Northern lights over Kirkjufell mountain beside a frozen waterfall

Discover Iceland / Highlights / Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Snæfellsnes

Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell, the 'church mountain', rises above Grundarfjörður on the north coast of Snæfellsnes. With the small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in front, it is one of the most photographed views in Iceland.

In winter, photographers line up by the falls hoping for northern lights over the peak.

Getting there

Follow road 54 around Snæfellsnes to Grundarfjörður. The car park for Kirkjufellsfoss is just west of town.

When to go

All year. Summer for green slopes and long evenings, winter for snow and aurora.

Good to know

  • Climbing the mountain is steep and dangerous; enjoy it from below.
  • Stay on the paths around the waterfall.
  • Combine with a full loop of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Read more in the journal

Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and road conditions. Check road.is and vedur.is before you set off.

On the map

Where Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss is.

Map of Iceland with the main highlights marked

Nearby

Also close by.