Booking choice: The Classic Day Tour, from $143 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Kirkjufell, Church Mountain in Icelandic, is 463 metres high and stands alone by the sea, which is why it photographs so well. Below it, the small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall gives you the classic foreground.
Below: where it is, how long the tours stop, when the light is best, and what else you see on the same day.
The quick answer
Kirkjufell is a 463-metre peak beside the town of Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Every day tour on this site stops there, usually for 20 to 30 minutes, at the viewpoint by Kirkjufellsfoss. It appeared as the arrowhead mountain in Game of Thrones.
Where is Kirkjufell?
On the north coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, next to the fishing town of Grundarfjörður, in west Iceland.
It is the far side of the peninsula from Reykjavik, so tours reach it either first, via the Berserkjahraun lava field, or last, on the way home. The Grundarfjörður cruise port is just along the shore.
Is Kirkjufell the Game of Thrones mountain?
Yes. Kirkjufell was a filming location in seasons 6 and 7, where it appears as the arrowhead mountain north of the Wall.
Fans recognise it from the scenes where the Hound and his companions see it on their way to capture a wight. Guides often point it out, but the stop is about the view, not the show.
Kirkjufell is on every itinerary: check dates for the Classic Day Tour.
Check dates for the Classic Day TourHow long do tours stop at Kirkjufell?
Usually 20 to 30 minutes; the cruise-port excursion gives it about 50.
| Tour | Time at Kirkjufell | Order in the day |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Day Tour | 30 minutes | Early, after Berserkjahraun |
| BusTravel small group | 20 minutes | First stop |
| Nicetravel small group | 30 minutes | Last stop |
| Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell small group | 25 minutes | Last stop |
| Home-cooked lunch tour | 30 minutes | Late in the day |
| Grundarfjörður shore excursion | 50 minutes | First stop |
What is Kirkjufellsfoss?
Kirkjufellsfoss is the small waterfall in front of the mountain, and the viewpoint above it gives the famous view.
A short path leads from the parking area to the falls. The rocks around the water are wet and slippery, so wear shoes with grip and keep to the path.
When is the best light for photos?
Evening and low sun, and some tours save Kirkjufell for the end of the day.
The Nicetravel and Your Day Tours small groups end the day at Kirkjufell before driving back. In summer the light lasts late; in winter you may arrive near dusk. Weather on the peninsula changes fast, so a cloudy morning can clear by afternoon.
Want Kirkjufell in the later light? This small group saves it for the last stop.
Explore the Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell small groupIs Kirkjufell a volcano?
No. Kirkjufell contains volcanic rock but is not a volcano; the volcano on the peninsula is Snæfellsjökull, at the western tip.
Geologists describe Kirkjufell as a peak that stood above the surrounding ice in the Ice Age. You see Snæfellsjökull later on the same day; see the stops, one by one.
Can you see Kirkjufell from a cruise ship?
Yes: ships dock at Grundarfjörður, right beside it, and a BusTravel shore excursion starts at the harbour.
The five-hour excursion spends about 50 minutes at Kirkjufell, then loops through the national park to Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar, Arnarstapi and Búðir.
Arriving by ship? The shore excursion starts at the Grundarfjörður pier.
Check dates for the Grundarfjörður shore excursionFrequently asked questions
How far is Kirkjufell from Reykjavik?
It is on the far, north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Tours from Reykjavik reach it as part of an 11 to 12 hour loop.
Do you need a tour to see Kirkjufell?
No, you can drive there, but a tour saves you a long day of driving and combines it with the rest of the peninsula.
How tall is Kirkjufell?
463 metres.
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Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Classic Day Tour
- Professional guide on a full-day coach tour (up to 65 travelers)
- Stops: Berserkjahraun, Kirkjufell, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar, Arnarstapi, Ytri Tunga, Búðakirkja
- Meet at Bus Stop 12, Thorunnartun 1; hotel pickup at an extra fee
Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour
Small group with Wi-Fi, the Ytri Tunga seals and Kirkjufell last
Snaefellsnes Shore Excursion from Grundarfjörður
Cruise passengers docking at Grundarfjörður
