Travel Explore Enjoy

Kirkjufell? If you have seen any photos of Iceland, you’ve definitely seen the mountain, often pictured with waterfalls in the foreground and dramatic clouds above. And for Game of Thrones fans, you might even recognize it as the iconic “Arrowhead Mountain” from seasons 6 and 7! Honestly, I thought maybe it was one of those spots that looks good only in pictures, but nope, it’s even more beautiful in real life, even when it’s raining.

We were heading west from Reykjavik, driving along the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. After a few hours on the road (and a few scenic stops, of course!), we finally made it to Kirkjufell, just outside the little fishing town of Grundarfjörður. 

When we visited, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side. It was cold, windy, and the rain just wouldn’t stop. The clouds were so low, visibility was almost nonexistent, we could barely see the top of the mountain at first.

Google Maps told us to take a left turn to the parking lot, but because the mountain was hidden in the low hanging clouds, we thought we hadn’t reached it yet and kept driving. Then it struck us, we actually spotted a parking lot full of tour buses and cars, and that’s when we realized: this is Kirkjufell. We turned around and finally made our way back.

We waited inside the car for about 10 mins, hoping the clouds would clear and the rain would stop. Outside, we watched other tourists who didn’t seem to care at all, walking toward the falls with their hoods up and cameras out. That kind of gave us a push, let’s just go. Eventually, the rain softened into drizzle, So we took that as our sign, paid the small parking fee at a ticket machine right by the lot, put on another jacket, and finally headed out toward the waterfalls.

Around us, tourists in colorful jackets and rain gear were happily walking toward the falls, not bothered by the drizzle at all, adding some fun energy to the scene. Honestly, the moody weather just made it better. The mist wrapped around the mountain, soft sound of the waterfalls, and the chill in the air gave the whole place a calm, dramatic feel.

From the parking lot, it’s a quick and easy walk, maybe less than 5 minutes to the classic viewpoint of Kirkjufell with the waterfalls in front. The path is flat, made of gravel, and manageable for all ages. There are a few small wooden bridges and railings near the falls, which make it safe and accessible, even in wet weather. That said, it can get muddy and a bit slippery when it rains. You don’t need to hike or climb anything, just a quick stroll and you’re standing in front of one of Iceland’s most famous views.

Want to see what we saw? Here are pictures from our unforgettable visit to Kirkjufell on June 18, 2025.

And don’t forget to check out the Quick Facts and Tips section below for practical info to help plan your visit

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Best time to visit:
  • Summer (June to August): Lush Green hills and long days. 
  • Winter (November to March): Snow-covered landscapes and a chance to see the northern lights.
• Check road (road.is) and weather (vedur.is) conditions before heading out.
• Located just outside the town of Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (185 km/115 miles) from Reykjavik. (View on Google Maps).
• There is a parking fee, typically 1,000 ISK per car. Pay at the on-site ticket machine or via apps like Parka or EasyPark (cards accepted). 
• Go early in the morning or later in the evening for less crowd and best lighting. 
• A short, flat gravel path about 5–10 minutes walk to the main photo spot.
• Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the view without feeling rushed.
• Drones are banned unless you have an Icelandic permit, as Kirkjufell is within Snæfellsjökull National Park.
• No restrooms or food stalls at the site. Grundarfjörður town nearby has restrooms, gas, and places to eat.
• Dress in layers, bring a windproof jacket, rain gears, comfy shoes.  Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable.
• Bring water, snacks, and a fully charged camera.

Conclusion

We were not lucky enough for a bright blue sky, but the misty, rainy weather added its own unique magic to Kirkjufell. If the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is on your itinerary, definitely make time for Kirkjufell. There is a reason it is so popular: the joy of standing there, surrounded by mother nature, is truly an unforgettable experience.