Elevation
463m (1,519 ft)
Arrow-shaped peak on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Kirkjufell: The Church Mountain of Snæfellsnes
Iceland's most photographed mountain near Grundarfjörður. Arrow-shaped peak alongside Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, featured in Game of Thrones as "Arrowhead Mountain."
Region
West Iceland, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
463m (1,519 ft) · Most photographed mountain in Iceland
Kirkjufell is Iceland's most photographed mountain, rising steeply near the fishing town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its arrow-shaped peak and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall form one of the country's best-known photo compositions. The mountain appeared as "Arrowhead Mountain" in Game of Thrones and is one of the most popular northern lights photography spots in the country.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Kirkjufell's hiking trail is steep and exposed; climbing is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Check weather and road conditions before driving.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Best for
Photography
Northern lights, waterfalls, and Game of Thrones fans.
Access
Easy viewpoint
Short walk to Kirkjufellsfoss; climbing NOT recommended.
What to Expect at Kirkjufell
- Summit elevation of 463m (1,519 ft) with a prominence of approximately 443m, rising steeply from sea level
- First recorded ascent in 1925 by a local Grundarfjörður resident; the steep climbing route is now discouraged for safety
- Arrow-shaped peak rising directly from the coastline, formed from layered sedimentary and volcanic rock
- Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall with its twin cascades sits just 50m from the parking area, the classic photo foreground
- One of Iceland's best northern lights photography spots from September through March
- The mountain's appearance shifts with the light through the day; golden hour is best for photos
Nearby Attractions
- Grundarfjörður fishing village
- Snæfellsjökull glacier and national park
- Arnarstapi coastal cliffs and sea arches
- Stykkishólmur harbor town and Flatey island ferry
- Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
How to Get to Kirkjufell
- Located 2 km west of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, directly on Route 54
- About 2.5 hours (180 km) drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 north then Route 54 west along Snæfellsnes
- Designated parking area beside Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall with a small fee; can fill up midday in summer
- The main viewpoint with Kirkjufellsfoss in the foreground is a 2-minute walk from parking; no hiking required
- No 4WD required; Route 54 is paved year-round, though winter conditions may require studded tires
- Part of the popular Snæfellsnes day trip circuit; combine with Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, and Stykkishólmur
Best Time to Visit Kirkjufell
- June–August: Longest daylight (up to 22 hours), lush green scenery, and midnight sun reflections on the water
- September–October: Northern lights season begins; autumn skies and fewer crowds at the viewpoint
- November–February: Prime aurora photography season; snow-capped Kirkjufell is the classic winter shot
- March–May: Transitional light; increasing daylight hours with lingering snow on the peak for contrast
- Early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening visits avoid the midday tour bus crowds at the parking area
- Winter roads on Route 54 can be icy and occasionally closed, so check road.is and carry tire chains or rent with studs
Planning help
Kirkjufell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.