Wonders from Reykjavik (From €151.98)
- Hotels near Kirkjufell Mountain:
- (0.03 km) Helgrindur Guesthouse
- (0.03 km) Hotel Helgrindur
- (0.18 km) Grundarfjördur HI Hostel
- (0.13 km) Grundarfjordur Bed and Breakfast
- (0.09 km) H5 Apartments
- Restaurants near Kirkjufell Mountain:
- (0.12 km) Cafe Emil
- (0.09 km) Valeria Kaffi
- (0.09 km) Meistarinn
- (0.40 km) Bjargarsteinn mathus
- (0.24 km) Laki Hafnarkaffi
- Attractions near Kirkjufell Mountain:
- (0.25 km) Laki Tours
- (0.31 km) Vestur Adventures
- (0.27 km) Statue “Sýn" by Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir
- (0.30 km) Liston
- (0.32 km) Snjóhúsið - Útivistarbúð Og Klifurhús Í Grundarfirði