Thanks to Iceland’s fascinating geology, you can find otherworldly landscapes all over the country, many of which are dotted with fascinating formations. One of the most famous and captivating of these formations is the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. And it’s easy to see why: With its dramatic, standalone shape and scenic surroundings, it’s been dubbed “the most photographed mountain in Iceland.” Whether you’ve spotted Kirkjufell in travel guides, Instagram feeds, or even in Game of Thrones, chances are this distinctive peak is already on your radar.
There’s so much to discover about this enigmatic mountain, and in this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Find out where Kirkjufell is located, how to get there, how it was formed, what else to see in the area, and plenty more!
Why is Mount Kirkjufell Famous and How Was it Formed?
Mount Kirkjufell’s distinctive silhouette is impossible to mistake for any other peak in the world. With its symmetrical, arrowhead-esque shape emerging from the earth 463 meters (1519 ft) above sea level, Kirjufell has become a symbol for Iceland, capturing the hearts of visitors, filmmakers, and photographers from all over the world.
Mount Kirjufell’s surroundings only enhance its uniqueness, with the way it juts out of an otherwise quite flat landscape near the seaside town of Grundarfjörður and the nearby waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss, flowing serenely. The mountain’s fame took off when it appeared in the HBO series Game of Thrones in 2016. In the series, Kirkjufell is known as “Arrowhead Mountain,” located beyond the Wall, and is marked as the location where the first-ever White Walker was created by the Children of the Forest.
But it’s not just Mount Kirkjufell’s austere beauty and place in pop culture that makes it special. Its very geological formation is equally fascinating. Kirkjufell is formed of layers of volcanic ash, sedimentary rock, and lava flows that date back to the Ice Age! Over millennia, glaciers carved away at the softer rock around the mountain, leaving behind the distinct shape we see today.
Where is Mount Kirkjufell Located?
If exploring Kirkjufell is at the top of your list on your upcoming visit to Iceland, we don’t blame you! But how can you find this fascinating mountain? Mount Kirkjufell is located on the incredibly scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland.
How to Get to Mount Kirkjufell
The best way to get to Kirkjufell is by car. We recommend renting a car and enjoying a road trip through charming coastal villages, lava fields, and the raw natural beauty that makes the Snæfellsnes Peninsula a microcosm of the entire country.
From Reykjavík, the drive to Kirkjufell will take you somewhere between 2.5 and 3 hours (around 180 km or 111 mi), depending on road conditions and how often you stop along the way. Take the Ring Road, also called Route 1, north out of Reykjavík. Eventually, you will turn onto Route 54, which will take you to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From there, follow the signs toward Grundarfjörður, and you’ll spot Kirkjufell looming just outside of the town.
Things to Do Around Mount Kirkjufell
If you’re venturing all the way to see Mount Kirkjufell, you’ll want to make the most of your time there by seeing as much as you can in the area! Here are a few things to explore nearby.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Located just across the road from Kirkjufell is a small but charming waterfall. The spot offers fantastic photography opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the falls with the mountain in the background. A short walking trail loops around the falls, offering different viewpoints — and it’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the pink and purple light hits the mountain.
See the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun at Kirkjufell
Depending on what time of year you plan to visit Kirkjufell, you may be able to have one of two very magical experiences. During the winter months, from September to mid-April, the Northern Lights can be seen from Iceland. If you’re lucky and have the perfect conditions, you might be able to witness the Northern Lights dancing above the peak of Kirkjufell - what a sight!
Or, if you visit during the summer around the time of the Solstice (around June 21st), you might get to visit the mountain at midnight beneath the sun! The Midnight Sun occurs in Iceland each summer when the days are extremely long, and the sun doesn’t truly set for a couple of weeks.
Wildlife Spotting
The coastal area around Kirkjufell is known for its rich birdlife, especially during the summer months. Look out for Arctic terns, eiders, and even puffins along the cliffs and shoreline. You might also spot seals basking on the rocks or playing in the shallow waters!
Explore Grundarfjörður
The nearby town of Grundarfjörður is a scenic harbor village nestled between the sea and the mountains. It’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat, to stretch your legs, and to learn more about the area. Visit the local maritime museum, go whale watching in the bay, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views across the fjord.
Hiking at Kirkjufell
Many outdoor enthusiasts who plan to visit the mountain want to know if they can hike Kirkjufell. The technical answer is yes, but that comes with a number of caveats. Hiking to the summit of Mount Kirkjufell is incredibly difficult and, as such, is only recommended for extremely experienced hikers as part of an organized tour.
For safety reasons, it is not recommended that casual hikers or people traveling with children attempt the climb. Instead, there are plenty of walking paths in the area and around the base of the mountain that offer fantastic views of the landscape and the peak, which are suitable for people of most abilities.
Mount Kirkjufell truly is a stunning sight and one we recommend you see if you are traveling to Iceland. Make sure to ask our helpful team about any questions you have - we’d be glad to answer them and help you plan your trip around Iceland!