Kirkjufell-“the arrowhead mountain”
Kirkjufell Mountain is the most photographed place in Iceland
One of the most photographed places in Iceland is Kirkjufell Mountain. Situated on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður, Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellfoss is a landmark included in many tour packages.
The mountain is only a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. Once you arrive in Grundarfjörður, you have to drive a few minutes west down route Snaefellsnesvegur 54 to get to the base of Kirkjufell where there is also a parking space free of charge.
The name Kirkjufell which means `church mountain` was given for its appearance as a church steeple. From other angles, the mountain resembles a witch`s hat or a cup of ice cream.
Kirkjufell Mountain is 463 meters high (1519 feet) and has represented a landmark for seafarers as its position near the shore makes it visible from the sea.
In the past years, as tourism developed fast in Iceland, Kirkjufell Mountain became an attraction for photographers.
One of the most known pictures on the internet from this place is the one with the Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellfoss. To find this perfect frame of the mountain and waterfall together, you have to be on the south side of the mountain.
You can park in the Kirkjufellfoss parking lot and follow the hiking trail all the way south to surround the waterfall. But of course, there are a lot of angles from which you can photograph this mountain.
At the base of the mountain, you will find a lake. This lake makes a perfect reflection of the mountain when the weather is calm. Do not be disappointed that the mountain does not look as you expected, you may be on the wrong side. Even though, this mountain is spectacular from any angle in any season.
You may also know this landmark from the best-known HBO series `Game of Thrones’. The mountain appeared in a scene in season 7.
If you want to hike on Kirkjufell you have to know that despite its modest high, the trail can be challenging and you should hike it only if you are an experimented climber. Otherwise, you should hike with an expert guide. To hike on Kirkjufell takes only one hour and a half in one go.
If you want to visit Kirkjufell book a tour of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and enjoy all the gems you will find there.
